Frontline mediators are those insiders who have a keen understanding of conflict dynamics, deep relationships with the parties and the awareness of the nuanced language used to express those issue. Alternatively, the strength international mediators bring coming from outside a locality is a degree of distance from presenting issues, technical skills and at times the authority to give legitimacy to a process and catalyze buy-in.

Cramped conditions in the camps and fears over the spread of the virus suddenly made returning home the more compelling option in these times. IDPs are seeking out our local mediators to negotiate with armed groups for safe passage and with NGO for support with rebuilding their villages destroyed by incessant waves of violence. 

Conflict didn't slow down with the coronavirus but continued with renewed intensity, adding one more stressor to the daily lives of local residents.

Resolving Armed Conflicts for Self-Determination in Africa: Key Considerations and Case Comparisons

The Coalition for Dialogue and Negotiation (CDN) provided a space

Women mediators face many risks mediating amongst highly volatile individuals. Being the subject of sexual advances is one of them. 

Navigating the danger in humiliating a man when setting boundaries can be challenging. Hearing a “no” from a woman, who in many settings is already perceived as a second-class citizen, can trigger face-saving responses that can easily turn violent.

After years of perfecting dialogues designed to meet the needs of diverse communities, CIT began looking at ways to align its own operational structure with the dialogic practices used with our beneficiaries, and in particular how our own internal systems would allow for collaborative decision-making, self-determination and multi-stakeholder participation.