Since 2018, Search has been supporting communities and institutions to prevent the emergence of violent extremism in Guinea.
The country’s multiple divides create fertile ground for dangerous narratives that instrumentalize the ethnic, linguistic, regional, and religious identities of the population, tearing apart an already fragile social fabric and fueling mistrust and violence.
In this context, our project United in our differences enables students, religious leaders, local authorities, and women leaders from all walks of life to counter these narratives.
With funding from the European Union’s Instrument for Stability and Peace, we provided them with training on dialogue, tolerance, prevention of violent extremism, positive communication, and conflict transformation. Thanks to these new skills, participants mediated conflict between neighbors and community members.
We also established 40 peace clubs in schools, communities, and universities across the country. These clubs are a safe space for young people to practice facilitation techniques, rumor management, and leadership skills.
Youth from the various clubs across the country organized a peace festival to foster peaceful coexistence in their communities. About 100 young people from different backgrounds showcased their talents as peacebuilders through the projection of mini-films, dance, theatre, and debate competitions. Today, many club members continue to lead the way towards a better future for their peers through mediation and awareness-raising activities.
“We must continue our efforts in all strongholds of violence. People need to understand that violence will not help us solve the problems of our country. We are all Guineans; we have to accept each other. Even if our opinions differ, that does not prevent us from living in harmony,” said Diakite, Prefectural Director of Social Action and Promotion of Women and Children in the town of Labe.
