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Abstract:
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Despite its importance in promoting peace, religion has been overlooked in the promotion
of regional peace diplomacy in East Africa. The study’s objectives were as follows: to
examine people’s perceptions of religion’s potential for regional peace diplomacy in the
East African Community (EAC); evaluate areas in which religion has been applied in
regional peace diplomacy; and assess the challenges religion faces in promoting peace
diplomacy in the EAC region. Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Sudan
were among the six EAC countries studied. The study’s main focus, however, was on the
three founding states: Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, with Nairobi serving as the primary
data collection location. Religious institutions, post-graduate students from private and
public universities, and government leaders and policymakers comprised the target
population. The EAC is an intergovernmental institution, and religion influences peace
diplomacy in both active and passive ways. Religion, while playing a role in promoting
peace, can also be a source of conflict, in line with the findings. As a result of the various
beliefs and values that exist among religions, the business of fostering peace is the mandate
of state governments in the EAC. The study recommended that religious leaders be trained
in peace diplomacy and that more research be conducted into the influence of religion on
local governance in the EAC block to ensure the sustainability of peace and conflict
resolution. |