Conflict_and_Civic_Space_Participatory Action_Research.pdf

This report describes concrete and actionable tactics to remain influential in a context of conflict and shrinking civic space. These tactics were accumulated and documented by civil society organizations from 1 country in the horn of Africa1 (country X) in an in-depth way with additions from Burundi, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Niger, Somalia/Somaliland and South Africa gathered through a 2 day workshop in February 20202 and documented more thoroughly in the paper ‘’Advocating for Inclusive Security in Restricted Civic Spaces in Africa’3. The learning lab in country X took a deeper dive into some of the findings of that initial report. Taking a participatory action research approach we balanced experiential knowledge of civil society organisations with theoretical understanding on civic space to develop new knowledge. This resulted in actionable tactics that are relevant for civil society organisations (CSOs) aiming for durable peace and change in contexts of conflict and shrinking civic space. These tactics should support CSOs and activists to respond consciously to the challenges shrinking civic space poses.