SPR’S OBJECTIVE 2 TEAM LEAD FANNY MUKENDI ACCEPTS THE DIPLOMA OF HONOR (BREVET D’EXCELLENCE) FROM NORTH KIVU PROVINCIAL AUTHORITIES DURING THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF UNSCR’S 1325 RESOLUTION. USAID SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUATERLY REPORT, FY2021 Q1 (OCTOBER 2020 – DECEMBER 2020) Contract Number AID-OAA-I-13-00042/Task Order Number AID-660-TO-16-00004
30 JANUARY 29, 2021 This publication was produced for review by the United States Agency for International Development. It was prepared by Management Systems International (MSI), A Tetra Tech Company.
USAID SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT, FY2021 Q1 (October 2020 – December 2020)
Contracted under AID-OAA-I-13-00042/Task Order Number AID-660-TO-16-00004 USAID’s Solutions for Peace and Recovery
DISCLAIMER The authors’ views expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.
CONTENTS ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ...... III EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...... V SECURITY BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT ...... 1 PROJECT SUMMARY ...... 2 ACTIVITY IMPLEMENTATION ...... 2 OBJECTIVE 1: COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS IDENTIFY AND ACCEPT SOLUTIONS TO SPECIFIC DRIVERS OF CONFLICT ...... 3 KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS ...... 3 CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTED ...... 4 LESSONS LEARNED, OPPORTUNITIES, AND NEXT STEPS ...... 5 OBJECTIVE 2: PARTICIPATORY SOLUTIONS (INVOLVING WOMEN AND OTHER MARGINALIZED GROUPS) IMPLEMENTED ...... 6 KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS ...... 6 CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTED ...... 8 LESSONS LEARNED, OPPORTUNITIES, AND NEXT STEPS ...... 8 OBJECTIVE 3: RESOURCES FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ARE MORE INCLUSIVELY ALLOCATED ...... 9 KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS ...... 9 CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTED ...... 11 LESSONS LEARNED, OPPORTUNITIES, AND NEXT STEPS ...... 11 CROSSCUTTING THEMES ...... 11 INCLUSION ...... 12 INTEGRATION OF CONFLICT SENSITIVITY INTO SPR OPERATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION ...... 12 MONITORING, EVALUATION, AND LEARNING ...... 13 SYSTEMS AND DATA COLLECTION ...... 13 MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS ...... 14 GRANT MANAGEMENT AND PARTNER REPORTING ...... 14 STAFFING AND STAFF MANAGEMENT ...... 15 CAPACITY BUILDING ...... 15 QUARTERLY FINANCIAL REPORT ...... 16 A. FINANCIAL REPORT FY 2021 Q1 (OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2020...... 16 B. SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL REPORT BASED ON BUDGET CEILING ...... 16 OVERALL MAIN CHALLENGES, SOLUTIONS, LESSONS, AND OPPORTUNITIES ...... 17 ANNEX 1: PROGRESS ON PERFORMANCE PLAN ...... 19 CUMULATIVE PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT OVER 4 YEARS ...... 22 ANNEX 2: SUCCESS STORIES ...... 30 ANNEX 3: PARTNER ACTIVITY REPORTS ...... 39 ANNEX 4: GRANT PROGRAM STATUS ...... 53
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | i ANNEX 5: YEAR 5 QUARTER 2 ACTIVITY CALENDAR...... 55
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | ii ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
AAP Aide et Action Pour la Paix Aid and Action for Peace ACUDI Actions des Chrétiens Unis Pour Le Développement Intégral Actions of Christians United for Integral Development AIBEF Appui aux Initiatives de Bien-Etre Familial Support for Family Wellness Initiatives CAU Collectif Alpha Ujuvi Alpha Ujuvi Collective CDJP Commission Diocésaine Justice et Paix Diocesan Commission of Justice and Peace COR Contracting Officer’ COVID-19 Coronavirus Disease 2019 CPP-NK Cadre Provinciale de Plaidoyer-Nord Kivu North Kivu Provincial Advocacy Framework CPP-SK Cadre Provinciale de Plaidoyer-Sud Kivu South Kivu Provincial Advocacy Framework CSO Civil Society Organization DCOP Deputy Chief of Party DRC Democratic Republic of the Congo EA$E Economic and Social Empowerment FCC Front Commun pour le Congo Common Front for the Congo FOSI Forum SIDA AIDS Forum GTG Group Thematique Genre Gender Thematic Group ISPDE Institut Supérieur pour la Promotion de la Paix, du Développement et de l’Environnement Higher Institute for the Promotion of Peace, Development and the Environment KBNP Parc Nationale Kahuzi Biéga Kahuzi Biéga National Park LMC Leadership & Mentoring Club Club de mentorat et leadership LOP Life of Project LPDC Local Peace and Development Committee M&E Monitoring and Evaluation
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | iii MELP Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan MSI Management Systems International NGO Non-Governmental Organization OMG Other Marginalized Group(s) PAR Participatory Action Research PIRS Performance Indicator Reference Sheet PIT Performance Indicator Table Q Quarter SPR Solutions for Peace and Recovery SYNIGL Synergie d’Initiatives pour les Grands Lacs Synergy of Initiatives for the Great Lakes TGD Tous pour le Genre dans le Développement All for Gender in Development UCB Université Catholique Bukavu Catholic University of Bukavu UEA Université Evangélique Afrique African Evangelical University UN United Nations UNSCR 1325 United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 USAID United States Agency for International Development USG United States Government VSLA Village Savings and Loan Association Y Year
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | iv EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Solutions for Peace and Recovery (SPR) project aims to increase the participation of women and other marginalized groups (OMGs) through a community-based approach to conflict analysis, prevention, resolution, and recovery in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The project began on August 30, 2016 and was initially meant to be implemented through August 29, 2019. It was then extended for two option years and will now end by August 29, 2021. This extension period experienced several challenges from its inception, including budgetary uncertainties during Year 4 Quarter 1 (Y4Q1), which took significant time to be resolved. Staff turnover and the COVID-19 pandemic, which struck during Y4Q2, further disrupted all aspects of the implementation process.
COVID-19-related challenges significantly delayed the implementation of Y4 activities and the achievement of approved targets, sometimes pushing targets to Y5Q1 (October 2020 to December 2020). As a result, Y5Q1 of the SPR project focused on fast-tracking the completion of remaining Y4 targets and planning of Y5 implementation.
By the end of Y5Q1, the project’s overall life of project (LOP) performance targets rose from 94 percent at the end of Y4 to 104 percent by the end of the reporting period (Y5Q1). Progress against Y4 Objective 1 targets rose from 99 percent to 106 percent. Objective 2 LOP progress through the end of Y4 rose from 110 percent to 118 percent while Objective 3 LOP progress through the end of Y4 rose from 74 percent to 84 percent.
During this reporting period, the project also facilitated a field visit for USAID’s SPR Contracting Officer Representative (COR). A key highlight of this visit was the COR’s participation in the dissemination conference highlighting research findings and recommendations on the conflict dynamics around the Kahuzi Biega National Park (KBNP). A synthesis of alternative solutions informed by research results and additional feedback from key stakeholders was shared with the COR for potential USAID analysis and engagements towards advancing the rights of indigenous peoples, reinforcing social cohesion around Kahuzi Biega and promoting the park’s protection.
Further, a steering committee meeting bringing together SPR’s consortium leadership was held this quarter. Several agenda items were tackled, including COVID-19 control measures within the working environment, a review of Y4 project performance, Y5 strategic planning, identification of staff retention strategies, analysis of the security/political situation, and scenario planning for cost and no-cost extensions.
During the reporting period, the project also carried out local grantees’ performance assessments to inform the selection of extending certain grantees into Y5. Evaluation criteria for performance included the quality of technical delivery, financial management capacity, and compliance procedures. This process was concluded with 11 grantees while one of them was eliminated due to their poor performance during Y4. Eight grantees were retained and developed their final year application packages which are being reviewed before submission to USAID for final approval.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | v During this quarter, the project encountered some staff turnover. Specifically, the Accountant, Deputy Chief of Party Operations (DCOP/Ops), the Senior Grants Administrator, and the Finance & Compliance Manager resigned.
SPR also requested a cost extension in December 2020. USAID denied approval of this request and therefore the SPR team will focus on prioritization of activities and targets for the final months of the Y5 Work Plan (WP), Performance Indicator Table (PIT), Monitoring Evaluation & Learning Plan (MELP), and Performance Indicator Reference Sheet (PIRS). Given the delays noted above, the revised WP, PIT, and PIRS documents will show a reduction in targets and number of activities. SPR will also submit grant packages and three conflict assessments for USAID’s approval. Finally, MSI/SPR will develop and submit a Close-out and Demobilization Plan that considers the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | vi SECURITY BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
The USAID SPR project continues to be implemented in a volatile context marked by the increased spread of COVID-19, combined with political turmoil and persistent conflicts in North Kivu and South Kivu. Despite rising numbers of infections across eastern DRC, populations continue to deny its existence.
The provinces of North and South Kivu are still among the most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic across the country and in the region. As of 31 December 2020, North Kivu alone cumulatively had 1,232 cases and South Kivu had 417 cases. To tackle the spread of the virus, the central government has strengthened control measures across the country, including closing schools earlier for Christmas holidays; banning public gatherings of more than 10 people (which is hardly observed); and instituting mandatory mask wearing (which is also seldom practiced by the majority of the population). Unfortunately, these restrictions resulted, to some extent, in cases of human rights violations in different areas (territories) where the SPR project is being implemented.
This has negatively affected project implementation, limiting movement from the main cities of Goma and Bukavu. The pandemic continues to negatively affect SPR target communities.
At the political level, the DRC experienced tensions due to the ruling coalition separating in November 2019. A speech by President Tshisekedi announced the end of the ruling coalition between his political platform (CACH) and the former President Kabila’s political coalition “Front Commun pour le Congo” (FCC), followed by the controversial appointment of constitutional judges and the dismissal from office of the Speaker of the National Assembly. As a direct consequence of the President’s speech and related decisions, a wave of rallying for several political party leaders from the FCC to the newly created political roadmap/alliance created by the President named “Union Sacree” after broad consultations with various stakeholders, is puzzling analysts inside and outside the DRC.
On the security front, the situation has also been volatile in urban areas (Goma, Bukavu, and Beni). Targeted killings and sexual violence were recorded, as well as an increase in cases of banditry and urban violence. In South Kivu province, the controversial creation of Minembwe as a “rural commune” raised local and national suspicions, exacerbating inter-ethnic tensions between the Banyamulenge community and other Fizi territory communities, such as Babembe, Bafuliro, and Bayindu. Generalized insecurity caused by armed groups’ activism in rural areas and sporadic clashes between the regular army and some armed factions and militias caused massive displacement of people. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the province of North Kivu had nearly 1,795,609 internally displaced persons by the end of 2020. In South Kivu, the humanitarian situation also largely affected SPR activity implementation areas.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 1 PROJECT SUMMARY
The SPR project began on August 30, 2016 and is expected to end on August 29, 2021. SPR is framed within USAID/DRC Transitional Objective 3: Foundation for durable peace strengthened in eastern DRC.
SPR aims to improve social cohesion by integrating women and OMGs into governance and decision- making processes in North and South Kivu. The project works to achieve this goal through three objectives:
1. Community stakeholders identify and accept solutions to specific drivers of conflict. 2. Participatory solutions (involving women and OMGs) are implemented. 3. Resources for community development are more inclusively allocated.
SPR implements activities in North and South Kivu—10 groupements and four communes in four territories (Kabare, Kalehe, Masisi, and Walungu) and two cities, Bukavu and Goma.
SPR implements activities through a combination of direct and indirect approaches. The project provides grants to local civil society organizations (CSOs), research institutions, and civil society advocacy coalitions to support activity implementation.
During Y5Q1 (October–December 2020), SPR’s major focus was to fast-track implementation by finalizing delayed Y4 activities and targets while planning Y5 implementation and Y5Q1 planned activities. This included reviewing unachieved Y4 targets and spreading their implementation throughout Y5Q1; finalizing three conflict assessments; working to continue women’s empowerment through Women Leadership Mentoring Clubs/approaches/initiatives; developing the Y5 Scope of Work based on the approved WP to inform Y5 grant packages; and conducting grantees’ performance assessment to inform which grantees would be retained in Y5.
ACTIVITY IMPLEMENTATION
Y5Q1 was impacted heavily by COVID-19 because of the prolonged renewal of restrictions by the government, which caused delays in the implementation and the close out of Y4. Therefore, Y5Q1 focused mainly on finalizing Y4 activities under partners’ grants in both North and South Kivu. November and December were particularly creative, notably in planning activities for Y5 between the SPR technical team and partner organizations. By the end of December 2020, the selected partners for Y5 submitted their technical proposals and annexes for review and internal approvals.
The SPR team and local partners also engaged in discussions about a durability and sustainability strategy that should align with the current work plan for Y5. This strategy targets community structures (e.g., Local Peace and Development Committees [LPDCs], women’s leadership mentoring clubs [LMCs], and village saving and loans association [VSLA] groups).
