LPI Ethiopia Programme 2023 to 2026 - Sowing the Seeds of Peace in Ethiopia

The project has contributed to enhanced internal systems within Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and improved their programmatic capacity. Approximately 15 selected CSOs, across the 10 regions and two city administrations in Ethiopia, have upgraded their internal systems through focused training sessions organized by LPI and the Ethiopian Institute of Peace (EIP). These sessions covered crucial areas such as financial management, procurement, administration, human resources, ethics, and anti-corruption. Additionally, targeted capacity-strengthening initiatives have enabled CSOs to enhance their skills and expand their knowledge in key areas such as conflict analysis, project development, conflict management, peacebuilding, Conflict Early Warning and Response (CEWER), conflict resolution, and advocacy. This improvement is also evident in the clear and relevant small grant proposals developed by CSOs, addressing specific peacebuilding needs and opportunities in their contexts. CSOs have been empowered to facilitate community dialogue as a result of the dialogue facilitation skills training they received through this project. Following the training, CSOs conducted a series of community dialogues in Hawassa on October 11, 2023, in Assosa on October 20, 2023, and in Dire Dawa on January 3, 2024. The CSOs comprehensive engagement from logistics to theme selection has been instrumental in strengthening their role in fostering dialogue and reconciliation at various societal levels. Furthermore, the active participation of CSOs in facilitating and observing community dialogues, coupled with their involvement in small group discussions, has provided them with valuable practical insights. As regards to the Policy Windows and Strategic Engagement work in the programme, Progress was made in integrating insights from the National Mapping Study on Conflicts in Ethiopia from 2018-2022, conducted by the Ministry of Peace (MoP) with support from LPI, into the Ministrys 10-year strategic plan. Additionally, a study titled Customary Institutions of Conflict Resolution and their Relevance to Dialogue and Reconciliation Efforts in Ethiopia, conducted by LPI in collaboration with UNDP, has been useful by increasing awareness of the role of customary institutions in the National Dialogue and Transitional Justice and Reconciliation processes. Furthermore, through its engagement with the MoP, such as supporting its national conflict mapping, LPI has managed to influence the Ministrys approach, which used to disregard conflict analysis while focusing on peace dynamics. Now, the MoP recognizes that a peace analysis devoid of conflict analysis would not be an effective peacebuilding strategy, thus achieving a balance between conflict and peace. During the reporting period, significant progress was not observed in the Peaceful University Communities component of the project. There were context assessments conducted by the implementing partner, the Ethiopian Institute for Peace (EIP), in the targeted universities. However, much of the activities were primarily focusing on re-establishing and maintaining relationships with the targeted universities, while preparations for engagements scheduled in 2024 were undertaken. Here Sweden believes that considering the project is currently limited to working with two universities (Hawassa University and Mekelle University), it is crucial for the cooperation partner to consider cascading these approaches to the other universities across the country to increase the impact of the intervention. Therefore, experience-sharing engagements with other universities should be given emphasis in the project. Since the project is only in its second year of implementation, it is challenging to observe concrete behavioral changes, as such changes typically occur gradually, especially in peacebuilding projects. However, through outcome harvesting, the cooperation partner has managed to capture certain testimonials from the beneficiaries in the annual report. Furthermore, outcome-level impacts are expected to be captured during the Mid Term Review, which is due in mid 2025. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ LPI highlights the following achievements in the report's Executive Summary: In 2024, the "Sowing the Seeds of Peace in Ethiopia" programme by the Life & Peace Institute (LPI) made significant, but limited, progress in fostering peace. Through the Civil Society Capacities for Peace (CS4P) initiative, LPI empowered 15 CSOs with training and funding, engaging over 4,500 community members in dialogues to strengthen social cohesion. Universities like Hawassa and Mekelle benefited from peace-focused initiatives under the Peaceful University Communities pillar, fostering trust and inclusivity among students and staff. Community-Led Conflict Transformation empowered regions like Dire Dawa and West Arsi to address conflict roots through dialogue, reconciliation, and cultural exchanges. The programme also influenced Ethiopias national policies by promoting dialogue, transitional justice, and youth inclusion in peace processes. However, challenges like political instability and inflation impacted activities. Key lessons highlighted the value of integrated support blending training, funding, and networking to ensure the sustainability of peacebuilding efforts. Results reported under Pillar 1: Civil Society Capacities for Peace: Specific Objective: The role of Ethiopian peacebuilding CSOs in dialogue and reconciliation efforts at the national, regional and community levels is enhanced. The report says that, in 2024, LPI Ethiopia's peacebuilding programme significantly bolstered CSO capacities, fostering resilience and inclusive peace in Ethiopia's complex socio-political landscape. Through targeted training and policy development, CSOs like Adoye and ABLO enhanced strategic and conflict sensitivity policies, while 75% of surveyed participants reported improved organizational systems and peacebuilding expertise. Gender Equality, Social Inclusion, and Conflict Sensitivity were