The dialogue was jointly convened by the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) and the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Ethiopia/African Union Liaison Office to commemorate the International Day of Democracy and the International Day of Peace.

Representing HCD, Rabel Desalegn contributed to the panel discussions on the relationship between democratic governance, electoral processes, peace and conflict prevention, with particular attention to the challenges of hate speech, disinformation and political incitement, as well as the safe and meaningful participation of women, youth, persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups.

In reflecting on responses to harmful information and political incitement, HCD emphasized the importance of early, coordinated and evidence-based approaches that protect civic space and freedom of expression. This includes strengthening early-warning, monitoring and response mechanisms, ensuring access to timely and credible electoral information, supporting fact-checking and public awareness, and ensuring that political and community leaders play a responsible role in preventing escalation.

HCD also highlighted that inclusive democratic participation must go beyond simply enabling participation. Women, youth, persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups must be able to participate safely and meaningfully throughout the electoral cycle, supported by accessible reporting and response mechanisms, stronger accountability for violence and intimidation, and incentives for political parties to advance genuine inclusion.

The dialogue also highlighted the importance of sustained engagement beyond election periods. Strengthening democratic governance, civic participation and peaceful political competition requires continuous investment in institutions, communities and civic actors-not only when elections are approaching. This also means strengthening democratic institutions so that democracy can deliver meaningful participation, representation and responsive governance, helping address grievances and reduce the conditions that can contribute to political violence.

Beyond electoral violence as a security and early-warning concern, the discussion also considered the institutional incentives that shape political competition. In the context of the Horn of Africa, this includes examining how electoral and political systems can promote more inclusive representation and reduce the stakes of political competition.

HCD appreciates the AACC and the KAS Ethiopia/African Union Liaison Office for convening this timely dialogue and for bringing together diverse voices to reflect on how stronger, more inclusive democratic institutions can contribute to peace and resilience across the continent.

HCD remains committed to advancing evidence-based dialogue and research on democratic governance in the Horn of Africa and to continuing the conversations on what forms of democratic governance can best respond to the political and social realities of the region.