Grassroots dialogue key to resolving African conflicts – Baroness Foster

Baroness Arlene Foster, the former First Minister of Northern Ireland, spoke on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show. She called for renewed grassroots dialogue to resolve political tensions in sub-Saharan Africa.

She emphasized that sustainable peace requires local communities to engage in meaningful conversations. "Dialogue is very important," she said. "Having conversations at a very local level is key."

Baroness Foster drew from her experience with Northern Ireland's complex political history. She highlighted the need for community-level dialogue instead of relying solely on formal mechanisms.

Her comments follow ongoing unrest in Ghana’s Bawku area. Ethnic and political tensions there have led to deadly clashes and military deployments.

In sub-Saharan Africa, coups and cross-border disputes have strained stability. Baroness Foster urged prioritizing dialogue in churches, schools, and community settings.