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 2 OBJECTIVE 1: COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS IDENTIFY AND ACCEPT SOLUTIONS TO SPECIFIC DRIVERS OF CONFLICT
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Research: During Y5Q1, several research and conflict assessments implemented during Y4 were completed. Three research activities were conducted and will be translated (from French to English) before submission to USAID and publication in Y5Q2. The first report, Kahuzi Biega National Park (KBNP) Conflict Dynamics: Prospects for Peaceful Cohabitation between the KBNP and Indigenous Peoples/Pygmies and other riverside populations was conducted by a consortium of two local Universities, Université Catholique Bukavu (UCB) and Université Evangélique Afrique (UEA). The second report was conducted by SYNYGL (SPR partner), Activism of Armed Groups in South Kivu. This consisted of updating data collected during research in 2018 with additional data collected in 2020. Two articles merged into one under the terms of the contract. Besides this article, a comprehensive research report covering the period of 2018–2020 in Fizi, Kalehe, and Walungu was produced by the partner and is under final review and translation.
Conflict analyses: Alongside the above conflict assessments, Diocesain Commission of Justice and Peace (CDJP) (SPR grantee) conducted conflict analyses in four groupements in surrounding Kahuzi Biega National Park (KBNP) (Bugorhe, Cirunga, Katana/Irhambi, and Miti). These conflict analyses result from a community-based process that identified and prioritized four local conflicts in each Groupement. This effort resulted in the prioritization of the conflict between KBNP and the Pygmies. A detailed report on this conflict will be published by UCB-UEA. The table below illustrates the conflicts analyzed.
CIRUNGA BUGORHE MITI KATANA Conflict regarding the occupation of Nyangembye Conflict between the KBNP Conflict between the KBNP tidal grounds at LUDAHA management and the Indigenous Conflict opposing IP to management and indigenous which opposes CIRIMWAMI Peoples (IP) living in Groupement of Bantou groups people based on the BULUMBA to the farmers Bugorhe in the territory of Kabare deforestation of the KBNP. who cultivate in the above (These IP were driven from KBNP). tidal grounds. Conflict related to water Conflict related to water Land tenure conflict between Mr trading in the Conflict between families of scarcity opposing the Emmanuel BYAMUNGU and Mr Groupement of MITI Mudurha and the population population of KAHUNGU, Etienne KALIBANGA on a concession (opposing the population of Cibingu. KABUSHWA, MWANDA, and in MUGANZO. to the Groupement KADJUCHU. authorities and ENABEL) Conflict related to power Conflict between KBNP Land tenure conflict between Conflict between (administrative position) management and population RUGIMBANYA BATUMIKE Fréderic pastoralists and farmers between the chief of living around the national and Mr Miller Walter (Assassinated on in KASHUSHA (around KADJUCHU village and the park his farm by militias) cattle’s rambling) Deputy Chief of
TCHOFI/KADJUCHU village Conflict between the Conflict between pastoralists and Conflict related to population of Conflict related to customary farmers in KAMAKOMBE village of customary succession CAMAHAMBA and opposing NGWASI’s family to MULANGALA, CISIRHU, BISHIBIRHU power opposing children MAKAMBA in the population of KABAMBA and KABULUNGU. in RWABIKA’s la family CAMAHAMBA
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 3 Participatory Action Research (PAR) conducted: Y4 planning included four PAR processes, three in South Kivu and one in North Kivu. In South Kivu, a PAR was conducted in Kadutu Commune in partnership with Institut Supérieur pour la Promotion de la Paix, du Développement et de l’Environnement (ISPDE), a second one was held in Lurhala in Walungu Territory in partnership with CDJP, and the third was launched in Mbinga-North in Kalehe Territory in partnership with the ISPDE. This one is expected to be completed within the second quarter of Y5. In North Kivu, one PAR process was conducted in Kibabi, Masisi Territory in partnership with Aide et Action pour la Paix (AAP).
Carried out targeted advocacy engagement: During the reporting period, the South Kivu provincial advocacy framework held bi-weekly assessments on the impact of COVID-19 on the local economy, security, women, and OMGs, and access to basic services and information. Assessment results were then shared through an advocacy approach targeting various authorities, leaders, and politico- administrative decision-makers at the provincial level to convey key messages on how best to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on the lives and livelihoods of the populations in South Kivu. The targeted authorities included the Vice Governor of South Kivu Province, Ministry of Economy Representatives, the Mayor of Bukavu City, and the Migration Services Director. The follow-up sessions were carried out in two formats: direct contact and the production of magazines/radio broadcasts through community radio stations.
Participatory local community social cohesion plan developed: In the Kadutu Commune, a context and conflict analysis paired with a local needs assessment resulted in developing a local peace- building and social cohesion plan. This document (local plan) was presented to and validated by the population in the presence of local authorities, local leaders, civil society representatives, and other organizations working in the commune. It was then handed over to the Mayor who promised his support
Supported Turunga dialogue on land conflict: SPR was approached by the North Kivu Provincial Government and Assembly to support a social dialogue process to end a long-standing land conflict between two main entities and 150 households. This arose because the court process failed and both parties expressed the need to explore alternative dispute resolution mechanisms. SPR, through its North Kivu-based grantee AAP and prior USAID approval, agreed to provide needed technical support included in its scope of work. Several dialogue sessions involving all stakeholders around the Turunga conflict and capacity building of local peace actors in conflict analysis and resolution were organized, achieving several milestones. Additional actions to capitalize on achievements are anticipated.
Operational planning: In December 2020, a workshop was organized to review the Y5 approved work plan and PITs and discuss the need for strengthening synergy between the three SPR components and sustainability strategy. Alongside this planning exercise, an operational Y5 scope of work, considering direct and indirect activities, was produced to inform grantees’ Y5 packages. Based on the scope of work, partners prepared their packages (work plan, technical proposal, monitoring and evaluation [M&E] plan, and budget) that were submitted to the project management team for review and approval.
CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTED
During this reporting period, SPR Objective 1 experienced challenges that affected implementation.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 4 • The major challenge experienced during the Y5Q1 implementation period was completing the remaining targets from Y4. They were spread onto Y5Q1 and combined with Y5Q1 activities’ implementation. This process demanded modifications of grantees’ contracts to enable them to extend their implementation period. o The SPR team worked closely with grantees to review and adjust their work plans, technical proposals, M&E plans, and budgets to inform contract modifications and approval for an extended implementation period. • The Y5 implementation period is short given the required six-month close-out process. o Solution: A review of Y5 targets is underway to inform a realistic and efficient implementation.
LESSONS LEARNED, OPPORTUNITIES, AND NEXT STEPS
LESSONS LEARNED • Local peace structures still need to be strengthened to make them self-reliant and ensure the continuation of the work they have been doing in the community amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the existence of which is mostly denied in rural areas. This highlights the need to reflect on the nexus between peacebuilding and public health at the community level to increase resilience. • SPR has learned valuable lessons from COVID-19 pandemic since March 2020. Carrying out the COVID-19 three-implementation plan and periodic impact assessment in the targeted project areas, allowed the SPR to make some program adjustments and adaptations and continue its course during 2020. A similar strategy is required during Y5. There is a need to remain attentive to the developing context and to adjust quickly. The probable new waves of COVID-19 and related restrictions will require an adequate response. More important, SPR as a team should demonstrate a capacity for adaptation and innovation to negotiate a smooth close out of the project.
OPPORTUNITIES Over the last four years, SPR has become a successful peacebuilding project capable of working in very challenging and dangerous political and security environments. This was demonstrated through the remarkable work done by different social society organizations at the grassroots level in partnership with SPR. Despite a successful implementation throughout years 1–4, much remains to be done. In North Kivu, for example, the Turunga dialogue process still has a long way to go and new intervention strategy is required, and technical and financial support remain necessities for local committees in Masisi Territory. In South Kivu, the desire for permanent dialogue and a true reconciliation process between stakeholders around KBNP has been expressed by several actors who met during research. Several conflict assessments in the two provinces have shown that there is a potential to produce more knowledge to inform future programs. The conflict resolution approaches used by SPR (conflict research and analysis, participative dialogue processes, etc.) are now embraced by community actors and CSOs and constitute a strong basis for future interventions.
NEXT STEPS For the next quarter, Objective 1 priorities will be the following:
1. Submit final Y5 grantee proposals and supporting documents for USAID’s approval.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 5 2. Conduct Y5 planned conflict assessments and research series in South Kivu. 3. Implement Y5 direct activities. 4. Finalize a durability/sustainability strategy and share it with partners. 5. Continue monitoring and data collection of COVID-19 impact on SPR target communities with a focus on the well-being of women and OMG members. 6. Send third and final iteration of the COVID-19 impact survey to target recipients, analyze data, and submit final report.
OBJECTIVE 2: PARTICIPATORY SOLUTIONS (INVOLVING WOMEN AND OTHER MARGINALIZED GROUPS) IMPLEMENTED
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Supported 32 women’s LMCs with office equipment materials in North Kivu: Supply kits included paper, registers, pens, masks, disinfectant, airtime credit, USB keys, plastic table, petty cash for transport costs, and so on, to facilitate advocacy activities. The distribution of materials was done according to the needs of each club. o In Goma, 11 LMCs received 4 USB keys, 64 plastic chairs, 68 hydro-alcoholic solutions, 1 perforator,1 row of perforated cases, 3 prepaid communication airtime cards for each club and the transport reimbursement fee to women & OMGs who collected the data on COVD-19 in December and for the advocacy activities of women & OMGs, 6 Washbasins, 25 notebooks, 5 pen boxes, 6 reams of paper, 5 Towel paper, 40 masks, 13 Liquid soap, 4 mobile phones, 4 binders, 10 notebooks, 1 bench, 2 battery boxes, 1 plastic table, 3 large-format note books, 1 box of envelopes. o In Biiri, 5 women’s LMCs received 10 hydro alcoholic solutions, 10 reams of paper, 10 pen boxes, 10 reams of A4 envelopes, 5 visibility posters, 15 liquid soaps, 5 washbasins, 25 binders, 5 carbon papers, 25 large-format notebooks and 3 prepaid communication airtime cards for each LMC. o In Kibabi, 16 women’s LMCs received 32 hydroalcoholic resolutions, 32 reams of papers, 32 pen boxes, 32 A4 envelope bags, 48 liquid soap, 16 washbasins, 80 binders, 16 carbon papers, 80 large-format notebooks, and 3 prepaid communication airtime cards for each LMC. Facilitated regular coaching sessions for women’s LMCs: In North Kivu, 62 regular coaching sessions on awareness creation in the fight against COVID-19 were held through radio programs (10 listening clubs in Biiri, 14 in Mupfunyi Shanga, 16 in Kibabi, and 22 in Goma). In South Kivu, 8 regular coaching sessions on transformational leadership and conflict management took place in the new areas of the project, including 2 in Kadutu and 6 in the areas around the KBNP, in which 80 women participated. Facilitated meetings between women, OMGs, and local authorities: In North Kivu, 6 OMG meetings with local authorities and leaders took place, including 1 in Kibabi, 1 Biiri, 2 in Mupfunyi Shanga, and 2 in Goma. Several key challenges faced by OMGs were presented to local authorities. A total of 74 OMGs and 63 local authorities participated. In addition, the OMGs presented 6 “cahiers des charges”‘ to the local authorities representing three groupements in the BAHUNDE chieftaincy, the commune, and the City of Goma. In South Kivu, 26 dialogue sessions and advocacy meetings were held between OMGs and the authorities in Bagira, Ibanda, Ishungu, Kadutu, Kamisimbi, Karhongo, Lugendo, Lurhala, Mbinga North, and in the areas around the PNKB (Bugohre, Irambi, and Miti). A total of 201 OMG
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 6 members and 59 local authorities participated. The OMGs also present to the authorities some key issues they face to exercise their leadership and other challenges that threaten security in different communities. These include the lack of OMG participation in local governance decision-making bodies and in peace structures, threats to the security of women and OMGs due to pirate markets, unhealthfulness, and poor management of domestic waste in the City of Bukavu, which threatens social cohesion. The local authorities expressed their good will to address the issues by signing 26 commitments and agreements that boil down to investing in the promotion of OMG members into positions of leadership at both the municipality and village levels, supporting and collaborating with them.
Conducted training for local authorities in new SPR implementation areas: A 6-day training session was conducted on participatory governance, gender parity, inclusion, development, and peaceful conflict resolution. Forty-five local authorities and traditional leaders were trained in two sites: Kavumu hosted 30 traditional authorities from four groupements around the KBNP. As a result, two inclusion plans for OMGs in local decision-making bodies were developed—one for Kadutu and one for the KBNP areas. Conducted training for OMG members: Thirty-six OMG members of women’s LMCs and the Kadutu Peace Club in areas around KBNP were trained for nine days on transformational leadership, gender and inclusion, participatory governance, human rights, protection, advocacy, development, and entrepreneurship. Kavumu hosted 12 OMG members of four women’s LMCs from Bugorhe, Cirunga, Irambi Katana, and Miti; and Kadutu hosted 24 members of the Kadutu women’s LMC and Peace Clubs in seven quarters of Kadutu. Conducted a refresher training for local authorities and traditional leaders: Sixty-two local authorities and traditional leaders went through a refresher training on key themes, notably in gender sensitivity, inclusion, parity, community development, peaceful conflict management and peaceful coexistence. These awareness-raising sessions were organized in six geographic areas: o Bukavu: 15 local authorities in the Commune of Bagira and Ibanda o Kabare: 11 local authorities from Ishungu and Lugendo o Walungu: 10 local authorities from Kamisimbi, 10 from Karhongo, 10 from Lurhala, and 6 from Mbinga North Facilitated public awareness-raising sessions: OMG members of the South Kivu women’s LMCs organized public awareness-raising sessions on the themes of social cohesion, women's participation in local governance, community development, and hygiene and health. A total of 33 awareness-raising sessions were conducted across the areas covered by SPR. A total of 165 OMGs (5 members from each women’s LMC) participated in these sessions and reached about 8,000 people in public markets, churches, ports, and so on.
