As a part of Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020, Nonviolent Peaceforce has partnered with the United Nations–African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) to train African youth and peace leaders in Darfur on unarmed civilian protection through an online course.

From September to November 2020, more than 40 Darfuris from all 5 Darfur states were trained on how to use nonviolence and work towards a peaceful future in their communities. 

“It is possible to silence the guns in Darfur. Because of the long time of war and continuing displacement of communities, all Darfurians in camps and towns are fed up with war and violence,” 

Course graduate, Halima Mohammed Ibrahim from Nyala (South Darfur)

Below, you find three interviews of course graduates who give their insights on how the eight-week course has changed their perspective on how to deal with conflict and how to prevent or mitigate violence.

The course graduates learned how to protect civilians using nonviolent methods, such as deep community engagement, protective presence and accompaniment, multi-track dialogue, ceasefire monitoring, and how to support to local peace groups in order to protect their communities, prevent violence, and move toward a safer, more peaceful future for their communities.

Read the interviews below:

Part I:

 

Part II: