🌍 Project Highlight: Mapping Peace, Bridging the Divide

Introduction

The Afar Intellectual Association (AFIA), in partnership with the Tigray Peace Advocates (TPA) and with support from Conciliation Resources (UK), is implementing a two-year peacebuilding initiative titled “Mapping Peace, Bridging the Divide: Identifying and Strengthening Peacebuilding Mechanisms in the Afar–Tigray Borderlands.”

The 2021 Northern Ethiopia conflict, sparked by fighting between the TPLF and the federal government, spilled into the Afar–Tigray borderlands and devastated both communities. Once bound by trade, intermarriage, and cultural ties, Afar and Tigray societies, particularly those in the border areas, saw their communal harmony shattered. Revenge attacks, displacement, and mistrust replaced the long-standing bonds of coexistence.

This project is designed to heal those broken relations, rebuild trust, and create inclusive platforms where communities can shape their shared future.

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Why This Project Matters

The Afar–Tigray borderlands remain among Ethiopia’s most fragile and conflict-prone areas. Yet, the 2024 peace agreement between leaders of both regions has created a rare opportunity to restore people-to-people relations. With political willingness at the top, this project ensures that communities at the grassroots level are also part of the reconciliation process. By combining research, dialogue, and practical cooperation, it seeks to stop cycles of violence and foster sustainable peace.

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Key Objectives

• Peace Mapping: Identify the root causes, drivers, and actors of conflict and uncover entry points for sustainable peace.
• Peace Dialogue: Create inclusive spaces where intellectuals, elders, women, youth, and community leaders from both Afar and Tigray can exchange ideas and co-develop solutions.

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What We Will Do

• Launch workshops in Ab’ala to bring together stakeholders from both regions.
• Conduct peace mapping studies led by independent researchers, followed by validation workshops.
• Organize peace dialogue sessions in Mekelle (Tigray) and Samara (Afar) to gather perspectives for lasting peace.
• Provide seed funding for joint small businesses, encouraging cross-border cooperation and shared economic interests.
• Convene a national-level dialogue platform with AFIA, TPA, and Conciliation Resources to share findings and shape future action.

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Inclusion and Participation

This initiative places women, youth, and marginalized communities at its core. Female researchers and young enumerators will be engaged in fieldwork, while women’s associations, disability groups, and minority representatives will actively participate in dialogue and validation workshops. Dedicated spaces will also be created for youth leaders, ensuring their voices guide reconciliation and long-term peacebuilding.

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Long-Term Impact

The project is designed not only to address immediate tensions but also to leave behind sustainable structures for peace. AFIA and TPA will develop a joint roadmap and sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to ensure continued cooperation beyond the project’s lifespan. Insights from the peace mapping and dialogue sessions will inform larger-scale initiatives, while joint fundraising efforts will attract international support to expand future projects.

By empowering youth, strengthening local ownership, and fostering collaboration between Afar and Tigray communities, this initiative aims to cultivate a new generation of peacebuilders and contribute to lasting stability in the region.

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👉 This project reflects AFIA’s mission: empowering communities, amplifying local voices, and bridging divides for sustainable peace in Afar and beyond.