Shewit Hailu

#Conflict prevention, #early-warning, Africa, #UN #AU East & Southern Africa

[IGAD Peace and Security Division @IGADPeace]

Establishment of a Multi-Agency Platform on Countering Hate Speech and Disinformation in Ethiopia.

📍 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | 19 May 2026

✅ Day 2 Highlights & Closing

IGAD, through @IGAD_CEWARN, concluded the national meeting on the Establishment of a Multi-Agency Platform on Countering Hate Speech and Disinformation in #Ethiopia.

Day 2 discussions focused on strengthening institutional coordination, enhancing early warning and response mechanisms, and identifying practical pathways for collaboration among national stakeholders to counter harmful narratives.

Closing remarks were delivered by Mrs. Jocelyne Nahimana, Head of DDR/SSR and Officer-in-Charge for the Governance and Conflict Prevention Directorate and Conflict Management Directorate, on behalf of Mrs. Patience Zanelie Chiradza, Director of Governance and Conflict Prevention, @AUC_PAPS.

The meeting closed with renewed committed to advancing a coordinated, inclusive, and multi-stakeholder approach to safeguarding #peace, social cohesion, and democratic processes in Ethiopia.

#HateSpeech #Disinformation

[IGAD Peace and Security Division @IGADPeace]

📢 Press Statement

@IGAD_CEWARN is supporting efforts to establish a National Multi-Agency Platform on Countering Hate Speech and Disinformation in #Ethiopia.
The platform will enhance coordination, early warning, and response to harmful narratives affecting #peace and social cohesion.
Read more 👉: https://t.co/3dyVcKbSmU
#IGAD #CEWARN

[Camlus Omogo @camluso]

Establishment of a National Multi-Agency Platform on Countering Hate Speech and Disinformation in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia https://t.co/2P3xVXwaD4

[IGAD Peace and Security Division @IGADPeace]

📍 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
📆 18-19 May 2026

IGAD, through @IGAD_CEWARN, officially kicked off a national meeting on the Establishment of a Multi-Agency Platform on Countering Hate Speech and Disinformation in #Ethiopia.

The opening session featured remarks by Mr. Camlus Omogo (@camluso), Director of IGAD-CEWARN, Commander @AbebeMuluneh, Director of IGAD Peace and Security Division, Mr. Cheick Conde, Chief of Staff and Principal Political Affairs Officer, Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa (@OSE_HoA), and Mr. Fitsum Girma Demissie, Deputy Director General for African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia (@MFAEthiopia).

The platform seeks to strengthen coordination, early warning, monitoring, and response to harmful narratives affecting #peace, social cohesion, and democratic processes.
#CEWARN #HateSpeech

[African Union Political Affairs Peace and Security @AUC_PAPS]

Ongoing: Strengthening #CEWS for a more effective future in #Africa’s peace & security landscape.
— The Strategic Assessment & Review of the #CEWS Methodology is currently underway. 📍Kigali, 🇷🇼

#CEWSReview2025
#RevitalizingCEWS

https://t.co/2RFwQrfFSc

[African Union Political Affairs Peace and Security @AUC_PAPS]

At the Strategic Assessment & Review of the #CEWS Methodology.
Today’s session features a panel discussion on “Reimagining #CEWS – Mandate, Institutional Setup, Thematic Focus & Methodology.”
Panelists reflected on how CEWS’ mandate aligns with current realities, and whether its institutional arrangements remain fit-for-purpose.

Moderator:
@mukundi_george

Panelists:
• Ms. Meretework Shawul #CEWS
• @NyabothAkwoch #MDD
• Ms. Seraphine Kando #GCPD
• Mr. Ernest Dolo @STGinAfrica
• @MfrekeUkpanah
• @shewit2003
• @SolomonADersso @africa_amani

[Dr. Raymond Omollo — CBS @ray_omollo]

Held a meeting with a delegation from the United Nations Needs Assessment Mission (NAM), led by Akinyemi Adegbola, the Principal Electoral Advisor for the East Africa Division, to assess our political, legal and security preparedness for the 2027 General Election.

I emphasized the Ministry's central role in ensuring national security throughout the electoral cycle, supporting the IEBC and other partners in promoting credible, inclusive and peaceful elections, while advancing ongoing reforms, peacebuilding and civic education to strengthen public trust and safeguard electoral integrity.

Present were Dr. @SWJacksonUN, the UN Resident Coordinator; Ms. @MadelenaMonoja, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Kenya; Ms. Sare Knoope, Electoral Assistance Specialist, UNDP Belgium; Ms. Shewit Desta from the Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa; Ms. Diane Bizimungu from the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) – East Africa Division; Ms. Jane Serwanga, Programme Manager for Elections, @UNDPKenya; and Ms. Prisca Kamungi, Peace and Development Officer, UN Resident Coordinator's Office.

[IEBC @IEBCKenya]

The Commission today held a meeting with the United Nation’s (UN) Electoral Needs Assessment Mission Team to Kenya and discussed mutual areas of support and collaboration in preparation for the 2027 General Election.

