Peaceful legislative and regional elections: HCRRUN alongside the CLPs in actions for peace and non-violence

The electoral process for the combined legislative and regional elections has gained renewed momentum with the launch of the election campaign. Launched on Saturday, April 13, 2024, the campaign is being conducted across the entire national territory, with the participation of political actors, candidates, and civil society leaders. They are engaging in lively debates on the media and on the ground, particularly during rallies. This is clearly a crucial yet sensitive period, during which statements or actions that could undermine peace and social cohesion may occur.

It is therefore with a view to preserving social peace that the Local Peace Committees (CLPs) have initiated awareness-raising activities targeting various groups within their respective communities. Since the beginning of the election campaign, CLP members across the country have been conducting awareness-raising activities among traditional chiefs, women’s and youth groups, opinion leaders, and other stakeholders, promoting a peaceful election campaign and a violence-free electoral process. In the prefectures of Kpélé, Kéran, Vo, Ogou, Tandjouaré, Lacs, and Akébou, for example, messages promoting peace and peaceful coexistence were conveyed during awareness-raising sessions.

All these awareness-raising activities are conducted under the supervision and coordination of the High Commission for Reconciliation and Strengthening of National Unity (HCRRUN), as evidenced by the presence of Ms. Awa Nana-Daboya in the Savanes Region from April 14 to 20, 2024. In the same spirit, Mr. Evalo Wiyao, First Rapporteur of the HCRRUN, visited the Kara Region.

It should be recalled that, in preparation for this electoral process and with a view to enabling the CLPs to more effectively fulfil their role as ambassadors of peace, the HCRRUN organized capacity-building sessions in February and March for members of these structures. The sessions focused on conflict prevention and resolution, as well as on supporting the HCRRUN in promoting peaceful elections.