AYGF on Wednesday 15th March 2023, participated in a National Stability Dialogue focused on promoting post-election stability, justice, and gender inclusion organized by International Alert in partnership with The National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the Office of Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE). The dialogue aimed to assess conflict hotspots, root causes, and implications of electoral violence for stability and national cohesion.

During the dialogue, participants identified preconditions for peace and stability and discussed measures necessary for de-escalating tensions and achieving nonviolent resolutions to post-election grievances. The event contributed to the sensitization of the public on nonviolent ways of seeking redress and demanding accountability from key actors and institutions.

One of the key areas of focus at the dialogue was the promotion of localized, women-led peace and advocacy campaigns to address election-related gender-based violence. This is crucial for ensuring that women's voices are heard and their rights are protected during and after elections.

The participants in the dialogue were drawn from a diverse range of stakeholders, including civil society organizations, government agencies, security agencies, and the media. They engaged in productive discussions and exchanged ideas and best practices for promoting peace, stability, and gender inclusion in elections.

AYGF’s Executive Director Dr. Arome Salifu, at the Dialogue, reiterated the value of the convening and charged the organizers and participants to escalate the outcome of the National Dialogue to all stakeholders towards enhancing peaceful co-existence in the country. He further calls on all aggrieved parties in the presidential and national assembly elections to seek redress from appropriate institutions using the proper channels to communicate their displeasure devoid of violence.

AYGF is committed to advocating for peaceful and inclusive elections. Lessons learned from the national dialogue will be important for the democratic governance work of AYGF.

Aduku Elizabeth

Communications Department