The East and Southern African regions face intersecting crises: Mozambique’s post-election instability reflects deep-seated governance grievances, while Kenya’s extrajudicial violence highlights systemic security failures. Both contexts are marked by fractured intergroup relations, where faith identities are manipulated to justify violence. Traditional interfaith initiatives, though impactful, often exclude youth voices and lack adaptability to digital spaces where extremist narratives thrive.
The Interfaith Dialogue on Violent Extremism’s (iDove) unique focus on youth-driven, faith-based dialogue positions it to address these challenges. However, its strategies require recalibration to meet modern demands. Localized online platforms offer scalable solutions to engage youth, who constitute over 60% of Africa’s population, in shaping narratives of tolerance. This meeting is timely, as it aligns with the African Union’s 2024 Theme of “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century” and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). By fostering collaboration between policymakers, faith leaders, and youth, the meeting will ensure iDove remains relevant in mitigating conflicts and advancing Africa’s renaissance.
On 13 May, iDove Africa Regional Group hosted an online session bringing together 30 youth and grassroots stakeholders to critically explore the evolving role of interfaith dialogue in addressing Africa’s complex socio-political and security challenges. Grounded in inclusive, faith-sensitive approaches and aligned with international frameworks such as the UN Security Council Resolutions on Youth, Peace and Security, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, this convening seek to strengthen youth-led efforts in countering violent extremism, promoting social cohesion, and contributing to the continent’s long-term renaissance. iDove speakers included: Muhsin Kaduyu, the Youth Representative at African Union Interfaith Dialogue Forum (AU-IFDF), Maria Daka, Lawyer and Peace and Security Activist as well as Nyasha Freeman, Co- Chairperson iDove Africa Region. Mary Mwachiti, Chairperson of iDove Africa Region, moderated the lively discussions.