Marked the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325: SPR joined the “Groupe Thématique Genre” (GTG) activities held between October and December. One outcome of the working group is a strong advocacy initiative which helped to integrate the 1325 Provincial Plan covering 2019–2023 in the provincial government budget and the vote of two Provincial Arretés that create, organize, and operationalize a Steering Committee of the Provincial Secretariat 13
Provided technical support to local implementing partners in the preparation and submission of final reports (Y4) and Y5 packages: Six interactive working sessions were held between AIDS Forum (FOSI) and Caritas with Component 2 team support to guide and refine the Y4
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 7 close out strategy. These sessions allowed an exchange on synergy of action with the other two components and other community structures working within the project. As a sustainability strategy for the women’s LMC—a permanent collaboration approach between the women and OMGs, local authorities, and local partners—has been discussed and proven to be an effective mechanism to allow continuation of activities, from the leadership mentoring approach of the OMGs to transformational leadership in the search for peace in their communities.
CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTED
Major challenges encountered by SPR’s Objective 2 during Y5Q1 included the following:
• Protracted, inaccessible roads and insecurity, especially in Masisi Territory, and an increase in criminality in Goma city. o Solutions implemented: Frequent follow-up of security monitoring and strict compliance with security instructions were constantly recommended to our partner teams. Sometimes, field trips were delayed or teams had to extend their stay to reduce the risk of incidents (robberies, kidnappings) on the road. • The extension of teleworking for the SPR team has been challenging for monitoring and support of partners, especially when internet access is limited. o Face-to-face meetings were organized with partners and the SPR team, ensuring that prior permission from management and compliance with COVID-19 measures. o Press releases were disseminated through churches, schools, and local state services to quickly inform communities when activities were organized.
LESSONS LEARNED, OPPORTUNITIES, AND NEXT STEPS
LESSONS LEARNED To ensure the sustainability of the mentoring approach of women and OMGs in leadership for peacebuilding, it is important to support a range of activities and resource mobilization for sustainable social, economic, and political empowerment because women and OMG members continue to believe that influence is strengthened when accompanied/combined with individual or collective power.
OPPORTUNITIES • SPR took the opportunity to actively participate in the provincial advocacy for the institutionalization of UNSCR1325 in North Kivu, in synergy with other national and international actors working in gender and peacebuilding, under the GTG North Kivu. This plea ended favorably with the signing by the provincial authority of two decrees now institutionalizing UNSCR 1325 in North Kivu. Since 2000, women's organizations in North Kivu have actively mobilized around implementing UNSCR 1325 to ensure the active involvement of women in the search for peace. However, according to the prescriptions of this resolution, the official establishment of the steering committee and the Provincial Secretariat of 1325 was not effective because the provincial governments that succeeded one another did not make it their priority, despite persistent demands from women's organizations. On its 20th anniversary, the GTG, decided to relaunch this request in a more formal way: by organizing a technical committee which prepared the lobby message for the institutionalization of UNCSR 1325 in North Kivu. Several organizations are part of it including SPR, UN Women, Cordaid, Care International
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 8 Dynamique des femmes juristes, Sauti ya Mama Mukongomani, Synergy of Women against Sexual Violence, and World March of Women. SPR participated in the drafting of the provincial decrees establishing the steering committee and the Provincial Secretariat of UNSCR1325, and the advocacy note addressed to the governor of the province and to the president of the Provincial Assembly. SPR also participated in discussions and initial meetings around the request with the two authorities. USAID, through the SPR program, is now among the actors who contributed to or influenced the institutionalization of UNSCR 1325 in North Kivu, 20 years after the adoption of this resolution by the DRC. • The connection between the LMCs and the VSLAs is essential so that these two women's structures and OMGs exchange their experiences and pass on their capacities of influence. For the SMCs, it will be about transmitting “knowledge for power”—the practice of leadership in research and influence for peace. For VSLAs it will be about transmitting the practice of savings and credit. Thus, the women and OMGs of the SPR program will be able to simultaneously hold the three faculties required to ensure good empowerment. • Linkages between leadership mentoring clubs and VSLAs to work in synergy would create opportunities to strengthen women and OMGs’ leadership, peacebuilding engagements, and resilient livelihood development. • Women and OMGs participated in advocacy led by female CSOs in North Kivu to stop violence against women during confinement; four mentors who are also members of the Sauti Ya Mama Mukongomani joined.
NEXT STEPS Next quarter will be devoted to networking activities among women’s LMCs and developing their sustainability strategy in close connection between LMCs and other peacebuilding structures like, the Stabilization and Reconstruction Plan for Eastern DRC, LPDCs, and others. A focus will be put on the institutionalization of meetings between local authorities and OMGs and making effective the participation and inclusion of OMG members in community peace building processes. The Start Awareness Support Activities Approach and Radio Program could also be initiated.
OBJECTIVE 3: RESOURCES FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ARE MORE INCLUSIVELY ALLOCATED
KEY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In South Kivu:
• Provided technical support to grantees Appui aux Initiatives de Bien-Être Familial (AIBEF), Centre Olame, Tous pour le Genre dans le Développement (TGD) in closing out Y4 activities. • Provided technical support to grantees AIBEF, Centre, Olame, and TGD in developing their technical proposals, M&E plan, implementation plan, milestone allocation, and budgeting for the SPR Y5 work plan. • Conducted a participatory diagnostic review in five groups (Kamisimbi, Karhongo, and Lurhala in the Walungu and Ishungu Chieftaincy and Lugendo in the Kabare Chieftaincy) from 11–24 December 2020 to update the data to be integrated into the Local Development Plans of the Chieftaincies of Kabare and Ngweshe.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 9 • Facilitated initial meetings during which Mapendo and Tuimizane VSLA groups were provided with their first credit grants in Kadutu Commune/South Kivu. • Facilitated capacity building of the 30 service providers from the 5 targeted structures in the Miti-Bugorhe groups, including 2 in education and 3 in health under theme: “Roles and Responsibilities of Management Committee." • Conducted six dialogues between communities and local authorities on themes, such as good governance during data collection in Walungu in the Karhongo Groupements: Kamisimbi, Kadutu, and Lurhala: A total of 65 people participated, including 31 women and 34 men, which contributed to improving the level of trust between local authorities and local communities as illustrated by these cases: o In the Commune of Kadutu, local authorities and representatives of the population set up mechanisms to stop the insecurity that reigns at the “Pas à Pas roundabout” from 6 p.m. onward. o Another case is the dialogue held between the authorities of Regideso, the representative of the Mayor of the Commune of Kadutu and the representatives of the population of the Mosala District, Avenue Buholo were in disagreement since August 2020 because of the destruction of some houses by state officials carrying out the Head of State’s 100-day program to make way for water pipe installation. Since then, the population has been in perpetual conflict with Regideso agents and the local authorities and has destroyed all of the pipes installed out of anger. The facilitated social dialogue among concerned stakeholders allowed the three parties including the representative of the mayor, the head of the Regideso agency, and the representatives of the population, to come together and talk to each other to find a solution to the issues. In North Kivu:
• Conducted the review and participatory diagnosis of two Development Plans for the Mupfunyi/Shanga and Mupfunyi /Kibabi Groupements. • Provided technical support to grantee Actions des Chrétiens Unis Pour Le Développement Intégral (ACUDI) in developing their technical proposals, M&E plan, implementation plan, milestone allocation, and budgeting for Y5. • Provided technical support to grantees ACUDI and Collectif Alpha Ujuvi (CAU) for the Y4 project close-out process. • Conducted six participatory theatres for social cohesion on the theme “Inclusive governance and peaceful cohabitation” among ethnic communities (Hunde, Hutu, Tusti, Tembo, and Twa). • Strengthened the capacity of nine service providers (five men and four women) in the Kirotshe Health Zone on good governance and nine service providers (five men and four women) of the Katoyi Health Zone on “Lower Risk Maternity.” • Facilitated seven social cohesion events, including two mass raising-awareness sessions through participatory theatres on peace, social cohesion, and peaceful coexistence. • Conducted a dialogue between Codesa Mitubala and Rutobogo and between groupement authorities and some CSOs to address the construction of a maternity wing in the health system in the M/Shanga groupement.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 10 CHALLENGES AND SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTED
With the persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the DRC government reinforced new restrictions aiming at constraining the propagation of the virus. With these restrictions, it has not been easy to ensure a close supervision of our partners’ activity implementation progress.
The Senior Management Team advised the team to operate on a shift system: one group of staff work in the office on odd days (Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays) while the other works in the office on even days (Tuesdays and Thursdays); the rest of the days they work from home. Regular telephone and Skype calls (at least once per week) enabled the team to discuss the implementation progress and address challenges where necessary.
LESSONS LEARNED, OPPORTUNITIES, AND NEXT STEPS
LESSONS LEARNED • When the user committees designated to represent the community understand their roles and responsibilities, providers deliver good quality services. • The more community members (local leaders and local administrative authorities) assess their problems or find solutions to problems in their communities, the more they feel challenged/involved and the better they define the solutions. • Successful participatory and inclusive identification of the causes of conflict is proven to facilitate an effective campaign for peacebuilding and social cohesion.
OPPORTUNITIES • The presence and good collaboration of public technical services (the Miti-Murhesa Health Zone, Sub-Division of EPST Kabare II, and so on) facilitated the realization and completion of activities. • The local authorities have collaborated well with the project and have taken ownership of its actions, in this case the success of future initiatives will be based on this collaboration.
NEXT STEPS • Pursue the implementation of direct activities that relate to the capacity building of partners and data collection to feed the project targets. • Follow up on partner approval packages (Y5).
CROSSCUTTING THEMES
ADVOCACY
SPR has participated in advocacy activities that led to the establishment of a steering committee for the UNSC Resolution 1325 Provincial Action Plan and its permanent secretariat in North Kivu. SPR, through its partner South Kivu Provincial Advocacy Framework (CPP-SK), led advocacy actions informed by COVID-19 impact assessment results. The latter highlighted the effects of COVID-19 on the local economy and the well-being of women, and OMG members, access to basic services and
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 11 information, and social cohesion, while recommending the measures political and administrative authorities need to put in place to curb the spread of the virus.
INCLUSION
Under Component 1, the UCB and UEA consortium conducted research on the PNKB in 2020. The aim was to analyze and understand the current conflict dynamics around the PNKB area and to propose concrete recommendations to address the causes. One of the key findings was that indigenous people and OMGs are excluded from several development projects implemented by national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Tensions related to this exclusion have suggested that adequate actions should be taken to prevent violence. In early December 2020, UCB, UEA, and SPR technical teams agreed on the need to include two major activities in the Y5 work plan. The first is to conduct a dialogue process among indigenous people with different antagonist factions to address their divisions, and the second is to put in place permanent mechanisms for dialogue between IP representatives and different stakeholders around PNKB (these include the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature, NGOs, CSOs) where grievances from both sides can be addressed.
OMG members participated actively in all quarterly activities at a rate of 80 percent. Coaching sessions on transformative leadership were carried out through the end of the quarter with 80 participants from OMGs. Out of 137 participants in six meetings with local authorities in Goma, 74 were OMG members and out of 260 participants in 26 dialogue sessions in South Kivu, 201 were from OMGs.
INTEGRATION OF CONFLICT SENSITIVITY INTO SPR OPERATIONS AND IMPLEMENTATION
AAP, an SPR partner under Component 1, implemented a quick-response project on a conflict in Turunga (Goma/North Kivu). This conflict involves 150 families opposing a land plot owner and has become sensitive over time and led to several killings and various forms of violence. Participative approaches applied by AAP brought stakeholders to the table and several peaceful dialogues were successfully organized.
Current efforts to address the conflicts, including a training on conflict sensitivity with all stakeholders around KBNP, including IPs, are also expected to be supported under Component 1.
With capacity building of service providers in the health and education sectors, SPR involved public technical services in the identification of facilitators.
During the implementation of activities, SPR has considered women (40%), and put a particular emphasis on the representativeness of all social strata, especially OMGs, encouraging them to share their views, questions, and suggestions in the language of their choice without fear.
In a workshop organized on theme “reflecting on conflicts identified” during a participative research analysis (PRA), SPR included the local authorities (heads of groupements) so they would be involved in the search for solutions.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 12 MONITORING, EVALUATION, AND LEARNING
Over the Q1 period, the SPR project updated all MELP documents for the closure of Y4 while planning for Y5. At the same time, a performance evaluation was conducted on all SPR partners in the perspective of reaching targets to be included in Y5 monitoring, evaluation, and learning planning. After a review of the achievements and gaps in Y4, the approaches and strategies for the sustainability of the project's achievements were also defined with clear directives in the technical proposals submitted by partners for Y5. Partners' packages were also reviewed and adapted on the basis of the Y5 challenges identified. The deliverables of the activities reported by the partners have been revised and validated in accordance with standards and quality norms. Project performance data for Y4 has been posted on the USAID portal. Other sessions on technical orientation were organized or facilitated. The project’s GPS data was collected continuously in the implementation zones.
