Peace Club Promoting Sustainable Peace in Mozambique

IOM 2024 / Amanda Nero

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Mozambique has implemented the Clube da Paz (Peace Club) initiative as part of its efforts to promote peace and social cohesion in conflict-affected areas. These Peace Clubs bring together diverse community members, including youth, women, and local leaders, to engage in dialogue, conflict resolution, and peacebuilding activities. Cabo Delgado, once renowned for its crystal-clear beaches and palm-lined landscapes, underwent a harsh transformation in 2017 when armed conflict erupted. Since then, over 700,000 people have been displaced (IOM DTM, 2024), with countless families losing their homes, access to food, and means of livelihood. The conflict has torn apart the social fabric of communities, deeply impacting community social cohesion, their well-being. Participants in the Clube da Paz learn valuable skills in mediation, non-violent communication, and community problem-solving. The clubs serve as safe spaces for discussing sensitive issues and fostering understanding between different groups within the community. Through regular meetings, workshops, and community projects, the Clube da Paz initiative aims to build resilience against extremism, reduce inter-community tensions, and empower local residents to become active agents of peace in their neighborhoods. This grassroots approach has shown promising results in strengthening social fabric and promoting sustainable peace in areas affected by conflict and displacement i