Context
The African continent is the scene of numerous violent conflicts, which claim many lives, endanger human, national and international security and also complicate the desired economic and political integration of the continent. Without peace and stability, the development of the continent and the objectives of Agenda 2063 cannot be achieved. Against this background, the Executive Council of the African Union adopted the theme of the year 2020: "Silencing the Guns - Creating Conducive Conditions for Africa's Development" in July 2019 in Niamey, Niger. The year 2020 thus coincides with the lead project of Agenda 2063 "Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020". The Agenda 2063 of the African Union calls for dialogue-oriented conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms that will help to silence weapons throughout Africa by 2020, i.e. end all wars and violent conflicts on the continent. In addition to dealing with ongoing conflicts, this also includes the elimination of causes of conflict and measures to prevent conflicts, disarmament and avoid causes of flight. There should be functioning mechanisms at all levels for the peaceful resolution of conflicts in order to promote a culture of peace and tolerance among the peoples of Africa.
Objective
A continental media campaign of the AU Commission within the framework of the Silencing the Guns Initiative contributes to an increased awareness of the African population for dialogue-oriented conflict prevention and conflict resolution.
Approach
On behalf of the Federal Foreign Office, GIZ supports the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of a continental media campaign by the AU Commission on silencing the guns and the involvement of civil society actors.
Advice on awareness-raising measures in the field of conflict prevention and conflict resolution, with particular emphasis on gender-specific aspects, is the focus of the project's support.
The project supports the AU Commission in the development of target group-specific communication products (brochures, video films, radio reports, websites) that specifically address potentially disadvantaged population groups.
The project also supports the design and implementation of workshops, events and roadshows as well as interaction with stakeholders via social media.
With the support of the project, dialogue platforms organised by civil society organisations and networks will deal with topics of the Silencing the Guns initiative that are relevant for people affected by violent conflicts.
Results
At the African Women in the Media Conference in Nairobi a Kenyan journalist was awarded the Silencing the Guns Award. The award provides the journalist with the means to report in Kenya and Somalia on the role of women in extremist groups.
Participants in workshops and conferences were sensitized to the topic of silencing the Guns.