The Salama Peace Initiative (SPI) is a Chadian nonprofit founded in 2019, born out of a meeting between Josiane Djikoloum Darwatoye of Chad and Hend Kheiralla of Sudan, two young peace activists. It works to build an inclusive, safe, and prosperous society by placing young people and women at the center of its efforts. Its approach, centered on human security, relies on training programs, an innovation hub, as well as awareness-raising, mediation, and advocacy activities. Active in several regions of Chad, SPI also conducts research on violent extremism, conflicts, and forced displacement. Officially recognized in 2024, the organization is led by a team of eight members. Each year, it recruits and trains new volunteers to strengthen its field operations and promote a culture of peace in a sustainable manner.
World Peace Week
Held annually around the International Day of Peace on September 21, Global Peace Week is a highlight for the Salama Peace Initiative. In 2024, the event focused on raising awareness of Resolutions 2250 and 1325, with the goal of strengthening the involvement of young people and women in peace and security policies. Workshops, multimedia campaigns, and conferences punctuated this week rich in dialogue and learning. These initiatives helped raise community awareness of issues related to peace and social cohesion. In March 2025, the president of SPI even took this momentum to the international stage during CSW69 in New York, participating in a panel on women’s leadership in Africa.
“Peace can only be lasting if it is collective.”
Josiane Darwatoye, President of the Salama Peace Initiative
Support refugees
“For the 2024–2025 period, the advocacy issue that has made the greatest impression on us is the need to address the situation of indigenous and Sudanese refugee women in eastern Chad. Their social and security conditions require special attention and support,” emphasizes Désiré Oubadji-mdehba, project manager at SPI. One of the poorest countries in the world, Chad is home to 1.3 million refugees who have fled the civil war in Sudan; most of them are women and children.
FOCUS ON… THE FIGHT AGAINST MISINFORMATION
In March 2025, the association signed a memorandum of understanding with Media for Development (MEDEV) and Tchadinfos.com. The goal: to combat misinformation and promote peace in Chad. This partnership aims to produce educational content and train journalists, bloggers, and influencers to cover sensitive topics in an ethical and responsible manner. “Together, we are making media and digital technology drivers of social cohesion and resilience,” states the Salama Peace Initiative.
Equipop's sorore support
Chad is facing a surge in violence, particularly against women. In 2024 alone, nearly 250 cases of rape, harassment, and femicide were reported. The causes include the weight of tradition, a lack of awareness of laws protecting women, and impunity for perpetrators. Thanks to technical and financial support from Equipop, SPI can focus entirely on these issues, which are often pushed to the sidelines.
To be continued…
By 2025, SPI plans to launch a quarterly journal covering news and initiatives carried out by humanitarian organizations in Chad. This journal will enable Chadian activists to share recommendations and propose solutions to foster a climate of peace. Finally, the association aims to strengthen its digital capabilities by launching a platform for women’s organizations working on Resolution 1325.
