Lebanon is a fragile country with a history of severe tensions and civil conflict stemming from sectarian and clan-based competition. Such tensions and conflicts have intensified during the past years due to the economic crisis and the weakening of local conflict resolution institutional structures, such as municipalities.

In response, the Community Support Program (CSP) is implementing People-to-People (P2P) activities, to enable social cohesion and prevent conflict in ten Lebanese communities (Jezzine, Aabra, Hlaliye, and Bqosta in South Lebanon; Jdita, Taalbaya, Barr Elias, and El Khiara in the Beqaa, and West Tall Abbas and Ras Masqa in North Lebanon ). This summer, CSP brought together representatives from conflicting groups in Jezzine, South Lebanon, including the Mukhtar, municipal members, local farmers, and community activists to discuss potential paths towards tension reduction and enhanced dialogue. The historical political conflict in the village has stalled the provision of essential services and impeded development projects. The deteriorating economic crisis and sustained presence of refugees have further increased conflict among community members over resources, thus further fueling local tensions.

During the CSP-facilitated dialogue session, 25 attendees from conflicting groups discussed solutions that would improve municipal governance and enhance the development agenda through providing spaces for discussing common interests and potential points of agreement. The participants agreed to form an inclusive local development committee tackling community priorities regardless of political rivalry. The dialogue session was then followed by a visioning workshop to encourage the collective identification of community needs, leading to the co-design of two potential initiatives. The latter would bring the ongoing dialogue to fruition and provide a demonstration of the potential benefits of collaboration rather than confrontation.

“It is only when everyone gathers over common needs and discusses them constructively that community members here in Jezzine get along. We need to do this more often.”, said Jihad Asmar, Head of the local agricultural cooperation at Jezzine.