The Fourth Horn Dialogue Series, held from December 1-2, 2025, was a pivotal event that emphasized the importance of local ownership, community engagement, and host nation involvement in peacekeeping missions. Martha Kiiza Bakwesegha, a prominent figure in the field, highlighted the critical need for these aspects during her closing remarks. Her speech set the stage for a thought-provoking discussion on integrating local actors into the peace support framework.
The first day's focus on 'Peacekeeping in a Changing Global Order' revealed a consensus on the host nation's pivotal role. Bakwesegha underscored the importance of amplifying collective voices and aligning peacekeeping with modern trends, including AI and technology. She made a compelling case for the simultaneous occurrence of peacekeeping and peacebuilding, emphasizing the direct involvement of local communities as the 'guardians of the peace we strive to maintain.'
The session on financing echoed the call for 'African solutions to African problems, funded by African resources and led by African leadership.' This theme was further explored in the final session, where Martha introduced the concept of defining the role of local communities within the peace architecture.
She emphasized that sustaining peace demands a multi-dimensional approach, encompassing transitional justice, reconciliation, and community dialogue. By defining a 'people-centered' operation, Martha warned that excluding local stakeholders could lead to operations being perceived as externally imposed, thus compromising their long-term sustainability.
To illustrate her points, Martha moderated a panel featuring four distinguished experts:
- Helga Atiang Akao (Restore Dialogue Uganda): An expert in community-centered peace initiatives.
- Stella Mystica Sabiiti (Mediator/Adviser): A seasoned peacebuilder who played a crucial role in establishing the AU's FemWise-Africa network.
- Edomgenet Kebere (Advocacy Center for Democracy and Development): Focuses on empowering vulnerable groups in national dialogue and transitional justice in Ethiopia.
- Mariam Babu (Cross-Border Trader/Chairperson): An advocate for women's economic empowerment and cross-border trade networks.
This diverse panel showcased the multifaceted nature of peacebuilding and the importance of involving various stakeholders in the process.
