The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Promoting Digital Public Participation for Successful Peacebuilding in Africa

The application of Artificial Intelligence leads to digital public participation, which enables the success of peacebuilding efforts and achieves sustainable peace. During a peacebuilding endeavour in countries emerging from conflicts, digital public participation promotes public awareness and civic engagement that holds governments accountable. The paper found that the lack of local ownership, corruption, collaboration between citizens and peace practitioners, and tension hinder peacebuilding success in Africa. These are the triggering factors for conflict recurrence during a peacebuilding endeavour in Africa. The paper found that adopting AI leads to digital public participation, which addresses the triggering factors that hinder peacebuilding success. It was found that digital public participation used in peacebuilding promotes good governance and inclusivity and addresses the issues of inequality and corruption, thus preventing the recurrence of a civil war. Digital public participation was found to promote social cohesion and enhance healthy relationships leading to a culture of peace. Digital public participation enhances collaboration between citizens and governments while promoting digital civic activism. The paper concluded that digital public participation is an ingredient for peacebuilding. The paper recommended that peace practitioners and government officials adopt AI to achieve digital public participation, promoting peacebuilding success. To achieve the above assertions, the paper used a qualitative research methodology with document and content analysis techniques.