Mohamed Sahnoun

Ambassador Sahnoun draws on his early experiences in his home country of Algeria when he explains the mandate and objectives of Interpeace to others in his role as Vice-Chairman of the Interpeace Governing Council. As special Advisor to the United Nations Secretary-General on  Africa and Deputy Secretary-General of the African Union, his  extensive exposure to different projects across Africa has given him invaluable insight. His guiding principle throughout his career has always been to focus on the ‘art of listening’.

We caught up with Ambassador Sahnoun at the start of his busy day to ask him about his work, his experiences and his motivations.

Why have you devoted your career to peacebuilding?

When I was a young man, I was involved in the struggle for independence in my own country. I know first hand how violent conflict can affect people – the suffering and the pain that results from it. It’s my main motivation to stop all this violence.

I started by working for the African Union and immediately found myself involved in conflict resolution. That was in the 60s and 70s, when many African countries struggled for their independence and were immediately confronted with issues related to borders that were drawn up with little consideration for the communities they crossed. The result was violent conflict. These problems had to be resolved; everywhere across Africa they needed help.

I then became a Special Advisor to the United Nations Secretary-General on Africa and was involved in supporting the Somali Region, the Great Lakes and many other countries across the continent. I have a good understanding of the work there is to do in these countries and that’s what I am most passionate about: looking at what can be done to help, reconciling people and enabling peace.

How did your involvement with Interpeace come about?

The world needed a flexible organization that was non- governmental to help societies address these new issues relating to conflict. As an independent actor the organization would be free to listen to people from all levels and sectors of society. I was immediately asked to sit on the Board and have kept this role since. What are the main challenges you have faced when working in peacebuilding? The biggest challenge and at the same time the solution, is to listen. It is crucial to have people working on peacebuilding projects who really master the ‘art of listening’. This is extremely important in peacebuilding. Local people need to feel confident you are listening to them. Only then do you stand a chance of seriously helping to achieve peace.

You mentioned listening helps to ensure local ownership. Can you tell us more?

People will be part of the peacebuilding process if they know their views will be taken seriously. Taking notes, asking questions and really engaging shows that their views will be taken into account. Peacebuilding will also be more constructive and more stable if the internal actors feel their voices have been heard and they own the views and solutions.

Do you have a closing message  for others?

We should never give up. Peacebuilding is so important, and we must continue.