At the end of Y5Q1, the project’s overall LOP performance targets rose from 94 percent at the end of Y4 to 104 percent by the end of the reporting period (Y5Q1). Progress against Y4 Objective 1 targets rose from 99 percent to 106 percent. Objective 2 LOP progress through the end of Y4 rose from 110 percent to 118 percent, while Objective 3 LOP progress through the end of Y4 rose from 74 percent to 84 percent.
The performance of Component 3 is lower than other objectives because of the volume of targets and the significant time that activities take as processes. Also, COVID-19-related challenges have limited the implementation of some activities because they required gathering more participants.
SYSTEMS AND DATA COLLECTION
The project has adapted its M&E system by putting in place a new operational model with additional tools that can facilitate the continuation of data collection with classic SPR activities in the COVID-19 context. SPR staff, local partners, and beneficiaries have received training on the adapted tools and the data collection, and analysis approach within COVID-19 context. New tools and approaches incorporated in the project MEL system include conducting online surveys using SoGo, a data collection
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 13 form focused on COVID-19 activities, and impact assessments. The training was organized continuously to facilitate a better understanding of the project’s different tools by all stakeholders. In addition to secure data, the project team will make sure that physical deliverables continue to be kept in accordance with USAID guidelines. Excel data tables will continue serving as the database for the project.
MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS
SELECTION OF GRANTEES
To ensure rapid continuation of implementation during Y5, Management Systems International (MSI)/SPR requested a waiver from USAID to allow the project to forego the standard local partner application process and instead work with the same grantees from the first four years of the project. This permitted the project to progress through the remainder of its Y4 grants, evaluate and select from the existing grantees pool, and plan for a swift launch of implementation of Y5 activities and achievement of remaining targets. During the quarter, an assessment of grantees’ performance and remaining targets was conducted to inform Y5 implementation. Several high-performing partners whose work corresponded to project targets and indicators were selected to continue. Some partners, such as AAP and Collectif Alpha Ujuvi, were not selected or renewed based on the assessment and the prioritization of targets under each objective in SPR’s intervention zones. Each decision to select or not continue with grant partners was carefully determined by an evaluation committee consisting of project objective leads and overall project leadership.
GRANT MANAGEMENT AND PARTNER REPORTING
Due to the postponement of field implementation because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many partners could not complete activities according to the periods of performance outlined in their agreements and previous amendments.
Early in the quarter, grantees expressed the need for costed extensions to allow them to complete their field activities. In close collaboration with SPR’s technical and grants team, modification packages were developed that updated the grantees’ periods of performance, adjusted activities to reflect the ongoing COVID-19 context and allocate necessary costs. During October and November, these grant modification packages were submitted to USAID and approved, leading to the amendment of seven grant agreements in South Kivu and two in North Kivu. All the periods of performance were not to exceed December 31, 2020.
Before the end of the quarter, all Y4 grant activities were completed and nearly all final payments (75 percent) were processed for AAP, ACUDI, CPP-SK, FOSI, ISPDE, and CAU. As SPR prepares to begin Y5 grants, related activities and sessions with grantees are being developed with an eye toward sustainability after the project’s lifespan. This is based on SPR’s priorities in its final year to ensure that local partners take the lessons learned and improved capacity through their work on SPR into future opportunities and have long-term success.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 14 STAFFING AND STAFF MANAGEMENT
During the reporting period, four staff left the SPR project for different personal reasons, including the Senior Grants Administrator in October, the Accountant in November, and the Deputy Chief of Party Technical (DCOP/Tech) and the Finance and Compliance Manager in December, the latter being a key personnel position.
MSI immediately launched the recruitment process for each position, making it an urgent priority to fill the vacancies quickly with qualified candidates. During the reporting period, MSI completed the recruitment process for the Senior Grants Administrator, the Accountant, and the Finance and Compliance Manager.
Concurrent to these recruitments, MSI ensured continuity within the grants and operations teams through increased support from the home-office project management team. This specialist will step in to assist the project’s accounting, procurement, and operations procedures to account for gaps caused by the staff departures and provide training and orientations to new SPR staff members. MSI also revised SPR’s organizational structure by replacing the DCOP/Ops with an Operations Manager position, providing additional cost savings to the project. The Operations Manager will focus on supporting grants management, project operations, and compliance. The position has been filled and the selected candidate will start work early Quarter 2.
During this quarter, in consultation with the security teams of SPR’s consortium partners, the SPR project continued to keep its offices in Goma and Bukavu open, operating under its COVID-19 office re- opening plan. Staff combined in-person and remote working on a staggered schedule to reduce the number of people at the office each day while allowing for more regular coordination between teams and local partners and organizations. The office’s open status is continually monitored based on updates about the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure operational continuity and that staff health and safety are prioritized.
CAPACITY BUILDING
During the quarter, SPR strenuously worked to onboard its newest team members and build their capacities and existing staffs’ through onboarding sessions with each department. This included an introduction to the project’s technical components and the M&E, grants, security, and finance/operations teams. Training in USAID and organizational compliance, administration, and ethics were provided to each new team member by the operations department. The project is continually assessing the capacity building needs of staff to tailor assignments and training that will benefit their professional development and be an additional asset to the project’s success.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 15 OVERALL MAIN CHALLENGES, SOLUTIONS, LESSONS, AND OPPORTUNITIES
During this reporting period, SPR experienced a few challenges but also learned its lessons and was keen to discern opportunities to capitalize on in future endeavors.
CHALLENGES
One major challenge faced during this quarter was the backlog of Y4 activities added onto Y5Q1 planned activities, pushing the latter into Y5Q2. Yet the Y5 implementation period will be faced with a shortened timeline becauseCOVID-19 delayed implementation throughout Y4 and MSI must comply with six-month project close-out requirement. Teleworking has not facilitated a close monitoring of progress in activity implementation while the team needed to ensure fast tracking, quality, and efficient implementation from grantees. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a public health threat/fact although the majority of the DRC population remains oblivious to the reality.
ACTIONS TAKEN • SPR leadership prepared a cost extension request to complete remaining Y4 targets along with Y5 planned activities. Favorable feedback to include recommendations from the Kahuzi Biega conflict assessment were made part of SPRs cost extension request. • The SPR team, in collaboration with local implementing partners, reviewed target achievement towards the end of Y5Q1. The outcome of the review informed a realistic work plan for the remaining Y5 implementation period. • The SPR team set up an online coordination meeting bringing together the grant and technical teams to follow up and monitor grantees’ compliance with contractual terms on one side; while following up with grantees to address any bottlenecks experienced during implementation on the other side. • SPR leadership has put in place prevention measures to minimize risks of contracting the virus, such as keeping physical distance in our office working stations; alternating teleworking and working in the office to reduce the number of staff in the office at one time; wearing masks; and washing hands (sanitizers at our workstation), among other control measures.
LESSONS LEARNED
One major lesson learned this quarter and throughout this period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic is the need to explore further and understand the nexus between public health and peacebuilding in general. This realization calls for a broader programming aspect that considers public health issues in peacebuilding and conflict resolution processes.
OPPORTUNITIES
Various initiatives accomplished during this reporting period, particularly conflict research and assessments, have uncovered opportunities that call for further engagement. For instance, the plight of indigenous people around the Kahuzi Biega National Park, highlighted in the research conducted by one of the SPR grantees, offers an opportunity to engage in a multi-pronged approach to programming in the
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 17 Kahuzi Biega National Park; taking into consideration the need for environmental conservation of the park; advocacy for indigenous pygmy people’s human rights protection; armed groups and the scramble for mineral resources in the park; and coordination of interventions led by a multiplicity of stakeholders, to name but a few.and research on all issues related to peace and cohesion at provincial and national levels.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 18 ANNEX 1: PROGRESS ON PERFORMANCE PLAN
INTRODUCTION During this reporting period, the project saw significant achievements as it underwent an acceleration plan to reach Y4 remaining targets. The overall performance of the project against the LOP rose to 104 percent. This level of achievement is due to the fact that all the gaps encountered in Y4 were fast- tracked and implemented in Y5Q1. The achievement of Component 3 is still lower than others due to the high number targets and activities under this objective. Many of these activities are process-related and require more time. In addition, COVID-19 pandemic restrictions measures hindered the implementation of activities that require large gatherings. The chart below shows the performance of each component and indicator in relation to the LOP objectives of the project.
PERFORMANCE AGAINST LOP TARGETS
SPR Overall 104%
Objective 3 89%
Objective 2 118%
Objective 1 106%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120% 140%
OBJECTIVE 1 Objective 1 had significant achievements during this quarter. 21 conflict analyses were conducted in the various targeted areas, 19 local community dialogues were facilitated, 20 presentation events on participatory conflict analyses results were held, and three research projects were completed. The average performance of Objective 1 rose by 73%. The chart below shows the overall average performance of each Objective I indicator.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 19 OBJECTIVE 1 PERFORMANCE AGAINST YEAR 4 TARGET
Overall 73% 1.3.c 0% 1.3.b 0% 1.3.a 50% 1.2.b 350% 1.2.a 80% 1.1.d 0% 1.1.c 1.1.b 0% 1.1.a 1b 79% 1a 95% 0% 50% 100% 150% 200% 250% 300% 350% 400%
Some indicators have zero performance during this reporting period because they are archived for the option period, or there were no targets planned in this quarter.
