Global Peace Foundation Tanzania and UNDP join forces to promote peace

GPF Country Director Ms. Martha Nghambi gave her remarks during the joint analysis for the Peace stakeholders session opening in Kilwa District.

By Dr. Fatma Waziri;

 United Nations asserts that Peacebuilding involves a range of measures targeted to reduce the risk of falling into conflict by strengthening national capacities at all levels for conflict management and laying the foundations for sustainable peace and development. 

 In order to sustain peace and progress toward the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, all countries need to address violence and conflicts effectively. 

However, in all communities-especially where administrative and social services are lacking, the resulting is a common driver of conflicts. Hence there is significant evidence to include administrative and social services among the set of choices available to directly support peacebuilding in any given context. Addressing the root causes of conflict on the need for peacebuilding is vital.

 It is from this end, Global Peace Foundation Tanzania (GPF), in partnership with UNDP, designed, and is implementing the project "Dumisha Amani kwa Maendeleo Endelevu"- Promoting Peace for Sustainable Development in Lindi, Mtwara, and Ruvuma regions. 

 With funding from UNDP, this project is expected to last 12 months, ending in December 2023. This project is a continuation of a successful partnership between UNDP, the Prime Ministers’ Office (labour, Youth, Employment, and persons with Disabilities), and Tanzania Police Force which has existed since the implementation of the #VijananaAmani255 (YouthandPeace) project 2021/2022.

Stakeholders from Ruvuma, Lindi, and Mtwara Regional and Districts commissioners, PMO office, UNDP, Tanzania Police Force, and Global Peace Foundation during 'Dumisha Amani' inception meeting in Mtwara

When analyzing conflict in developing countries, scholars generally point to factors such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and wealth contribution, military issues, religious and ethnic divisions, and employment rates as indicators of whether or not a state is likely to remain politically stable and internally peaceful. 

Tanzania exhibits many factors that encourage conflicts; highly volatile neighbors like Mozambique, Kenya, and Malawi have suffered the impact of violent extremism.

 The spill-over indicators include the media reports of Tanzanians engaging in violence as foreign terrorist fighters within the border of Tanzania, Mozambique, Kenya, and Malawi, to mention some. Additionally, Tanzania is as well in a dangerous position demographically. 

According to the British Council Next generation summary report Tanzania (2016), ten million Tanzanians, almost one-fifth of the population, are aged between 15 and 24 with the median age being just 17 years. 

 According to the Legal Human Rights Situation Report (LHRC-2019), the rate of violence and violent acts in Tanzania is high, especially among the youth. With 66% under the age of 25 already, and the figure set to rise significantly, understanding young people and their situation is critical in Tanzania.

Kilwa District Commissioner Hon. Christopher Ndumbiagai giving his opinion during the joint analysis for Peace Dividends in his district

Young people in Tanzania play a crucial role in peace-building and national stability. However, due to communities’ pull and push factors and rational engagement, many young people feel economically marginalized, have little livelihood perspectives, and do not acknowledge the government's legitimacy. 

 Some of the pull and push factors, including weak child protection mechanisms, high youth unemployment, poverty, food insecurity, and naivety, make these groups vulnerable to improper doctrines from violent groups.

 Conflicts and Extremist violence are more prevalent in areas with weak or non-existent formal state structures. In an effort to address the increasing threats of violent extremism and build resilience among communities in Tanzania, the 'Dumisha Amani kwa Maendeleo Endelevu' project is the key. 

The project aims to support the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania in countering violent extremism and fostering peace within communities for sustainable development. 

The project targets a wide range of beneficiaries but is not limited to youth, women, girls, and community members residing in the districts of Mtwara (Tandahimba and Mtwara), Lindi (Kilwa and Nachingwea), and Ruvuma (Tunduru and Nyasa).

GPF Country Director Ms Martha Nghambi (3rd from right), GPF Programs Director Dr. Fatma Waziri (4th from right), Irene Ishengoma,GPF M&E manager (6th from right) in a group photo with Mtawanye Group women in the catalyzing  innovation into Smart Aquaculture project in Mtwara

The project is linking specific bankable peace dividends towards the peace-building process. Engaging various stakeholders will build resilience and empower communities while reducing social tension through these peace dividends for example by the provision of social services, attending to youth information and technological needs with facilities, and strengthening economic pathways targeting women and youth through catalyzing innovation into Smart Aquaculture and above all, advocating for youth and women meaningful participation as peace champions. 

 Through these interventions, the project holds promise for a safer and more prosperous future for the country as it intentionally fosters nonviolent behaviors and supports peacebuilding efforts at its critical juncture in the peace process. 

 In a joint analysis meeting for a peace dividend in Kilwa, the Kilwa District commissioner Mr Christopher Mgubi emphasized information as capital in today’s world. Despite the fact that Kilwa is rich in natural resources including forests, minerals, and ocean, youth have a lot of opportunities, however according to him “… in today’s world, information is capital” he says.

 Hence the ICT facility for Kilwa will help the youth to connect the dots and succeed. In its course of implementation, the project involves the Tanzania Police Force, Local Government Authorities at Regional, District, and community levels, religious leaders, youth, women, girls, and community members in respective districts. 

 In this project, the Police Force will develop a mobile application that allows community members to report crimes or terrorism. This technological advancement aims to improve reporting efficiency and accuracy by replacing traditional landline-based reporting methods. 

 During the stakeholder’s project inception meeting on April 2023, UNDP representative Mr. Gamaliel Sunu outlined the importance of the Early Warnings Systems (EWRS) system in enabling timely detection, deterrence, and response to security threats.

 As far as the threat to peace and security is concerned, the project is intentionally linked between peacebuilding activities and peace dividends for a sustainable Tanzania. Experience and studies indicate that young people, especially females, are disproportionately affected. 

To address this, Dumisha Amani Prioritize the inclusion of women and girls by (60%) of all direct beneficiaries belonging to these demographic groups in each targeted district. These individuals will receive specialized training as community peace champions, empowering them to actively engage in community peace activities for a sustainable Tanzania. 

 In her closing remarks, Mrs. Martha Nghambi, the Country Director of Global Peace Foundation Tanzania underscored the significance of ongoing collaboration for the project's effective implementation;

 “A house is made of numerous bricks, and each brick holds equal value, for the absence of anyone would lead to the collapse of the entire structure. Hence, without the collective efforts of all individuals, our goal remains unattainable," she emphasized.