The role of community citizens in conflict prevention and management cannot be overstated. Because when there is peace in a nation, growth and development are critical catalysts that drive progress and prosperity.

Over the past years, citizen groups have been instrumental in preventing conflicts and sustaining peace in conflict prone countries in Africa. They leverage a number of conflict-prevention mechanisms. However, the continent is yet to be free from conflicts and their adverse impact on its development.

In this issue paper, the authors critically look into these conflict-prevention mechanisms and offer recommendations on how we can effectively implement them for improved results.