Unpacking the Mystery of Mediation in African Peace ... - Swisspeace

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Unpacking the Mystery of Mediation in African Peace Processes 40 Ivorian”. 92 The recognition of such claims will be a major challenge in the next month, as it is linked to the right to vote. The mediators have to assess this process very carefully, as it is likely that the parties will ask for arbitration regarding this issue. 92 RFI: “Audiences foraines en Côte d'Ivoire: les sans-papiers mythe ou réalité?” (26 December 2007), (http://www.rfi.fr/radiofr/editions/072/edition_52_20071226.asp).
D. R. Congo/Kivu, Conference on Peace, Security and Development 2008 D. R. Congo/Kivu, Conference on Peace, Security and Development 2008 By Sabina Laederach, Mediation Desk, Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs* In a Nutshell Despite the end of the war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which was achieved through negotiations in Sun City in 2002 and a peace accord signed in 2003, fighting went on in the two provinces of North and South Kivu, pitching a vast number of different rebel groups (Forces démocratiques pour la libération du Rwanda/FDLR, Conseil National pour la Défense du Peuple/CNDP, mouvements Mayi- Mayi, etc.) against each other and against the Congolese Army. The Conference on Peace, Security and Development in the two provinces of North and South Kivu, which aimed to end this fighting in Eastern Congo, took place in Goma from 6–23 January 2008. Due to the large number of participants (approximately 1,500 representatives of the Congolese state, the different rebel groups, civil society, traditional chiefs, religious leaders, and the international community) and the public nature of some of the talks, the meeting was unusual. The talks were mandated by the government, and the two main mediators were Abbé Appollinaire Malu Malu and Vital Kamerhe. The talks took place on two levels: on the one side, there was an atypical, highly public event that included all of the 1,500 participants and was widely covered by the media. The different groups present at the conference had the opportunity to express their views on the conflict. On the other side, more traditional negotiations on the crucial issues such as how to implement the agreed ceasefire and especially the fate of General Nkunda from the CNDP were conducted far from the public gaze behind closed doors and among a more restricted number of participants. The goal of the conference was not so much to sign an agreement, but rather to formulate different recommendations to the Congolese government on how to improve the situation of the two provinces. In addition to the recommendations elaborated by the 1,500 participants, the conference also produced an “Acte d’engagement” signed by some of the participants that laid the groundwork for a ceasefire, the demobilization of the various armed groups, and an amnesty for most crimes committed during the war. Key Messages Inclusiveness can lead to greater ownership: A high degree of inclusiveness can help to dissipate some of the mistrust between the different groups and make an entire region feel concerned about its future, thereby strengthening the basis of a peacebuilding process. Decision-making levels affect participation: However, participation alone is not all that matters. The different levels of decision-making must be evaluated as well, as they require different formats of participation. Combination of consultation and negotiation fora: The example of Goma shows how consultations and negotiations can be combined to lead to a more holistic approach. Limits of per-diem diplomacy: In order to assure the effectiveness of the gathering, it is important to make sure that the presence of the participants is not only motivated by factors such as the per diem, food, or other potential incentives for dragging out the process. Get the regional stakeholders on board: In conflicts with a regional dimension, it is essential to invite neighboring states to take part in the peace negotiations, as participants or observers. Agree on implementation mechanisms during the negotiation phase: Implementation mechanisms must be decided on during the talks, not afterwards. The role of “insider” mediators: Their role was central for the public part of the conference, which was conceived as being organized by the Congolese for the Congolese. *This study was written within a research program together with MSP and does not represent the official position of the Swiss FDFA. 41
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Page 3: Table of Content Foreword..........
Page 7 and 8: “If you want to make peace with y
Page 9 and 10: Mediation in African Peace Processe
Page 21 and 22: Burundi, Arusha Peace Process Burun
Page 23 and 24: Burundi, Arusha Peace Process ing t
Page 25 and 26: Burundi, Arusha Peace Process idea
Page 27 and 28: Burundi, Arusha Peace Process insti
Page 29 and 30: Central African Republic, Inclusive
Page 35 and 36: Côte d’Ivoire, Ouagadougou Agree
Page 37 and 38: Côte d’Ivoire, Ouagadougou Agree
Page 39: Côte d’Ivoire, Ouagadougou Agree
Page 43 and 44: D. R. Congo/Kivu, Conference on Pea
Page 45 and 46: D. R. Congo/Kivu, Conference on Pea
Page 47 and 48: Kenya, The National Accord and Reco
Page 55 and 56: North-Mali and North-Niger, Libya E
Page 61 and 62: Northern Uganda, Juba Negotiations
Page 67 and 68: Somalia, Khartoum Negotiations 2006
Page 73 and 74: Sudan, North-South Comprehensive Pe
Page 79 and 80: Sudan/Darfur, Abuja Negotiations an
Page 85 and 86: Western Sahara, The Baker Plans Wes
Page 87 and 88: Western Sahara, The Baker Plans poi
Page 89 and 90: Western Sahara, The Baker Plans as
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Unpacking the Mystery of Mediation
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Acronyms MSU UN Mediation Support U
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