From September to December 2014, the Canadian Institute for Conflict Resolution (CICR) collaborated with the Danish Refugee Council to deliver a comprehensive five-week training program on Conflict Resolution in the Central African Republic (CAR).
This initiative aimed to equip local national staff and community members with the essential skills to manage and resolve conflicts within their communities, fostering dialogue and reconciliation in a region ravaged by years of violence.
Training Highlights
The training, which included a Training of Trainers (ToT) component, focused on empowering participants to intervene effectively in community dialogues and provide capacity building in conflict resolution and reconciliation.
A total of 50 participants received a week of foundational training on the role of a Third Party Neutral (TPN) in war zones, contextualized to the realities of the Central African conflict. Of those, 20 individuals went on to complete the full, more advanced four-week training program in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation.
By the end of the training, CICR graduates were able to engage more than 200 individuals from various communities in conflict resolution efforts. These participants learned how to identify nonviolent options for collaboration and create pathways forward in a country grappling with ongoing turmoil. The training also included ongoing coaching during practical workshops and continued support as graduates took on their own capacity-building efforts in their communities.
Impact on Local Communities
Since graduating in December 2014, the newly trained individuals have formed their own community of practice to provide mutual support and ensure continued growth in their conflict resolution skills.
The feedback from the community members who participated in the training offers powerful insight into the lasting impact the program has had on their lives.
One participant shared:
"We know what to do now; before we would just make the decision but it was not durable, now it can be."
Another added:
"Before, we were blind; now we see. It is a discovery for us!"
Perhaps most telling was the story of a father who had once struggled with violent tendencies. After completing the training, he reflected on how it transformed his relationship with his children:
"I have changed as a father, I used to be brutal, and my children stole from me. During the training, I phoned them, we talked and we understood each other. They recognized their faults and we reconciled."
A final powerful statement from a participant emphasized the shift in perspective fostered by the training:
"It is our turn now to make peace. This course tells us that we can. It changes our behavior and makes me realize that there are not only weapons to deal with conflicts."
CICR’s Return in 2017
Building on the success of the initial intervention, CICR was invited back to CRA in 2017 to address new and recurring conflict dynamics within the organization. The workplace had undergone structural and operational changes, leading to fresh tensions and the need for renewed conflict resolution efforts.
CICR conducted a thorough assessment of the situation, engaging with employees, managers, and key stakeholders to identify pain points. The intervention included customized workshops, advanced mediation sessions, and leadership coaching to equip managers with the skills to handle disputes proactively.
The results were once again transformative:
Employees expressed increased confidence in addressing conflicts, while leadership teams reported greater cohesion and a more supportive organizational culture.
Workplace surveys conducted post-intervention showed a notable decrease in grievances, improved team collaboration, and a stronger sense of psychological safety among staff.
Managers felt more empowered to mediate disputes independently, reducing reliance on external conflict resolution services.
Additionally, employee engagement scores saw a measurable increase, reflecting a more harmonious and productive work environment.
CICR’s intervention reinforced the importance of sustained conflict resolution efforts and underscored its ongoing role as a trusted partner in workplace transformation.
Looking Forward: A Ripple Effect of Peacebuilding
The success of the CICR training program in the Central African Republic continues to reverberate throughout the region. The graduates, now leaders in their communities, are not only applying the principles they learned, but they are also mentoring others, ensuring that the work of peacebuilding continues long after the initial training.
The creation of a community of practice among the graduates is a testament to the sustainable impact of this program and the potential for positive, lasting change in CAR.
At CICR, we believe that empowering individuals with the tools for conflict resolution is one of the most effective ways to promote peace, stability, and understanding in conflict-ridden areas. The Central African Republic experience is a shining example of how education, empowerment, and reconciliation can transform communities in the most challenging environments.
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