Abstract:
This thesis evaluates the effectiveness of civil society organizations (CSOs) in conflict
management within Mali’s Sahel region, focusing on Search for Common Ground (SFCG) and
Think Peace Sahel (TPS). It investigates their approaches in promoting peace, particularly in
gender inclusivity, community engagement, and youth participation. The research uses a mixed-
methods approach, including surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions, alongside case
studies from Rwanda and the Central African Republic. The key findings reveal that SFCG and
TPS have made significant contributions to peacebuilding, particularly through inter-religious
dialogue and reintegration of ex-combatants. Notably, SFCG's «Joint Initiative for Strategic
Religious Actions » a program has effectively reduced community religious conflicts, while TPS's
«Jeunes Repentis Armes a Jeunes Acteur de Changement» project has shown positive results in
rehabilitating former combatants. However, persistent challenges remain, including cultural and
religious barriers that limit the inclusion of women and youth in peace processes, along with
financial and logistical constraints affecting the scalability of these initiatives. In conclusion, the
study emphasizes the need for stronger gender-inclusive policies and enhanced community
capacity-building. It recommends improved collaboration between CSOs, government institutions,
and international actors for long-term peacebuilding. Additionally, continuous monitoring and
adaptation of strategies are essential to address evolving conflict dynamics.