OBJECTIVE 2 During the reporting quarter, Objective 2 achieved 64% of its targets. Compared to other objectives, most of its indicators have been achieved and reported in the Y4 annual report. In the period, three new conflict resolution groups were created in KBNP zones, 36 women were trained in transformative leadership, 36 consultation meetings took place between women, OMGs, and traditional leaders, and one radio program was disseminated. These activities were remained from Y4 targets. The chart below reflects the achievement hitherto reached by Objective 2 for each indicator compared to Year 5 targets
OBJECTIVE 2 PERFORMANCE AGAINST YEAR 4 TARGET
Overall 64%
2.3.c 0%
2.3.b 100%
2.3.a 33%
2.2.a 50%
2.1.a 67%
2b
2a 133%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% 120% 140%
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 20 OBJECTIVE 3 During the reporting period, Objective 3 achievement rose to 40% compared to planned targets. All the achieved targets stem from Y4 gaps: 29 livelihoods connections facilitated, 270 women & OMGs trained in foundational skills for livelihood, 19 users’ committees established and trained, 59 services providers trained, 15 local dialogues facilitated, and 28 peace promotion events organized. The overall performance of Objective 3 and each indicator’s performance for the Y5 targets are as follows:
OBJECTIVE 3 PERFORMANCE AGAINST YEAR 5 TARGET
Overall 40% 3.3c 0% 3.3b 60% 3.3a 50% 3.2d 48% 3.2c 49% 3.2b 3.2a 59% 3.1b 38% 3.1a 60% 3b 0% 3a 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 21 CUMULATIVE PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT OVER 5 YEARS CUMULATIVE PROJECT ACHIEVEMENT CUMULATIVE - 5 YEARS BASE BASE OPTION Y5 Q1 Y5 Q1 Y5 LIFE OF LOP INDICATORS PERIOD PERIOD PERIOD PROGRESS ACHIEVED TARGET ACHIEVED PROJECT PROGRESS ACTUALS TARGET TARGET (%) EXPLANATION TO DATE (LOP) (%) TARGET ACHIEVED IR 1: Conflict drivers identified and solutions agreed to by community stakeholders 1a. All Y4 non-completed Cumulative targets were achieved in the number of reporting quarter. 5 events events where were completed in Kadutu, community and 9 (instead of 7 initially 124 88 22 19 21 90% 144 110 131% participatory planned) in Walungu and conflict KBNP. In North Kivu, 5 analysis is events were organized: 1 presented community forum at Kibabi TO3 R1 and 4 events in Goma. In Y5 Q1, 3 partners contributed to this indicator in North and South Kivu. 1b. Percent AAP organized 8 local of USG- dialogues in Turunga and assisted Kibabi groupements and consensus- ISPDE facilitated 7 local building dialogues in Kadutu. CDJP 100% 90% 90% 79% 90% 79% 76% 90% 76% processes facilitated 4 local dialogues in held that Kabare and Walungu result in an territories. 15 of 19 agreement* processes resulted in social TO3 IR 3.2 agreements. 4 local dialogues out of 8 facilitated in Turunga area didn't reach agreements. 1.1a. This indicator was archived Percentage of for the option period as selected 100% 90% NA NA NA NA 78% 80% 98% there were no new CSOs CSOs recruited for conducting assessed for participatory conflict analysis.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 22 conducting SPR proceeded with follow- participatory up mechanisms after conflict performance evaluations of analysis existing partners. whose score improved. 1.1b. Activities contributing to Number of achievement of the targets CSOs trained under this indicator were in not realized during the participatory 190 180 30 0 30 0% 190 210 90% reporting period. Activities community awaited the completion of conflict the Kahuzi Biega conflict analysis TO3 assessment and are planned IR 3.1 for Y5 Q2. During the base period, the project overperformed under this indicator, 1.1c. exceeding 12% of LOP Percentage of targets due to wide CSOs trained 21% 12% NA NA NA NA 21% 12% 175% geographic coverage and receiving volume of activities delivered grants TO3 in all selected zones. This IR 3.1 indicator is archived for the option period as SPR used follow-on mechanisms. 1.1d. 10 partners selected to Number of support implementation CSOs in during the option period grants and 37 21 10 NA NA NA 47 31 152% continue to receive capacity financial building and technical management accompaniment from the training TO3 project. IR 3.1 1.2a. Number 3 conflicts analyses were of validated in South Kivu and 1 participatory in North Kivu during the 13 14 5 4 5 80% 17 19 89% conflict reporting period. Remaining analyses option period targets will be validated with done in Y5 Q2. 2 analyses
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 23 participation were conducted in Kadutu, 1 of target in KBNP and 1 in the Kibabi groups TO3 groupement within Masisi. IR 3.1 In the reporting quarter, 16 1.2b. conflict analyses were Number of facilitated in 4 groupements participatory (4 per groupement) in conflict 72 70 11 21 6 350% 98 81 121% Kabare territory (Miti, analyses Bugorhe, Katana and conducted* Cirunga), 5 conflict analyses TO3 IR 3.1 were conducted in Kadutu. 1.3a. Number of Three conflict assessments publications were planned in Y4 but not or achieved due to the COVID- conference 19 pandemic. These were presentations completed by Congolese produced by researchers with SPR Congolese financial and technical 9 9 6 3 6 50% 12 15 80% researchers assistance during the as a result of reporting period. 1 was done USG in Kahuzi Biega by UCB- assistance on UEA, and 2 concerning the subject of armed group dynamics and conflict activism were done by resolution* SYNIGL. TO3 IR 3.1 1.3b. Targets under this indicator Number of were achieved in Y4 as the approved conflict assessment research 9 9 6 0 3 0% 12 15 80% processes started in Y4 Q3. plans with No activity contributing to dissemination this indicator was performed plan TO3 IR in this quarter. 3.1 1.3c. Researchers received STTA Percentage of 100% 100% 100% 0% 100% 0% 87% 100% 87% support starting Y4 and individual continued in Y5Q1. researchers
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 24 and institutions receiving short-term technical assistance to develop research plans TO3 IR 3.1 IR. 2 Participatory solutions implemented 2a. Number of new groups or initiatives 9 groups were created in Y4 created Q4 out of the 12 planned in through USG Y4. In the reporting quarter, funding, 105 70 12 4 3 133% 118 82 144% 4 groups were created in dedicated to KBNP zones (Miti, Bugorhe, resolving Katana and Cirunga) leading conflict or to a total of 13 groups. the drivers of conflict* TO3 IR 3.2 2b Percentage of women and This is one of the baseline members of indicators. The baseline marginalized report was completed and groups who submitted to USAID for feel their approval at the end of the TBD 30 88% TBD TBD TBD TBD 30% TBD views are Y2. Due to the impact of reflected in COVID-19 pandemic in Y4, implementing the midline will not be done. participatory An endline is planned in Y5 solutions and Q3. peacebuilding processes SR 2.1a. During the reporting period, 229 161 36 4 6 67% 263 197 134% Number of 4 women were elected to
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 25 local women substantive roles within 4 participating new groups dedicated to in a resolve conflict around substantive KBNP. This is in addition to role or 30 women reached in Y4 and position in a supported with substantive peacebuilding roles in the peacebuilding process process. supported with USG assistance* TO3 IR 3.2 2.2a Number During the reporting period of times 36 consultations meeting women and between women & OMGs members of and traditional leaders were marginalized facilitated by the project: 10 groups 71 56 72 36 72 50% 112 128 88% in North Kivu (Goma and consulted Masisi) and 26 in South Kivu with (Walungu, Kabare, Kalehe traditional and Bukavu), 9 out of 45 leaders on targets planned in Y4 were local issues reported achieved in Y5 Q1. 2.3a. Number of radio During this quarter, one programs radio program was about peace 22 24 4 1 3 33% 24 28 86% conducted to complete Y4 and social targets. inclusion TO3 IR 3.2 2.3b. 36 women trained in Number of transformative leadership in women South Kivu (Kadutu and trained in 742 560 56 36 36 100% 798 616 130% KBNP zones). Targets transformativ achieved during the period e leadership were left over from Y4. TO3 IR 3.2 2.3c. Number Targets under this indicator of formal and 401 308 45 0 0 0% 442 353 125% were fully achieved in Y4. No traditional
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 26 leaders activities and targets were completing planned in Y5 Q1. transformativ e leadership training TO3 IR 3.2 IR. 3 Resources for community development are more inclusively allocated This is one of the baseline 3a: indicators. The baseline Percentage of report was completed and community submitted to USAID for users TBD 30% 5% TBD TBD TBD TBD 30% TBD approval at the end of Y2. reporting Due to the COVID-19 improvement pandemic in Y4, the midline in service will not be done. An endline delivery. is planned in Y5 Q3. 3b. Number of community development plans Targets under this indicator integrating are planned starting Y5 Q2. equitable and 13 14 4 0 4 0% 13 18 72% Only processes, activities, locally and steps for this indicator produced were planned this quarter. solutions to resolve conflict* TO3 IR 3.2 3.1.a. During this reporting period, Number of 29 linkages were facilitated. 9 linkages to in North Kivu in Mupfunyi direct 64 70 56 29 48 60% 101 126 80% Shanga and Kibabi, and 20 in livelihood South Kivu. The projects and performance level compared resources to the LOP is at 80%. TO3 IR 3.2 3.1b. During this quarter, 270 Number of women & OMGs from South 1301 840 900 270 720 38% 1751 1740 101% women and Kivu received capacity members of building and were in
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 27 marginalized foundational training that groups in facilitates livelihood skills. foundational training that facilitates livelihood TO3 IR 3.2 During the reporting period, 19 user committees were 3.2a. Number established and received of user capacity building: 7 committees committees in Karhongo, established 44 42 37 19 32 59% 68 79 86% Kamisimbi and Lurhala and receiving groupements in WASH and capacity health; 7 committees in building TO3 education and health and 5 IR 3.2 committees in Mupfunyi Shanga and Kibabi. 3.2b. Number of Archived indicator due to user the feedback received from
committee MECC that each IR cannot grants TO3 exceed 3 indicators. IR 3.2 59 service providers received capacity building in 3.2c. Number good governance and safe of service motherhood: 9 in North providers Kivu Mupfunyi Shanga and 50 receiving 352 168 136 59 121 49% 426 304 140% in South Kivu (20 from capacity education and health sectors building TO3 in Kamisimbi in and Kadutu, IR 3.2 30 in Bugorhe and Miti groupements (KBNP). 3.2d. The project reached 48% in Percentage of facilitation and support for user women’ effective 40% 93% 40% 48% 40% 48% 32% 40% 81% committee participation in user members committees. In 14 user that are committees that have been
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 28 women and established in the members of intervention area, women & marginalized OMGs represent 48% of groups TO3 participants in all user IR 3.2 committees established. 15 social cohesion events facilitated in North and 3.3a. Number South Kivu on advocacy in of community health and education, local bringing together local 62 50 33 15 30 50% 80 83 96% government authorities and various dialogues sectors on problems TO3 IT 3.2 identified during Participative Service Quality improvement joint assessment. 3.3b. 15 events were organized in Number of North Kivu: participative grants plays whose themes were supporting local governance, security, (confidence 86 74 60 28 47 60% 127 134 95% rights to land and peaceful building and cohabitation. In South Kivu, peace 13 participative plays on civil promotion marriage registration, TO3 IR 3.2 inheritance rights facilitated. 3.3.c Number of SPR stakeholder indirect social Targets under this indicator cohesion and are planned starting Y5 Q2. NA NA 40 0 20 0% 20 40 50% peacebuilding No targets were reached community during this quarter. events held as a result of SPR impact
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 29 ANNEX 2: SUCCESS STORIES
See next page.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 30 Photo courtesy of SPR grantee AIBEF
AT-RISK WOMEN BECOMING MORE FINANCIALLY INDEPENDENT Women’s membership in VSLAs help them better meet their family’s needs.
Nabintu M’luviri is a 55-year-old woman living in the village of Cijingiri, in Walungu, South Kivu. After her husband’s retirement, she felt forced to leave Bukavu for financial reasons. Due to her family’s extreme poverty, Nabintu decided to borrow the equivalent of 1 kilogram of sambaza (a small species of fish caught from Lake Kivu) that she sold to feed her 8 children. One day, a representative from AIBEF explained how she could benefit from joining a local VSLA created by the SPR project with funding from USAID. Upon joining Cijingiri’s VSLA, Nabintu used her new line of credit to buy several kilograms of sambaza. She has since paid off the credit and can now afford to sell much greater quantities of fish.
Nabintu currently supports her family financially and has begun selling a variety of products as she continues to develop her financial autonomy. She is no longer subject to mockery by the people of Cijingiri, and in fact many villagers are now patrons of her stall. She testifies she has regained her dignity and improved her relations with not only the people of her village, but also those of the neighboring village.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 31 Nsimire Muhanano (Photo courtesy of SPR)
WOMEN FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE ARE REPRESENTED IN GOVERNMENT The Bagira commune of Bukavu struggled with women’s representation until SPR helped return diversity to local councils.
Nsimire Muhanano is head of the Gender, Families and Children department in the Bagira commune office, a suburb in the east of Bukavu. According to her, the political participation and inclusion of women was a critical issue in her commune. Prior to the intervention of the SPR project, Bagira women had few opportunities to share their views and were politically underrepresented. The few women in leadership, represented only the wealthy and educated class.
When the SPR project was established, it formed mentoring clubs which allowed all women of walks of life and backgrounds (including seniors, the handicapped, albinos, and women abandoned by their husbands) to express the major social and development challenges of living in Bagira, an area of Bukavu with almost 150,000 inhabitants. As an effect of the clubs’ advocacy, women now occupy various positions as leaders of neighborhoods and avenues, which is a great accomplishment in the eyes of these marginalized groups.
Nsimire adds that the hardest times are yet to come for her commune and the country but they have gained remarkable momentum in increasing women’s inclusion in public affairs.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 32 Marie with other members of AVEC (Photo courtesy of SPR)
VSLAS REINFORCE THE FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN Women in the Kadutu neighborhood of Bukavu are struggling, but the VSLAs have helped them gain opportunities.
Marie lives in Kadutu, a densely populated neighborhood in Bukavu. In Kadutu, the economic outlook for most families is meager. Many women don’t know how to find a way out of the poverty affecting their households. Furthermore, idleness and unemployment mean that women spend their time in scenarios from which conflict easily arises.
She explained how she is able to cope with economic challenges thanks to her membership in a VSLA set up by a local organization supported by the SPR project, with funding from USAID.
Recently she accepted a credit from the VSLA to launch a small kitchen spice business. She says she feels proud at times her husband isn’t able to bring any food supplies home and she supports him by buying food for the family. According to Marie, the inclusion of women in the VSLA is an opportunity for the inhabitants of Kadutu, especially women, to be able to fight poverty while gaining valuable entrepreneurship skills.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 33 Denis Mubale (photo courtesy of SPR)
PROMOTING PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE AMONG RIVAL TRIBES Due to the SPR project’s social cohesion efforts, the Lugendo tribe has improved relations with neighboring rivals.
Denis Mubale is the chief of the Lugendo groupement (population of 22,000) in North Kabare, which closely neighbors 3 other groupements. Prior to the SPR project, women from Lugendo were not respected for their importance in the community and their roles were minimized. Marginalized people including albinos, the handicapped, and widows were not being properly integrated into the social fabric of the groupement, hindering its development. In response to these social challenges, the SPR project implemented a series of activities including trainings and capacity building on development, social cohesion, and conflict resolution. The project’s efforts resulted in increased social cohesion and understanding between the Lugendo and Ishunju groupements. Previously characterized by a series of poor and hostile relations, the two communities have started to overcome their differences with positive implications for local development.
Currently there is great enthusiasm among women to be more involved in their groupement’s public affairs. Denis and his team are happy to facilitate this empowerment effort. He says that as a result, many women now play a role as intermediaries between the groupement administration and its citizens. Denis believes that the progress being made in Lugendo is a direct result of SPR and USAID’s intervention.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 34 Hélène Buhoro (photo courtesy of SPR)
MENTORING CLUB ATTENDANCE IMPROVES THE LIVES OF TEEN MOTHERS An 18-year-old mother in North Kivu shares her experience, from struggling to sustain herself to empowering others.
Helene Buhoro lives in the Lutingita locality of North Kivu. As a teen mother, Hélène explains how this situation made her life challenging before finding comfort in a mentoring club:
“While living with my grandmother as a high school student in social sciences, I became pregnant in my first year due to poverty and lack of education about sexuality. My grandmother kicked me out of the house and the father of my child disappeared. I had to prostitute myself to feed myself and my child.
One day I saw women at the market raising awareness about the consequences of early marriage. They told me about the USAID SPR project, implemented by FOSI in my locality, and how it supports different activities within LMCs. That's when I became convinced that I can change the lives of young girls in a similar situation as me. The mentoring club trained us in transformational leadership, advocacy and communication techniques that gave me the skills to reconcile with my family and I engaged with other women in raising awareness and active participation in the LMC.
