Every year since 2008, the world had become less peaceful. In the Horn and Central Africa, conflict threatens and destroys the lives, homes and jobs of millions of women, men and children, trapping them in a vicious cycle of violence, poverty and inequality. Efforts to address and prevent conflicts and disasters face serious obstacles. In these countries, civil society space is shrinking as both physical and political access is limited and upholding humanitarian principles of impartiality and independence—particularly in conflict situations—remains a key challenge.

By the beginning of this year, it was believed that over 51 million people were forcibly displaced as a result of persecution, conflict, violence or human rights violations. This is believed to be the highest number since the Second World War. One-third of the world’s poor live in fragile and conflict-ridden countries. By 2018, this share is likely to grow to half, and by 2030 it could be as much as two-thirds.

On 14 March 2017, the Rift Valley Forum hosted a panel discussion and photo exhibition featuring voices of displaced women in South Sudan, Burundi, Ethiopia, Uganda and parts of the DRC. The discussion looked into peace processes in the region and the role of the international community in ensuring that peace agreements are implemented.
 

Moderator

Evelyn Aero
Norwegian Refugee Council
 

Discussants

Dr Cirino Hiteng
South Sudanese scholar

Shuvai Busuman Nyoni
Director, Africa Leadership Centre

Madame Domitille Barancira
Burundian Women Movement for Peace and Security

Peter Kamalingin
Oxfam Uganda