ACCORD, in collaboration with the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), conducted a training for the ECCAS Network of Women Mediators (REFEMAC) in Central Africa on mitigating and managing electoral conflicts. This three-day training took place from 30 June to 2 July 2025, in Pretoria, South Africa.
Similar to other regions on the continent, Central Africa has experienced cycles of political instability, with elections in most countries frequently marked by various forms of violence, either physical, psychological, or structural. A core objective of ECCAS is to support member states in ensuring growth and political stability for sustainable development and peace at both continental and regional levels. This objective is especially important as the region enters election season from 2025 to 2027.
To address this issue, ACCORD trained the ECCAS Network of Women Mediators (REFEMAC) from member countries on conflict management for electoral-related disputes and conflicts. The training covered key concepts on addressing disputes and conflicts during electoral cycles, aimed at equipping the REFEMAC network with the necessary skills to manage these issues at both national and regional levels.
Participants engaged in interactive exercises and simulations to understand the different conflict dynamics associated with elections. They shared their experiences and knowledge regarding various mediation tools, with an emphasis on the gender-sensitive and responsive approaches. The training enabled the sharing of lessons, particularly where elections had already taken place, such as in Gabon and the DRC. This highlighted the need for ongoing engagement on how the network can serve as a resource for expertise in electoral-related and other disputes.
Ms. Karishma Rajoo, ACCORD’s General Manager: Programmes, provided opening remarks and emphasised the critical need for all stakeholders, particularly women, to unite at this crucial moment as the fabric of peace is being torn apart globally. She further highlighted ACCORD’s mission: encouraging and promoting the use of constructive indigenous dispute resolution to ensure political stability for a just and democratic society. This can only be achieved when elections are just, peaceful, and reflect the votes of the people. She expressed ACCORD’s appreciation for the work being done by REFEMAC network members, both individually and collectively. The ECCAS Commissioner for the Promotion of Gender, Human, and Social Development, H.E. Yvette Ngandu, joined the meeting online to offer a goodwill message. She stressed the importance of the Network working together and supporting each other in resolving election-related conflicts. She assured the members of her ongoing support, along with that of her office and ECCAS.
At the conclusion of the training, the Network developed an action plan and a list of recommendations to enhance its operational capabilities. The action plan outlines how the members will collaborate and provide support to each other’s countries. One of the key recommendations was the need to be recognised as a legal entity, enabling it to intervene in mediation and conflict prevention throughout the ECCAS region.
