Eminent Persons for Peace in Africa convened at the AACC for a high-level engagement on deepening the culture of just peace

The Eminent Persons Ecumenical Programme for Peace in Africa (EPEPPA) is a critical component of AACC’s work for sustainable peace in the African continent. Since its establishment in 2019, EPEPPA remains a strategic initiative for deepening the culture of peace, justice, equality, dignity, and socio-political stability in the continent of Africa. On 7th May 2025, the programme began its high-level engagement on advancing AACC’s peacebuilding work amidst the changing dynamics of conflicts in Africa.

“We have convened to sharpen each other on how we to deepen the culture of people that is rooted in the core value of Justice.” Noted Rev. Dr. Lesmore Ezekiel, AACC Director of Programs, as he welcomed the religious leaders.

In her opening remarks on behalf of the AACC General Secretary, Ms. Phyllis Brewah, AACC Director for Finance and Administration expressed that peacebuilding is a core aspect of AACC’s mission and emphasized the role of religious leaders in the realization of a peaceful and secure Africa.

To set the pace for the two days engagement, Dr. Hassan Khannenje, Director for the HORN Institute for strategic studies elaborated the current socio-political context of Africa, highlighting underlying causes of violent extremism and reasons behind the persistence of violent conflicts in the different African Countries.

“During this high-level meeting, we will interrogate a number of issues related to their work such as Gender participation in peacebuilding, the of faith leaders in Early warnings and response systems, the nexus between intergovernmental Institutions and Faith actors in conflict mediation and sustainable development and religious diplomacy.” Said Ms. Jeanne Abayo, a youth member of EPEPPA from the Presbyterian Church in Rwanda.  

In the photo: EPEPPA Meeting in progress [Courtesy - Muyunga Brian]