Coalition for Peace in Africa, South Africa
COPA Southern Africa is part of COPA continental which is an African network of peace builders whose purpose is to promote peace, justice, human rights and development through capacity building, advocacy, research and documentation. COPA was formed in 1995/96 when a group of concerned Africans met in Nairobi, Kenya to exchange their insights and experiences on a pressing issue facing Africans: Prevention of the escalation of violent conflict in Africa. They were convinced that they needed to offer continual practical support to people and organizations on the ground, that are faced with volatile and potentially violent conflict situations, recognizing conflict as a major contributor to Africa’s deplorable state of poverty and underdevelopment. Furthermore, it is extremely difficult to carry out meaningful development under situations of violent conflict and social political instability.
Today COPA has a membership of 217 individuals and organizations of which a good number are youths, working for peace at various levels across Africa. The organizations range from international NGO’s to community based organizations operating at the grassroot level. COPA continental has a secretariat in Nairobi, Kenya headed by a continental coordinator and regional offices in Johannesburg-South Africa, Bujumbura-Burundi, Kismayo-Somalia and in Gulu-Uganda. COPA operates in four regions of Africa which consists of Southern, horn, central and eastern part of Africa. COPA’s vision is a continent anchored on a culture of peace, justice and equality.
