Building bridges for peace after the Msabaha home demolitions. Malindi, Kilifi County | 5 August 2026 In response to the recent demolition of homes in Msabaha, Malindi Sub-County, YOWPSUD, through the Mwanamke Imara project, implemented a Rapid Response Community Dialogue to promote peaceful engagement, strengthen social cohesion, and support affected communities in finding lasting solutions. The rapid response initiative was made possible through the support of the High Commission of Canada, through Search for Common Ground, reaffirming a shared commitment to community-led peacebuilding and conflict prevention. Held at Mkaomoto Comprehensive School on Thursday, 5 August 2026, the Multi-Sectoral Community Baraza brought together more than 400 participants, including community members, county and national government representatives, security agencies, civil society organizations, elders, women, men, and youth. The dialogue provided a safe and inclusive platform for stakeholders to discuss the aftermath of the demolitions, address emerging tensions, and jointly identify practical pathways toward justice, accountability, and peaceful coexistence. Participants emphasized the importance of collaboration between communities and government institutions in preventing violence and restoring public confidence. Speaking during the forum, the Deputy County Commissioner assured residents that investigations into the incident are ongoing and affirmed that those responsible will be held accountable in accordance with the law. The assurance was welcomed by participants as a critical step toward rebuilding trust and ensuring justice for affected families. The Baraza also highlighted the indispensable role of women in peacebuilding. Through the Mwanamke Imara initiative, women were encouraged to continue championing positive parenting, mentoring young people, strengthening family values, and taking leadership in community efforts that prevent violence and promote social cohesion. The rapid response demonstrated the value of timely, community-led interventions in addressing crises before they escalate into prolonged conflict. By bringing together diverse stakeholders to listen, dialogue, and act collectively, the initiative reinforced the principle that sustainable peace is achieved through inclusive participation and shared responsibility. As communities continue to recover, one message resonated throughout the dialogue: "Violence destroys homes, but dialogue rebuilds hope." Through the continued partnership between YOWPSUD, Search for Common Ground, and the High Commission of Canada, the Mwanamke Imara project remains committed to empowering women and communities to lead peacebuilding efforts, strengthen resilience, and foster lasting peace across Kenya's Coastal region. About the Initiative The Mwanamke Imara project is implemented by YOWPSUD and Action Life with support from the High Commission of Canada through Search for Common Ground. The project strengthens women's leadership in peace and security while supporting rapid response mechanisms, community dialogue, and collaborative approaches to conflict prevention and social cohesion.

EU, group begin reality show to tackle insecurity, others. The European Union and Search for Common Ground on Tuesday launched The Hustle Reality Show (Buge Buge), a youth-focused initiative aimed at addressing insecurity and promoting peace in Nigeria's North-West. The programme, which will run across Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto States, seeks to equip young people with entrepreneurship skills, mentorship, and peacebuilding activities. Funded by the EU, the programme would run for over 24 months. Speaking at the launch, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, said the initiative aligns with the EU's Youth Action Plan, which prioritises engaging diverse youth, empowering those in marginalised communities, and fostering connections across social and regional divides. He said, "The Hustle Reality Show embodies all three pillars by reaching youths from different communities, equipping them with entrepreneurial skills, and building networks that cut across social, ethnic, and regional lines. "We are convinced that when young people thrive, societies become more resilient. Innovation expands. Communities become safer. And national development accelerates." West Africa Regional Director of Search for Common Ground, Francis Diakanda, said the project was designed to tackle structural drivers of violence by improving economic inclusion and supporting youth leadership. He noted that high unemployment, social exclusion, and limited opportunities have worsened insecurity in the region. Diakanda cited youth-led research conducted in September, which showed that 92 per cent of young people believed they could lead peacebuilding and entrepreneurship efforts in their communities. "The initiative was created to counter the structural causes of violence by empowering young people with livelihood skills, business opportunities and platforms to lead peace efforts in their communities. Insecurity in the North-West had been worsened by high unemployment, limited economic inclusion and the exclusion of youth from decision-making. "The project will bring together young entrepreneurs to compete in a reality-style programme featuring business challenges, mentorship, and peacebuilding activities. "This show is more than entertainment; it is a peacebuilding tool designed to inspire millions of viewers and demonstrate that collaboration, tolerance and innovation can bridge divides and reduce violence," he said. The North-West has experienced escalating insecurity over the past decade, driven by banditry, farmer - herder clashes, kidnappings, and communal tensions. Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto States have been particularly affected, with rural communities facing recurring violence, displacement, and the collapse of local economies.