Fellowship of Christian Councils and Churches in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa (FECCLAHA)
In 2008, the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa region witnessed unrest within its various countries and communities. The year began with political/ethnic violence in Kenya after a disputed general election which resulted in the displacement of over 250,000 people. In addition, even with the world’s largest UN peacekeeping force, outbreaks of fighting have continued in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo between ethnic groups. 
Further unrest is evident in Uganda where the Juba Peace Agreement was recently deferred, delaying reconciling initiatives in their land. The prevailing disputes among Somali factions and the ongoing boundary feuds between Ethiopia and Eritrea raise further concerns about the region. The people of the Sudan have witnessed possibly the most hennas atrocities. They have endured the deaths of over 300,000 people and the displacement of more than 2 million people as a result of violence from Government forces, Janjaweed
Children Displaced by Violence
militia and other armed rebel groups during the last five years. The resulting conflict has been described by many as the worst humanitarian disaster in recent history.
These heartbreaking realities have dire consequences for this region. FECCLAHA’s vision is to help create communities that are inclusive, harmonious and living an abundant life in the Great Lakes Area and Horn of Africa. Four core values must be maintained in order for this vision to be actualized: justice, peace, compassion, and human dignity.
FECCLAHA seeks to foster solidarity and ecumenical collaboration while addressing issues of common concern, particularly with regard to conflict transformation and peace building. The organization asserts that solutions to the issues of conflict must essentially come from within the region, with inhabitants taking ownership and responsibility for the problems and proactively seeking solutions. Accordingly, FECCLAHA’s constituency is comprised of churches and church councils of countries within the region namely Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, and Uganda. Since being launched in 1999, the organization has influenced various peace processes through advocacy/lobbying, addressing issues of gender equality, capacity building, research, and theological reflection.
For more information about this organization view www.FECCLAHA.org