Mozambique: Fresh Hope As Peacebuilding Advisory Group Embarks On Dialogue In Cabo Delgado

By Samuel Ouma [caption id="attachment_104607" align="alignnone" width="1080"] the PAG delegation With the Swedish Ambassador to Mozambique[/caption] The Peacebuilding Advisory Group (PAG) in early February started outreach on  peace dialogue with some Cabo Delgado locals  and stakeholders in northern Mozambique. The mission's goal was to interact openly and impartially with a variety of local stakeholders to understand the conflict's dynamics better and see how dialogue could be used to promote inclusive development and a lasting peace in the area. The meeting brought together members of government, local religious and civil society organizations, and internally displaced and conflict-impacted communities. [caption id="attachment_104608" align="alignnone" width="1080"] The PAG delegation was led by its Chairman Bishop Trevor Mwamba[/caption] PAG stated that it aims to keep collaborating with all stakeholders to promote peace and realize the region's enormous potential for growth and human potential. “The PAG sees the use of dialogue - anchored in the principle of ubuntu, and with the knowledge that modern conflicts are not resolved through military solutions alone - as paramount to transforming conflict in Cabo Delgado,” said PAG in a statement signed by its Chairman Bishop Trevor Mwamba. [caption id="attachment_104609" align="alignnone" width="1280"] The Delegation with the Secretary of State of Cabo Delgado[/caption] Cabo Delgado has been the epicentre of a violent conflict which has claimed the lives of around 4 600 people, displaced approximately 1 200 000, and caused immense damage to local infrastructure, economic activity, and livelihood generation. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Republic of Mozambique (SAMIM) started putting the initiatives for peacebuilding support in the area into action in June 2022 as well. The SADC Peace Building Assistance Programme seeks to improve social protection measures, law and order, humanitarian aid, and capacity-building activities.