East African Community or EAC is holding a four-day high level retreat starting from June 11 to 15th in Mombasa, Kenya.
The retreat under the theme: ‘Reflections on experiences, best practices and lessons learned in mediation, negotiation and dialogue processes’ is aimed at strengthening issues around peace and reconciliation.
It is also aimed at encouraging a culture of mediation, negotiation and dialogue for resolving conflicts and restoration of sustainable peace and stability in the region.
EAC Deputy Secretary-General of Political Federation, Charles Njoroge says the retreat is to strengthen the capacity of partner states officials and the Secretariat staff in mediation and preventive diplomacy.
He describes it as a key component of the bloc’s strategy to advance its peace and security agenda.
Njoroge adds that the retreat will contribute to effectively qualified and well-informed partner states’ and officials who understand mediation, negotiation and dialogue processes.
Participants at the retreat include officials and experts in mediation, negotiation and facilitation processes and researchers within the region.
EAC partner states delegates previously trained in mediation including civil society, private sector, inter-religious council, youth ambassadors; and representatives from UN, AU and EU are also attending the course.