Peacebuilding &conflict transformation A ... - Peaceworkafrica

Embers continue to glowPotential for furtherconflictFire is outRegeneration/post conflict/transformation/settlementAt one point the fire abates,the flames vanish as most of the fuelis burnt up. But the embers continueto glow. If new fuel is added, the fireeasily re‐ignites.Overt violence usually cycles betweenperiods of heavy fighting and relativecalmness. Peace accords in generalhave the effect of stopping violence,the physical fighting. During a violence‐freeperiod, tensions decrease at leasttemporarily and the situation hasthe potential to improve. If the partiesbelieve that some of their issuesare taken into consideration, theybecome open to other forms of conflicttransformation than the use of violence.But, if injustices continue and issues ofstructural violence are not addressed,open violence will re‐start and increaseagain.The fire is finally out, coal and embers arecool. Even first plants start growing and thesoil is regenerating what is lost.If injustice is addressed (structures,systems) and people benefit fromthe decisions taken (e.g.: decrease injustice,increase of fair distribution of resources,respect of human rights) and believein the improvement of their own lives,there is space for regeneration.Simultaneously reconciliation must takeplace otherwise renewal of relationshipscannot function.As a burned down forest needs years togrow back, this transformation stage cantake decades. Regeneration from a violentconflict (forgiveness, reconciliation,reconstruction) takes time 39 .6 . T h e d y n a m i c s o f c o n f l i c t s a n d v i o l e n c e 169