Now I can express myself freely about being a teenage mother, sharing ideas and solutions for women and reinforcing the theories and social skills I’ve learned. They have given me confidence in myself again.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 35 Jeanne Akili in her pharmacy (Photo courtesy of FOSI)
COMMUNITY OUTREACH GIVES HOPE TO THE MARGINALIZED Mentoring clubs conducting community outreach have taught key financial and leadership skills to marginalized women.
Jeanne Akili lives with her 6 children in a low-income neighborhood of Goma. At 38 years old, she runs a pharmacy on the border between Goma and Rwanda. She is well-known among her patrons for her commitment to vulnerable women and other marginalized people, whom she supports in economic and civic activities and whom she represents to local and provincial authorities.
Jeanne testified: “I am the president of a mentoring club group of nearly 60 women that includes several vulnerable women including albinos, the disabled, and widows. Before I joined this club, I wanted to change the situation of women in my neighborhood, but I didn't know how to advocate for them to political and administrative decision-makers in our province. Additionally, many of us lacked the necessary background in financial literacy to do so.
After joining the mentoring club Ukarimu (meaning ‘kindness’ in English), founded by FOSI and a part of the SPR project funded by USAID, I was trained in financial management skills and advocacy. This allowed me to adeptly manage the financial aspects of my pharmacy, building on my familiarity with savings techniques learned through a VSLA which we founded. I now consider myself a stronger and more motivated leader thanks to my membership in the mentoring club.”
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 36 Chrimwami during a mediation session (photo courtesy of SPR)
PEACE COMMITTEES RESOLVE ETHNIC AND LAND DISPUTES IN KABARE The 40,000 households in the Miti groupement have long faced a variety of conflicts, especially land and ethnic issues in the area.
Chirimwami Bigomba is the chief of the Miti groupement, made up of about 40,000 households in the Kabare chiefdom of South Kivu. Before the SPR project, funded by USAID, intervened, Chirimwami’s groupement struggled with disputes and conflicts that occasionally turned violent. While most conflicts were land-related, occasionally disagreements between the indigenous Pygmy population and the administration of the Kahuzi-Biega National Park escalated into intense conflict.
SPR project partner CDJP responded by dispatching mediators to the conflict zone, who formed a peace committee made up of 25 people representing all members of the Miti groupement. Committee members were trained in key skills such as identifying the problems at hand, conflict mediation, and resolution.
With the help of the new committee, the Miti people have increased their social cohesion by learning to resolve their conflicts amicably. Land conflicts have been steadily falling and new strategies are being developed to decrease incidents between Pygmies and the Kahuzi-Biega Park administration. Thanks to the SPR project and its partners, Chirimwami testifies that he feels his group is within arm’s reach of the peacebuilding process, a key part of sustainable development in the area.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 37 Chief Ishungu (Photo courtesy of SPR)
PEACE COMMITTEES HELP MEDIATE CONFLICTS WITH LOCAL PARTNERS In collaboration with local forces, LPDC committees have identified resolved individual and community conflicts covering a variety of issues.
Ishungu Lugalika is both an expert lawyer and the head of the Ishunju groupement located in Kabare, comprising more than 20,000 households.
He says: “As the groupement leader, my constituents and I owe a lot to this project [SPR]. We understand that the grassroots authorities were overburdened in the management of the multiple conflicts confronting our groupement members. Since we were overwhelmed with cases, several conflicts became more complex and we had difficulty finding our way out of them. The SPR project set up LPDCs that helped us through professional conflict mediation and resolution, leaving us room for flexibility in dealing with a variety of issues that concern the tribe.
Thanks to the mediation undertaken by SPR, we are now collaborating with the members our neighboring groupement Lugendo, something that would have been impossible before 2016.
Maintaining peace is a process, and I ask those in charge of the project to continue to guide us, and I ask groupement members to put into practice the lessons learned so that peace continues to be solidified in our families and our community.”
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 38 ANNEX 3: PARTNER ACTIVITY REPORTS
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USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 39 PARTNER NAME: Commission Diocésaine Justice et Paix (CDJP) Consolidation of peace and social PHOTOS: cohesion in the Karhongo, Lurhala, and Kamisimbi groupements in GRANT TITLE: Ngweshe Chiefdom, Walungu, and the Lugendo and Ishungu groupements surrounding KBNP CONTRIBUTES Objective: 1 TO OBJECTIVE Indicators: 1.2b.; 1.2a; 2a; 2.1a; 1.a; & INDICATORS: 3.3c; Territory: Kabare, Walungu, and around KBNP TARGET AREA: Groupements: Ishungu, Lugendo, Lurhala, Kamisimbi, Karhongo, Miti, Bugorhe, Cirhunga, Irambi-Katana TOTAL Conflict analysis workshop held in Amount: $98,466.30 AMOUNT AND Katana in November 2020 Disbursed: 59% % DISBURSED: PERIOD OF March 10, 2020 – January 5, 2021 PERFORMANCE: The project aims to enhance social cohesion within target communities through conflict prevention and GRANT resolution using community SUMMARY: participatory conflict analysis and research, identifying conflict drivers, and proposing joint solutions for peace and recovery. RESULTS (TARGETS & INDICATORS): • PAR processes conducted in Lurhala; community forum held presenting findings and follow-up. • 3 community dialogues organized in Walungu; one led to a signed agreement by all stakeholders. • Chefférie contacted in Walungu resulting in voicing of conflicts and commitment to solutions. • Walungu community forum organized to present PAR findings & implement follow up groups. • Mediation skills refresher trainings given to LPDCs in Walungu, Kabare, Lugendo, and Ishungu. • Office supplies for LPDCs in Kabare shared for daily office use. • 4 community structures created in KBNP groupements (4) along with conflict resolution training. • Identification and analysis of 16 conflicts in KBNP in community forums. • Conflicts analysed were presented in a forum and validated by community members. IMPACT: Bringing awareness to stakeholders in KBNP of the impact of violence on peaceful coexistence through conflict analysis. The project staff and partners have a better understanding of SPR’s approach to community peacebuilding by project partners and staff. PROUDEST MOMENT: N/A LESSONS LEARNED: Communities understand how to address remaining issues in KBNP even after the close of SPR through their training and understanding of SPR project techniques.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 40 PARTNER NAME: Aide et Action Pour la Paix (AAP) Consolidation of the achievements of the PHOTOS: community peace process in the GRANT TITLE: groupements of Kibabi, Mupfunyi-Shanga, and Goma City CONTRIBUTES Objective: 1 TO OBJECTIVE Indicators: 1.2b.; 1.2a; 2a; 2.1a; 1.a & INDICATORS: Territory: Masisi and Goma City TARGET AREA: Groupements: Kibabi, Mupfunyi-Shanga, Mini-dialogue with women representatives Goma, and Karisimbi communes in Kibabi TOTAL Amount: $73,625.50 AMOUNT AND Disbursed: 100% % DISBURSED: PERIOD OF March 6, 2020 – November 25, 2020 PERFORMANCE: The project supports the implementation of community peace solutions in Kibabi, Mupfunyi-Shanga, Goma, and Karisimbi through the GRANT identification of conflict drivers and SUMMARY: community-proposed solutions, as well as community peace structure interventions leading to effective social cohesion. RESULTS (TARGETS & INDICATORS): • Defined research themes during the PAR process in Kibabi and shared findings with stakeholders during restitutions sessions. • Mini dialogues organized in Kibabi, resulting in the creation of “Cahiers de charge/memorandums.” • 2 groupements and 2 communes in Masisi and Goma completed conflict resolution training. • 2 groupements and 2 communes in Masisi and Goma received office supplies. IMPACT: The reinforcement of social cohesion in Mupfunyi Shanga and Kibabi thanks to the implementation of the Agreement signed during the PAR process (in the base period) of the SPR. PROUDEST MOMENT: After mini dialogues in Kibabi, customary chiefs approached women leaders and agreed that, from now on, women are allowed to benefit from land tenure succession regardless of their marital status. LESSONS LEARNED: N/A
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 41 PARTNER NAME: Institut Supérieur pour la Promotion de la Paix, du Développement et de l’ Environnement (ISPDE) Social cohesion in the community process PHOTOS: of conflict research and analysis in the city GRANT TITLE: of Bukavu and in the Mbinga Nord groupement in Kalehe CONTRIBUTES Objective: 1 TO OBJECTIVE Indicators: 1.2b.; 1.2a; 2a; 2.1a; 1.a ; 3.3c & INDICATORS: Territory: Kalehe and Bukavu City TARGET AREA: Groupements: Mbinga Nord, Ibanda, Kadutu. and Bagira communes TOTAL Amount: $66,179.15 AMOUNT AND Disbursed: 100% % DISBURSED: Mini-dialogues held in Kadutu with PERIOD OF community members March 16, 2020 – December 21, 2020 PERFORMANCE: The project contributes to social cohesion through conflict analysis and transformation in Kadutu commune (city of Bukavu) and Mbinga Nord (Kalehe), as GRANT well as the consolidation of the previous SUMMARY: grant’s achievements. This process involves participatory conflict analyses to understand the context and identify needs to help promote social cohesion. RESULTS (TARGETS & INDICATORS): • 6 mini dialogues organized in Kadutu, with one resulting in a signed agreement by stakeholders. • PAR results presented to the community in a forum and follow up committee created. • Members of this committee organized a coaching session to discuss and clarify their roles. • Local peacebuilding plan for Kadutu was developed, presented, and validated. • Themes are identified, prioritized and implemented for PAR process in Mbinga-Nord. • Conflict analysis carried out for main conflicts. IMPACT: The resolution of the conflict between natives and newcomer communities was resolved, which was appreicated by the Kajangu Commune as first-time beneficiaries of programs from outside partners. PROUDEST MOMENT: The signing of an agreement by all stakeholders in Kadutu to resolve conflicts identified was a very exciting moment after a long period of failure to find suitable solutions. LESSONS LEARNED: N/A
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 42 PARTNER NAME: Forum SIDA (FOSI) PHOTOS: GRANT TITLE: Sote Kwa Amani
CONTRIBUTES Objective: 2 TO OBJECTIVE Meeting between local authorities and Indicators: 2a; 2.2a; 2.3a; 2.3b & INDICATORS: women & OMGs. Territory: Masisi TARGET AREA: Groupements: Kibabi, Biiri, Mupfunyi- Shanga. Goma, Karisimbi TOTAL Amount: $60,867.00 AMOUNT AND Disbursed: 30% % DISBURSED: PERIOD OF March 10, 2020 – November 9, 2020 PERFORMANCE: This project builds the capacity of women & OMGs and local authorities to GRANT ensure participation and inclusion in SUMMARY: research and peacebuilding and reduces COVID-19’s effects on social cohesion.
RESULTS (TARGETS & INDICATORS):
• 6 meetings took place between women & OMGs and local authorities in Karisimbi and Goma. • Office supplies materials and furniture provided to 32 LMCs in Karisimbi and Goma. • 20 coaching sessions led and 12 radio programs recorded on awareness to prevent COVID-19. • 3 educational messages on the fight against COVID-19 aired on 2 local radio stations in October.