Led by Akinyemi Adegbola, Electoral Assistance Division (EAD) Principal Electoral Advisor, the team assured @IEBCKenya of full support to maintain Kenya’s position as a pillar in democracy in the continent by conducting credible elections. The UN will review and strategically align the needs according to priority.

The Commission, led by Chairperson, @EEEthekon , asked NAM to channel their support to youth engagement and voter inclusion, strategic communication, capacity building, electoral security and conflict prevention, structured stakeholder dialogue, special and early voting mechanisms, voter education campaigns, digitizing training, printing of training and voter education materials.
#CVR2025 #27thNovByelections #TalkwithIEBC #StopFakeNews #YourVoteYourFuture

[Hon. Justice Martha K. Koome, FCIArb, EGH @CJMarthaKoome]

I met with the United Nations’ Electoral Needs Assessment Mission, as part of their engagement with key electoral actors ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Elections.

I underscored the Judiciary’s readiness and continued commitment to ensuring that electoral disputes are resolved efficiently, fairly, and within constitutional timelines. Through the Judiciary Committee on Elections (JCE) we have institutionalised early preparedness, capacity building, and digital transformation to strengthen our electoral dispute resolution system.

We shared with the UN team our JCE Operational Plan 2025–2029, which outlines key strategic interventions we are pursuing to position the Courts and the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal (PPDT) as effective and competent adjudicators of electoral disputes. I emphasized that credible elections depend on the collective effort of all institutions in the electoral chain and that the Judiciary remains committed to collaboration with partners like the United Nations to ensure that the forthcoming 2027 General Elections are peaceful, transparent, and credible as stipulated under the Constitution. @UNDPKENYA
@UnKenya
@SWJacksonUN
@JLStalon

[Kimani Ichung’wah @KIMANIICHUNGWAH]

This afternoon, met with the UN Needs Assessment Mission, who are in Kenya to take stock of the country’s electoral preparedness ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Our discussion focused on strengthening Kenya’s democratic processes, with emphasis on encouraging the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to creatively engage and attract the youth to register as voters. We also underscored the importance of robust civic education to sensitize young people on their cardinal and patriotic duty to actively participate in shaping the governance and future of our nation.

[El-Ghassim Wane @elghassimw]

30 years after the 1990 Declaration that helped reshape the #OAU,⁦⁦@djinnitsaid⁩ and I revisited how it came to be & its enduring impact. With Africa once again at a crossroads, that moment offers lessons in leadership, ambition, & unity.
https://t.co/nTOOHqHLx1

[UN Genocide Prevention @UNOSAPG]

And in #HornOfAfrica, @OSE_HoA is convening joint action on countering #hatespeech.

Special Envoy @HannaTetteh notes important work w young people & civil society orgs to advocate for safe online spaces, bring people together to foster peace & security, & help communities heal.

[UNDP Africa @UNDPAfrica]

In an era of polycrisis, CSOs are at the forefront, offering new opportunities for conflict response🌍.

It is inspiring to see them here, contributing and advocating for #InclusiveTransitions in the Horn of Africa.

💬 Winluck Wahiu, Representative @Int_IDEA

[UNDP Africa @UNDPAfrica]

Political transitions are unique, relying on collective effort for robust governance.

Through #AFSIT, we can forge strong partnerships🤝, fortify institutions, & enhance resilience in the Horn of Africa.
#InclusiveTransitons

💬 HE @Bankole_Adeoye, Commissioner for @AUC_PAPS

[Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa @OSE_HoA]

Today @OSE_HoA and @OHCHR_EARO launched the Community of Practice (CoP) for the implementation of the UN Horn of Africa Strategy on Hate Speech. It will strengthen coordination, facilitate information and knowledge sharing and enhance partnerships with UN and other stakeholders.

[Hanna Tetteh @HannaTetteh]

I had an online conversation with a group of very courageous Sudanese women on Friday, many of whom still live in Sudan and their descriptions of the desperate situation in which they live were heartbreaking. They are only a fraction of the population that desperately need urgent food, medical and humanitarian supplies. The world can not forget them, the Secretary General’s call for support is urgent and the people of Sudan need the world’s support.

[Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa @OSE_HoA]

In extremely fragile settings, intimate partner violence is 2.4 times higher compared to non-fragile settings.
Conflict and crises put women and girls at a greater risk.
This #16Days, let’s put an end to gender-based violence.
#NoExcuse @UN_Women

[Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa @OSE_HoA]

NOT. EVEN. ONCE.

There is #NoExcuse for gender-based violence.

#16DaysOfActivism @UN_Women

[Office of the Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa @OSE_HoA]

There is #NoExcuse for gender-based violence.
Yet, 1 in 3 women experience violence throughout their lifetime.
Violence against women and girls is the most pervasive human rights violation worldwide.
#16DaysOfActivism #NoExcuse @UN_Women

[SIHA Network @Sihanet]

"Sudanese women here today embody their country's resilience! Their presence and the chance to engage in dialogue signals hope." Encouraging words from Hanna Tetteh (@HannaTetteh), United Nation (@UN) Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, during the Feminist Peace and Solidarity Conference on Sudan that is #HappeningNow

#WomenLeadingPeace #SolidarityWithSudan