Community Leaders Trained to Counter Hate Speech Ahead of Elections in Yamoussoukro
Yamoussoukro, Côte d’Ivoire – In a proactive effort to promote peace and stability during election periods, the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Foundation for Peace Research, in collaboration with the African Foundation for Peace (FAP), organized a capacity-building seminar on July 17-18, 2025. The event aimed to equip community leaders with the tools needed to deconstruct hate speech and foster unity.
Strengthening Peacebuilding Efforts
The two-day seminar, held in Yamoussoukro, brought together key stakeholders from civil society, religious groups, and local governance structures. Participants engaged in workshops focused on conflict resolution, media literacy, and strategies to counter divisive narratives that often escalate during electoral cycles.
“Elections should be a time for democratic expression, not division,” said a representative from the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Foundation. “By empowering leaders with the skills to identify and neutralize hate speech, we can mitigate tensions before they escalate.”
Key Takeaways from the Seminar
Experts highlighted the role of misinformation in fueling electoral violence and emphasized the need for fact-checking initiatives. Interactive sessions covered:
- Media Literacy: Teaching participants to discern credible sources from propaganda.
- Dialogue Facilitation: Encouraging constructive conversations between opposing groups.
- Early Warning Systems: Identifying and addressing inflammatory rhetoric before it spreads.
Why This Initiative Matters
With Côte d’Ivoire’s history of post-election tensions, initiatives like this are crucial in preventing violence. The African Foundation for Peace stressed that sustainable peace requires proactive measures rather than reactive responses.
“Hate speech is often a precursor to conflict,” noted a FAP spokesperson. “By training community leaders, we create a network of peace ambassadors who can intervene at the grassroots level.”
Looking Ahead
The seminar concluded with a commitment from participants to implement learned strategies in their respective communities. Follow-up sessions are planned to monitor progress and address emerging challenges as the electoral period approaches.
This initiative aligns with broader regional efforts to promote stability in West Africa, where elections have sometimes been marred by unrest. By fostering a culture of tolerance, organizers hope to set a precedent for peaceful democratic processes.
For more details on this initiative, read the original report here.