IMPACT: LMCs have independently organized coaching, advocacy, and programs for COVID-19 prevention, inclusion and participation, and the promotion of peace and conflict resolution through representative decision making in Mup'funi, Shanga, Kibabi, Biiri and Goma. PROUDEST MOMENT: Advocacy was carried out to take action against several incidences of looting, killing, and kidnapping in the Karisimbi commune of Goma. Members of the Lac-Vert club de quartier took part in actions to bring awareness and communicate these concerns to the chef de quartier. LESSONS LEARNED: LMCs save costs from coaching through group programs and volunteer advocacy, but to ensure long- term success and self-sufficiency, some economic support was necessary in the medium term.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 43 PARTNER NAME: Caritas Development Bukavu Project to support the empowerment of PHOTOS: women and OMGs for inclusion and social GRANT TITLE: cohesion in the communities of Kabare, Walungu, Kalehe, Bukavu, and KBNP in South Kivu CONTRIBUTES Objective: 2 TO OBJECTIVE Indicators: 2.2a; 2.3b; 2.3.c; 2.a. & INDICATORS: Training of women & OMGs in the KBNP Territory: Kabare, Walungu, Kalehe, zone. Bukavu and around KBNP Groupements : Ishungu, Lugendo, Lurhala, TARGET AREA: Kamisimbi, Karhongo, Mbinga Nord, Ibanda, Bagira, Kadutu, Miti, Bugorhe, Cirunga, Irambi-Katana TOTAL Amount: $103,748.10 AMOUNT AND Disbursed: 93% % DISBURSED: PERIOD OF March 14, 2020 - December 7, 2020 PERFORMANCE: The project concerns the empowerment of women & OMGs through increased GRANT understanding between them and local SUMMARY: authorities, as well as the strengthened cooperation between them for social cohesion. RESULTS (TARGETS & INDICATORS): • 26 meetings between women & OMGs and local authorities in all intervention zones. • 45 local authorities and traditional chiefs newly trained in participatory governance. • 36 women & OMGs from new zones trained in transformational leadership and related themes. • 8 regular coaching sessions organized in the new areas of the project. • 33 training sessions on behavior change organized by women & OMGs in all intervention zones. • 62 authorities in the former project zones refreshed in participatory governance topics. IMPACT: Capacity building, dialogue, and advocacy sessions that brought together women & OMGs and local authorities have enabled women in Bugorhe to occupy leadership positions that they were previously prevented from holding under the pretext that women cannot lead. PROUDEST MOMENT: The involvement of the mayor of the commune of Bagira in the fight against the abuse of highly alcoholic drinks, a major source of insecurity in the commune. LESSONS LEARNED: Innovative strategies for empowering women & OMGs in the search for peace must necessarily be coupled with equally innovative strategies for sustainability to bring them out of marginalization and into the peace process.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 44 PARTNER NAME: Consortium Universite Catholique Bukavu (UCB) - Universite Evangelique Afrique (UEA) Dynamics of conflicts around Kahuzi Biega PHOTOS: National Park (KBNP): Prospects for GRANT TITLE: peaceful cohabitation between KBNP and indigenous/pygmies and other riparian populations CONTRIBUTES Objective: 1 TO OBJECTIVE Indicators: 1.3a; 1.3b; 1.3c T03 IR 3.1 & INDICATORS: Territory: Kahuzi Biega National Park and surrounding areas TARGET AREA: Presentation of research findings Groupements: Cirunga, Miti, Bughorhe during a two-day conference. and Irhambi/Katana TOTAL Amount : $79,948.88 AMOUNT AND Disbursed : 90% % DISBURSED: PERIOD OF June 22, 2020 – December 10, 2020 PERFORMANCE: This study will document the dynamics of the conflicts around KBNP and formulate effective proposals for a sustainable resolution. It will focus on GRANT the types of conflicts and their root SUMMARY: causes, the key actors, their positions and their systemic links, the consequences of them, and ultimately provide recommendations for intervention and public policy. RESULTS (TARGETS & INDICATORS): • Production of first draft and final version of the research report. • Organized a debriefing session allowing contributors to the study to amend and approve the results. • Organized two conferences presenting and discussing the study results. IMPACT: The results of the study gave rise to response activities for the implementation of a process to help the communities and stakeholders in the zone effectively manage conflicts. PROUDEST MOMENT: The conferences reveleated that beyond the KBNP’s indigenous peoples conflict there is further turmoil between Pygmy groups that is a driving force behind the failure of local peace processes. LESSONS LEARNED: The political-administrative authorities who were the primary audience of the report did not participate. Next steps must include discussions with them and their commitment to implement the results of the study to use them as a basis for actions for local peace processes.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 45 PARTNER NAME: Aide et Action Pour la Paix (AAP)
GRANT TITLE: Social Dialogue on the Turunga Land Dispute
CONTRIBUTES Objective: 1 TO OBJECTIVE Indicators: 1.a; 1.b & INDICATORS: Territory: Nyiragongo TARGET AREA: Groupements: Munigi (Turunga Village) TOTAL Amount: $10,512.86 AMOUNT AND Disbursed: 90% % DISBURSED: PERIOD OF August 14, 2020 – October 31, 2020 PERFORMANCE: The grant aims to support a dialogue, between the parties in the Turunga land conflict and the customary authorities of the Munigi groupement, the village of GRANT Turunga and the chiefdom of Bukumu. The grant will establish a community peace SUMMARY: structure accepted by all and organize mini-dialogues to achieve a peaceful resolution.
RESULTS (TARGETS & INDICATORS): • 4 mini dialogues held to benefit each party in the conflict. • Organized meetings with the provincial assembly and the parliamentary commission to resolve the Turunga conflict. • Set up exchanges with the vice-president of the provincial assembly and president of the commission to understand conflict elements and process continuation proposals. • Developed proposal to amend the grant to include activities for the SPR project’s exit. • Presented on the process changes, setbacks, and possible solutions to the provincial assembly. IMPACT: Parties involved voluntarily agreed to engage in social dialogue for a peaceful conflict resolution. PROUDEST MOMENT: The mini-dialogues revealed the initial claims of the parties to the provincial assembly. Compared to previous bilateral discussions with the provincial assembly, some demands were reversed, allowing us to rethink the next step in the rapid response. LESSONS LEARNED: It is difficult to have a quick response to a conflict that dates back several years and has already yielded consequences. The dialogue process needs sufficient time (a minimum of 6 months) to take shape and lead to solutions.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 46 PARTNER NAME: Synergie d’initiatives pour les Grands Lacs (SYNIGL) Project to update the study on the activism PHOTOS: of armed groups in South Kivu: relations GRANT TITLE: and dynamics between armed groups and communities in South Kivu (case of the territories of Walungu, Kalehe, Fizi) CONTRIBUTES Objective 1 TO OBJECTIVE Indicators 1.3, T03 IR 3.1 & INDICATORS: TARGET AREA: Territories : Walungu, Fizi, Kalehe COVID-19 hygiene kits distributed at a TOTAL group session Amount : $37,928.87 AMOUNT AND Disbursed: 95% % DISBURSED: PERIOD OF September 15, 2020 – December 30, 2020 PERFORMANCE: The grant aims to understand the causes and motives for the proliferation of armed groups in South Kivu and study the relationships and dynamics between the local communities in which they operate, GRANT to create avenues for effective and SUMMARY: sustainable solutions to help restore peace and community recovery in South Kivu. The study also provides solutions and strategies to prevent armed group activity and strengthen social cohesion. RESULTS (TARGETS & INDICATORS): • Organized a mini survey for information gathering, analysis and processing of collected data. • Carried out documentary review to complete the information collected through reading. • Organized a meeting to complement and compare the data collected with key stakeholders. • Merged two previous articles and produced research report based on updated data. • Held a retreat for the final writing and proofreading of the final products. IMPACT: Updating the 2018 data allows for a comparative and systemic analysis of the resilience of communities to armed groups and to guide interventions in areas where armed groups are present. PROUDEST MOMENT: The collaboration with the SPR project has developed positively: technical coaching, monitoring and evaluation as well as the following of deadlines have allowed the project to evolve smoothly. LESSONS LEARNED: Research requires many resources to have convincing results. Updates to data should be given the same funding as producing original data and observing changes over time. It is possible to anticipate difficult sites for collection, and plan accordingly.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 47 PARTNER NAME: Cadre Provincial de Plaidoyer Sud-Kivu (CPP-SK)/Héritiers De La Justice (HDLJ) Advocacy initiative to eradicate and PHOTOS: GRANT TITLE: reduce the impact of COVID-19 in South Kivu Province CONTRIBUTES Objective: 3 TO OBJECTIVE Indicators: 3.3c & INDICATORS: Information and advocacy session Territory: Kabare, Kalehe, Uvira, held with the provincial assembly Walungu TARGET AREA: Groupements: Mbinga Nord, Ibanda, Kadutu. and Bagira communes TOTAL Amount: $66,697.17 AMOUNT AND Disbursed:100% % DISBURSED: PERIOD OF July 20, 2020 – December 10, 2020 PERFORMANCE: The project contributes to social cohesion through implementation of GRANT activities and research on the social SUMMARY: impact of COVID-19 in South Kivu, as well as advocacy sessions at various levels to prevent its spread. RESULTS (TARGETS & INDICATORS): • Held bi-weekly survey on COVID-19: on security, the protection of women & OMGs, access to basic services, the local economy, and the movement of goods and access to information. • Conducted 3 follow-up advocacy activities with sectorial authorities after the impact evaluation. • Aired 5 radio programs on COVID-19 with 5 different community media organizations. IMPACT: People in South Kivu have gained useful information on actions by the authorities, SPR, and USAID to mitigate the extent of COVID-19 in the community. Administrative leaders committed to taking measures to combat insecurity and all forms of violence in the province's cities and villages. PROUDEST MOMENT: Involvement of civil, military and political authorities in the monitoring and advocacy process. The presence of women & OMGs in monitoring and advocacy activities has grown. LESSONS LEARNED: N/A
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 48 PARTNER NAME: Actions des Chrétiens Unis pour le Développement Intégral (ACUDI) PHOTOS: Acting together for peace and community GRANT TITLE: recovery in the North Kivu province Working session with community peace structures on conflict CONTRIBUTES Objective: 3 TO OBJECTIVE mediation and advocacy. Indicators: 3.1a; 3.1b; 3.2c; 3.2a; 3.3a; 3.3c & INDICATORS: Territory: Masisi TARGET AREA: Groupement: Biiri, Goma, Karisimbi TOTAL Amount: $80,899.54 AMOUNT AND Disbursed:100% % DISBURSED: PERIOD OF March 6, 2020 – October 15, 2020 PERFORMANCE: This project contributes to supervising and monitoring community peace structures/activities in the community GRANT mediation process and in prevention of SUMMARY: COVID-19, as well as the evaluation of its impact on the socioeconomic living conditions of communities in Biiri. RESULTS (TARGETS & INDICATORS): • 6 participatory plays on themes of strengthening social cohesion in the Biiri groupement. • 1 exchange and reflection workshop between the population of the Biiri groupement and legal and security services on their respective roles and responsibilities in establishing and maintaining peace and security in the community. IMPACT: The participation, commitment and interest exhibited by local authorities to support community-based initiatives greatly facilitate the mobilization of all communities in the peace process and peaceful coexistence between ethnic communities (Hutu, Hunde, Tutsi, Tembo) within the Biiri groupement. PROUDEST MOMENT: Ethnic communities from Biiri and local authorities are mobilized around the consolidation of peace, social cohesion and peaceful cohabitation in the groupement. LESSONS LEARNED: The participatory plays/sketches, highlighted by intercultural songs played by local artists, can ensure a lasting impact of the key messages presented, on peace, cohesion, and peaceful coexistence between communities in the groupement.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 49 PARTNER NAME: : Centre Olame & Tous pour le Genre et le Développement (TGD) Promotion and consolidation of peace in PHOTOS: GRANT TITLE: the riparian zone of KBNP in Kalehe and Kabare Territory in South Kivu CONTRIBUTES Objective: 3 TO OBJECTIVE Indicators: 3b, 3.1a, 3.1b, 3.2c, 3.2d, 3.3a, Discussion over conflicts identified & INDICATORS: 3.3b during participatory research Territory: Kalehe, Kabare TARGET AREA: Groupements: Miti, Bugorhe analyses in Miti groupement. TOTAL Amount: $66,418.80 AMOUNT AND Disbursed: 90% % DISBURSED: PERIOD OF March 14, 2020 – December 15, 2020 PERFORMANCE: The project aims to strengthen and improve social cohesion and lasting GRANT peace through equitable access to SUMMARY: resources and livelihood in the riparian zone of Kahuzi Biéga National Park and in Kalehe and Kabare in South Kivu. RESULTS (TARGETS & INDICATORS): • 14 events on social cohesion (10 participative theatres and 4 days of dialogue) organized. • Empowered 7 service user committees. • Organized sessions to re-launch 7 service user committees: 40% of women & OMGs have been elected as members. • Capacity building provided to 30 service providers of the 5 target structures. • At least 40% service providers supported and implementing skills from organized sessions. • Capacity building of 270 OMGs and their partners in livelihoods (EA$E approach). • Organized 6 dialogues on advocacy between community members and local authorities. • Facilitated 10 connections between livelihoods structures and private sector actors. IMPACT: Reflections and exchanges organized in the riparian zone of the KBNP enabled communities to make commitments and set up action plans to resolve major conflicts issues. A platform called the "Gender Champion Group" was established, aiming to regularly sensitize people on the abandonment of discriminatory practices against OMGs, particularly the fight against SGBV. PROUDEST MOMENT: The interfacing between community and local & sectoral authorities in advocacy dialogues around 6 major issues including 3 in Miti and 3 in Bugorhe, which resulted in the production of 6 testimonial memos in which local authorities have taken positive decisions toward providing solutions LESSONS LEARNED: If community members are involved in decision-making by their leaders to solve local conflicts, they will feel more invested in finding and owning effective solutions to these community conflicts.