prioritized, empowering marginalized groups and enabling women and youth leadership in peacebuilding initiatives. The Small Grants programme supported 13 CSOs in implementing community projects, benefiting over 4,500 individuals, including 1,909 women, and facilitating dialogues to address resource conflicts and promote collaboration. Networking efforts led to the creation of NEPA, uniting over 30 CSOs for advocacy and resource mobilization. These achievements, along with strengthened financial management and institutional systems, positioned CSOs as key partners in national peace processes. LPIs work has driven sustainable, impactful progress in Ethiopias peacebuilding and reconciliation efforts. Results reported under Pillar 2: Peaceful university communities : Specific Objective: Stakeholders in and around the universities space work to promote peaceful & inclusive campuses and communities. Dialogue sessions at Hawassa and Mekelle universities reduced ethnic, religious, and political tensions, fostering trust, collaboration, and cultural exchange among over 250 students by late 2024. Trauma-informed dialogues at Mekelle University helped students process war-related trauma, promoting healing and empathy. Peer mediation training enabled peaceful dispute resolution, preventing conflicts, while conflict-sensitive leadership training transformed staff practices, emphasizing inclusivity and proactive conflict resolution. University-Community dialogues addressed tensions, fostering collaboration on shared goals like security and community projects. These initiatives collectively promoted unity, reduced stereotypes, and created harmonious environments where students, staff, and communities worked together effectively. Results reported under Pillar 3: Community-led conflict transformation : Specific Objective: Increased collective action to address causes/drivers of conflict within and between communities sustainably. In Dire Dawa and Shashemene (Oromia), community-driven initiatives have fostered unity, trust, and sustainable peace. Iterative dialogues bridged ethnic and religious divides, sparking collaborative actions like clean-up campaigns. Traditional reconciliation ceremonies mended fractured communities, restoring bonds and trust. Interfaith dialogues promoted mutual respect through joint prayers and cultural celebrations. Peace committees equipped leaders with conflict resolution skills and addressed challenges like unemployment. The Sport for Peace initiative used football to unite communities and reduce conflicts. Reconciliation events and cross-border dialogues strengthened coexistence among Somali, Oromo, and Sidama communities. Collectively, these efforts nurtured empathy, inclusivity, and long-term resilience, benefiting over 10,000 people. Results reported under Pillar 4: Policy windows and strategic engagement Specific Objective: Relevant policy stakeholders take actions that support inclusive reconciliation and peace processes in Ethiopia. LPI has been pivotal in advancing peace and inclusivity in Ethiopia. Partnering with the Ministry of Peace, LPI shaped the Continental Conference on Peace, Prosperity, and Development, addressing themes like climate and governance. It contributed to the draft Peace Policy, promoting inclusivity and sustainability, and addressed divisive narratives through historical workshops. LPI empowered CSOs via training, fostering engagement in regional priorities like youth employment. It supported transitional justice by training CSOs and women MPs and advanced the Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda through youth leadership programmes. Collectively, these efforts build sustainable peace and reconciliation. Civil Society for Peace (CS4P) sub-projects results 1 January 2023-30 June 2024 The project addressed capacity gaps in Ethiopian CSOs following the 2019 Civil Society Proclamation, focusing on collaboration networks, organizational capacity, and innovative peacebuilding initiatives. Key achievements included the establishment of NEPA, a network of over 30 diverse peacebuilding CSOs, fostering collaboration, advocacy, and funding access. Tailored training enhanced the technical and organizational capacities of 400 CSO staff, equipping them to implement effective conflict resolution and advocacy strategies. Resource packs with 13 modules provided additional support, covering areas like leadership, conflict sensitivity, and policy development. Thirteen CSOs received small grants exceeding 6,000,000 ETB to implement locally tailored initiatives, including reconciliation, trauma healing, and creative approaches like "Art for Peace." These efforts directly impacted 4,518 participants and improved inter-community relations, promoting social cohesion and addressing root causes of conflicts. Dialogue interventions reopened closed roads, accessed shared markets, and challenged discriminatory practices, such as exclusive Idir memberships. The CS4P project also strengthened CSOs engagement in formal peace processes, contributing to Ethiopia's National Dialogue agenda. Their involvement built trust with stakeholders and secured funding from donors like USAID and Pact Ethiopia. By overcoming baseline challenges, the project established Ethiopian CSOs as key actors in fostering reconciliation, improving community interactions, and advancing Ethiopia's peacebuilding efforts

The overall objective of the programme is: Nurture and sustain civil society-led, inclusive peacebuilding processes for prevention, management and resolution of conflicts by peaceful means in Ethiopia. Objective 1: The role of Ethiopian peacebuilding CSOs in dialogue and reconciliation efforts at the national, regional and community levels is enhanced.? Objective 2: Stakeholders in and around the universities take collaborative action to promote peaceful and inclusive campuses and communities.? Objective 3: Increased collective actions to address causes/drivers of conflict within and between communities sustainably.? Objective 4: Relevant policy stakeholders?take actions that support inclusive dialogue and,?reconciliation processes and peace building in Ethiopia.?