In this episode, Ambassador Sheila Nwankwo, an expert in international diplomacy, unpacks the complexities of achieving lasting peace in Africa. From the role of regional cooperation to empowering communities, she provides actionable insights into tackling the root causes of insecurity.

Key Insights:

• Community-Led Peacebuilding: Grassroots efforts and local mediators have proven more effective in resolving conflicts than top-down approaches.
• Education as a Tool for Peace: Addressing youth unemployment and providing access to quality education reduces vulnerability to recruitment by extremist groups.
• The Role of Women in Peacebuilding: Including women in peace negotiations has led to more sustainable solutions and community-focused outcomes.
• Regional Collaboration is Essential: Joint security initiatives between African nations, like those under the AU, are critical for addressing cross-border threats.
• Investing in Prevention: Early warning systems and community resilience programs are more cost-effective than addressing conflicts after they erupt.

Listeners will discover how education, gender inclusion, and preventive measures can transform conflict zones into thriving communities, offering hope for a more peaceful continent.