EFFECTIVENESS OF CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATION APPROACHES IN CONFLICT MANAGEMENT IN MALI A CASE OF SEARCH FOR COMMON GROUND AND THINK PEACE SAHEL

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.