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 50 PARTNER NAME: Appui aux Initiatives de Bien-Etre Familial (AIBEF) Peace for Development in Walungu PHOTOS: GRANT TITLE: Territory and Bukavu City in South Kivu, DR Congo CONTRIBUTES Objective: 3 TO OBJECTIVE Indicators: 3b, 3.1a, 3.1b, 3.2c, 3.2d, 3.3a, & INDICATORS: 3.3b; Session organized by AIBEF to Territory: Walungu, Bukavu TARGET AREA: Groupements: Kamisimbi, Lurhala, connect VSLAs and public and Karhongo, Kadutu. private sector actors. TOTAL Amount: $61,604.40 AMOUNT AND Disbursed: 95% % DISBURSED: PERIOD OF March 14, 2020 – December 30, 2020 PERFORMANCE: The project aims to strengthen and improve social cohesion and lasting peace through equitable access to GRANT resources and livelihood within the SUMMARY: communities of Bukavu City and Walungu Territory; Kamisimbi, Lurhala, and Karhongo groupements; and Kadutu commune in South Kivu. RESULTS (TARGETS & INDICATORS): • 7 user committees re-established. • 6 dialogue sessions between community members and local authorities identified problems that require specific interventions by authorities. • 10 events on social cohesion organized and messages promoting social cohesion broadcasted. • At least 40% service providers are enabled and implement knowledge acquired from dialogues. IMPACT: Several social dialogue sessions between Kadutu commune inhabitants, their local authorities and Regideso leadership have strengthened collaboration and social cohesion in the Avenue Buholo 1er Mosala district, where recurrent conflicts have existed since August 2020. Renewed trust has enabled them to set up mechanisms to reduce insecurity in their area. PROUDEST MOMENT: The cooperation and collaboration between the Mosala district’s local leaders and the local and administrative authorities while working together to resolve local conflicts. LESSONS LEARNED: The more community members (local authorities, administrative authorities and local leaders) come together to seek solutions to commonly identified issues, the more effective their efforts become.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 51 PARTNER NAME: : Collectif Alpha Ujuvi (CAU) Support to community participation for PHOTOS: social cohesion and inclusion of women GRANT TITLE: and OMGs in developing livelihoods through the ASP/AKM program in the groupement M/Kibabi CONTRIBUTES Objective: 3 TO OBJECTIVE Indicators: 3b; 3.1a; 3.1b; 3.2c; 3.2d; 3.3a; User committee members following & INDICATORS: 3.3b an activity organized by CAU. Territory: Masisi TARGET AREA: Groupement: M/Kibabi and M/Shanga TOTAL Amount: $57,077.20 AMOUNT AND Disbursed: 100% % DISBURSED: PERIOD OF March 6, 2020 – November 30, 2020 PERFORMANCE: The project aims to strengthen and improve social cohesion and lasting GRANT peace through equitable access to SUMMARY: resources and livelihood within the Kibabi and Muvunyi Shanga groupements of Masisi Territory in North Kivu. RESULTS (TARGETS & INDICATORS): • Strengthened capacity of 9 service providers (5 men and 4 women) in the Kirotshe health zone on good governance and 9 service providers (5 men and 4 women) of the Katoyi Health Zone on “Lower Maternity Risk.” • Facilitated 7 social cohesion events including 2 mass raising-awareness sessions through participatory theatres on peace, social cohesion and peaceful coexistence. • Conducted a dialogue between CODESA Mitubala and Rutobogo between M/Shanga groupement authorities and CSO members to address conflict issues in the M/Shanga groupement. IMPACT: The various dialogue and awareness sessions on peace and social cohesion have enabled authorities and service committee members to improve services in the community, such as the Rutobogo health center, whereby the local authorities agreed to get involved in the process of building the maternity ward in the M/Shanga group PROUDEST MOMENT: The active participation of community members in sensitization activities through participatory theaters on peace and social cohesion made it possible to bring together the communities of the M/shanga and M/Kibabi and involve authorities in the dialogue through their demonstrated interest in supporting the committees’ advocacy to construct the maternity ward. LESSONS LEARNED: Sometimes conflicts arise from suspicion and mistrust because of poor communication. This is proven by songs, dances and declarations during group discussion activities as well as during the celebration of the peaceful march and participatory theaters. Participants acknowledged local conflicts also arise from some politicians acting in their own interest.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 52 ANNEX 4: GRANT PROGRAM STATUS
USAID’S SPR GRANT PIPELINE AND STATUS
BUDGET DISBURSED IMPLEMENTATION ORGANIZATION NAME DURATION PROVINCE (USD) TO-DATE STATUS Technically closed. Last milestone paid. Pending AAP (Aide et Action pour la $73,625.50 8 months North Kivu $73,625.50 admin close-out Paix) (Egnyte, signing of close-out checklists) ACUDI (Actions des Chrétiens Technicallybefore 15FEB2021. closed. Last Unis pour le Développement $80,899.54 7 months North Kivu $80,899.54 milestone paid. Pending Intégral) Y5 activities. Technically closed. Pending certification AIBEF (Appui aux Initiatives de and payment of last $61,604.40 9 months South Kivu $50,118.25 Bien-être Familial) milestones submitted (before 31JAN2021). Pending Y5 activities. Technically closed, pending certification and payment of last Caritas Développement Bukavu $103,748.10 8 months South Kivu $96,189.48 milestones submitted (before 31JAN2021). Pending Y5 activities. Technically closed, pending certification, CDJP (Commission Diocésaine payment of last Justice Et Paix / Archidiocèse de $98,466.30 9 months South Kivu $57,999.05 milestones: 3A-3B and Bukavu) 4 (before 31JAN2021). Pending Y5 activities. Technically closed. Last milestone paid. Pending Admin close-out Collectif ALPHA-UJUVI $57,077.20 8 months North Kivu $57,077.20 (Egnyte, signing of close-out checklists) before 15FEB2021. Technically closed, waiting certification Consortium Centre Olame & $66,418.80 8 months South Kivu $53,860.59 and payment of last TGD (TOUS POUR LE GENRE) milestones submitted (before 31JAN2021). Pending Y5 activities.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 53 Technically closed. Last milestone paid. Wait Admin close-out FOSI (Forum SIDA) $60,867.00 7 months North Kivu $60,867.00 (Egnyte, signing of close-out checklists) before 15FEB2021. ISPDE (Institut Supérieur pour la Technically closed. Last Promotion de la Paix du $66,179.15 8.5 months South Kivu $66,179.15 milestone paid. Pending Développement et de Y5 activities. l’environnement) Technically closed. Last CPP-SK (Cadre Provincial de $66,697.17 4 months South Kivu $66,697.17 milestone paid. Pending Plaidoyer Sud-Kivu Plaidoyer) Y5 activities. Technically closed. Pending certification SYNIGL $37,928.87 3 months South Kivu $36,032.43 and payment of last milestone + close-out before 15FEB2021. Technically closed, pending certification, Université Catholique de Bukavu payment of last - Université Evangélique en $79,948.88 5 months South Kivu $71,953.99 milestones (before Afrique (UCB-UEA) 31JAN2021). Pending Y5 activities. Standby. POP expired. Pending COP decision: AAP Rapid Response $10,512.86 2 months North Kivu $9,461.58 Extension or termination.
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 54 ANNEX 5: YEAR 5 QUARTER 2 ACTIVITY CALENDAR (JANUARY – MARCH 2021)
USAID's SPR WORKPLAN YEAR 5 21-Jan 21-Feb 21-Mar COMPONENT/ CODE GOAL PARTNERS COVERAGE INDICATOR ACTIVITY W W W W W W W W W W W W 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 OP.1 COORDINATION AND CROSSCUTTING ACTIVITIES Local partners SK – Kabare, receive capacity Kalehe, Reinforce early warning USAID SPR building in Bukavu, and emerging conflict staff and monitoring and Walungu OP.1.1 monitoring and grantees and 3.3b prevention of reporting to prevent other emerging NK – Masisi, escalation of tensions USAID IPs conflict and Goma tensions Participate in USAID, SPR is well- SK – Kabare, UN, government represented in Kalehe, coordination platform and contributes Bukavu, OP.1.2 USAID's SPR 2b, 3a meetings or clusters, to all relevant Walungu including for COVID- coordination NK – Masisi, 19 response meetings Goma Support celebration of USAID SPR SK – Kabare, Peace Days and other visibility Kalehe, advocacy events increased, Bukavu, (International Peace advocacy OP.1.3 USAID SPR Walungu 1.1d Day, 16 Days against agenda and SGBV, Human mission in NK – Masisi, International Day, eastern DRC Goma Amani Festival, IWD) known Four meetings SK and field Organize and conduct missions USAID SPR USAID SPR quarterly organized with OP.1.5 and UU SPR consultative committee GoRDC and partners NK meeting and field visits officials from technical ministries
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 55 Consolidate programmatic Senior USAID SPR quarterly and operational management Goma, OP.1.6 steering committee approaches of each SPR Bukavu meetings across the consortium USAID SPR partner consortium
Contribute to SK – Kabare, staff Kalehe, Organize internal all- transitioning Bukavu, OP.1.7 staff planning meetings USAID SPR and moving on Walungu and teambuilding at the end of SPR NK – Masisi, Goma COMPONENT 1: COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS IDENTIFY CONFLICT DRIVERS AND AGREE ON SOLUTIONS General Activities Revitalize provincial Two advocacy advocacy framework networks and (CPP-SK and CPP-NK) A.0.1.1 105 LPDCs are USAID SPR SK, NK 1.3a & 1.3b and local peace and reinforced and development operational committees (LPDCs) Community monitoring and reporting of Two advocacy COVID-19's impact on networks and A.0.1.2 peace, social cohesion, 105 LPDCs are USAID SPR SK, NK 1.3a & 1.3b and women's and other reinforced and marginalized groups' operational conditions SR-1.1 Strengthened local organizations conduct conflict analysis Improve overall CSO 30 CSOs (including local partner) trained in capacity on conflict conflict USAID SPR USAID SPR A.1.1.1 sensitivity, participatory sensitivity, 1a, 1.1a & 1.1b and partners and partners conflict analysis, participatory research, and community facilitation conflict analysis Support community LPDC members SK – Bukavu, presentation and are able to Kabare, validation of engage in USAID SPR Walungu A.1.1.2 1.2b, 1a participatory conflict validation of and partners NK – Masisi, analysis findings from participatory Goma research conducted conflict analysis
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 56 during option period to various stakeholders, including government authorities SR 1.2 Inclusive stakeholder participatory conflict analysis and identification of solutions improved Finalize five SK – participatory Walungu, Conduct participatory conflict analyses USAID SPR Bukavu, A.1.2.1 1.2a action researches validated with and partners Kabare, participation of Kalehe target groups NK – Masisi Partners Support advocacy improve their actions taking capacity to lead SK grassroots USAID SPR A.1.2.2 advocacy 1a, 1b & 3c evidence/voices to and partners efforts at provincial and national provincial and levels NK national levels SR 1.3 Congolese researchers conduct context-specific conflict research Six conflict Conduct participatory assessments conflict assessments and research South Kivu and researches, reports and USAID SPR A.1.3.1 and North 1.a & 1.b support publication and articles to be and partners Kivu dissemination of produced and findings disseminated or published COMPONENT 2 : PARTICIPATORY SOLUTIONS IMPLEMENTED SR 2.1 Women and members of marginalized groups participate in and lead community decision-making processes 75 leadership SK – mentoring club Walungu, members Bukavu, Scaling up and reinforce their Kabare, strengthening the leadership skills Kalehe capacity of women's and talents to USAID SPR A.2.1.1. 2b, 2.1.a, 2.3b and other marginalized participate in and partners groups' leadership peacebuilding mentoring clubs processes and NK – Masisi, support Goma creation of new clubs SR 2.2 Inclusion increased in traditional and formal governance structures and processes
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 57 Local and SK – traditional Walungu, Facilitate connections authorities and Bukavu, and discussions targeted Kabare, between women' communities Kalehe USAID SPR A.2.2.1 mentoring leadership increase 2.1a & 2.3.a and partners clubs and local awareness and authorities & traditional are engaged to NK – Masisi, leaders fight against Goma negative social norms SR 2.3 Inclusive community norms and attitudes promoted Community Transforming social members in norms, attitudes, and SK – SPR targeted barriers that constrain Walungu, areas increase the participation of USAID SPR Bukavu, A.2.3.1 awareness and 2b & 2.3a women and other and partners Kabare, are engaged to marginalized groups in Kalehe NK – fight against decision-making and Masisi, Goma negative social peace processes norms COMPONENT 3: RESOURCES FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MORE INCLUSIVELY ALLOCATED SR3.1 Linkages to livelihood activities and resources increased VSLA groups SK – Kabare, Continuing that facilitate Kalehe, accompaniment and livelihood Walungu, refresher training in receiving USAID SPR Bukavu A.3.1.1 3.1a favor of livelihood refresher and partners groups established in training and NK – Masisi, base period ongoing Goma coaching Women and SK – Kabare, Improve women's and OMG members Kalehe, other marginalized engage in USAID SPR Walungu, A.3.1.2 3.1b groups' capacity in training that and partners Bukavu livelihood development facilitates NK – Masisi, livelihood Goma Build community Livelihood SK – Kabare, planning capacity in solutions USAID SPR Kalehe, A.3.1.3 2.3b & 3.1b livelihoods, particularly community and partners Walungu, for women and other driven with Bukavu
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 58 marginalized groups in action plan communities adjoining objectives NK – Masisi, Kahuzi Biega National developed and Goma Park (KBNP) implemented Private sector SK – Kabare, engaged in Kalehe, Private sector engaged supporting USAID SPR Walungu, A.3.1.4 in support of resource community 3.1a and partners Bukavu mobilization recovery and social cohesion NK – Masisi, initiatives Goma SR3.2 Equitable community participation in basic service provision increased Community Support the process of development SK – Kabare, integration of plans Kalehe, groupements integrating Walungu, community equitable local USAID SPR Bukavu A.3.2.1 3b development plans solutions to and partners developed during the resolve conflict base period into are integrated NK – Masisi, chefféries’ plans into chefféries Goma plans Improve efficacy of SK – Kabare, service provision USAID SPR, Kalehe, Regular through capacity partners, Walungu, A.3.2.2 dialogue on 3.2a & 3.2c building of committees, and Bukavu service quality permanent dialogue, committees NK – Masisi , and quality monitoring Goma SR 3.3 Participation in confidence building and peace promotion increased Support local peace and SK – Kabare, social cohesion Kalehe, initiatives that promote USAID SPR Walungu, Forty peace and confidence building and Bukavu, social cohesion 3.1a, 3.3a& A.3.3.1 between communities partners, KBNP initiatives 3.3b and government service CPP-NK, supported providers, including CPP-SK NK – Masisi, advocacy and social Goma cohesion activities
USAID.GOV SOLUTIONS FOR PEACE AND RECOVERY QUARTERLY REPORT FY2021 Q1 | 59