The Centre for Mediation in Africa (CMA) is a leading research centre that is radically rethinking mediation in Africa. We understand mediation to be much more than direct third-party intervention and to include processes that create the right environment for people to transform themselves, their own conflicts and relationships in ways that empower them to engage in future conflicts nonviolently and constructively.

Researchers and practitioners at the Centre are engaged in rigorous work that critically addresses questions around decoloniality, the inclusion of women, traditional leadership, digitality, and African knowledge systems, amongst others, in transforming how mediation is theorized and practised.

Since its inception, the CMA has hosted events and public engagements with stakeholders to assist in democratising mediation efforts throughout Africa. At these proceedings, the CMA team offers counsel on new and current best practices in mediation and provides support for organisations and governments involved in mediation processes.

We also endeavour to create safe spaces for dialogues that facilitate mediation between parties, whereby the empowerment of each of the parties is highlighted as an outcome, whilst acknowledging each of the other’s needs, interests, values, and cultures. This strategy advocates for the integration of marginalised and silenced groups in society and recognition of a plurality in approaches to mediation that advances the decoloniality of mediation in Africa.