Mid-Term Evaluation of Search for Common Ground (Centre Lokol) “Supporting Congo’s Transition Towards Sustainable Peace” programme in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

FINAL REPORT

22nd March 2006

Mary Myers Judy El-Bushra

Triple Line Consulting ltd 1 Princeton Court 55 Felsham Rd LONDON SW15 1AZ, UK Tel: +44-20-8788-4666 Fax: +44-20-8788-5777 www.tripleline.com [email protected] Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

Glossary of Acronyms

APEC Appui au Processus Electoral au Congo APEFE Association pour l’Education et pour la Formation à l’Etranger – an aid agency of the Belgian Government CAR Central African Republic CEI Commission Electorale Indépendante (Independent Electoral Commission) CL Centre Lokolé CONADER Commission de désarmement, démobilisation et réinsertion des ex-combattants DDR Disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration DDRRR Disarmament, demobilisation, repatriation, reinsertion and reintegration DME Design, monitoring and evaluation FDLR Forces Démocratiques de Libération du Rwanda HAM Haute Autorité des Médias IA International Alert IFES International Foundation for Election Systems KAB Knowledge, Attitude and Behaviour (surveys) MIJAS Mission des Jacobins Sages NGO Non-governmental organisation RCD Rassemblement Congolais pour la Démocratie RDC République Démocratique du Congo REPPAD Réseau de Pacification pour la Paix et le Développement RO Radio Okapi RTNC Radio Télévision Nationale Congolaise SfCG Search for Common Ground UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

Note: The use of the term ‘ex child-soldier’ refers to all children formerly associated with armed groups and forces, as combatants or in other roles (porters, cooks, sex slaves etc.) who are now demobilised.

Acknowledgements:

We would like to thank all those who gave us their time and insights, and for making this review a very illuminating and enjoyable experience.

- Judy El Bushra and Mary Myers, March 2006

Final Report 22nd March 2006 2 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Executive Summary...... 4 1 Introduction ...... 7 2 Methodology ...... 9 3 Assessment of outputs and their contribution to the programme’s purpose ...... 10 3.1 Introduction to CL’s Programme ...... 10 3.2 Progress Against Outputs...... 10 3.3 Is the project on the right track in terms of objectives, deliverables and budget? 17 4 CL’s contribution to peace-building in the DRC transition .... 19 4.1 What has CL contributed to national processes? ...... 19 4.1.1 DDR and the creation of a unified national army ...... 19 4.2 What has SfCG contributed to the reduction of tension in the East? ...... 22 4.2.1 ‘Common ground’ journalism ...... 22 4.2.2 Community reconciliation...... 23 4.2.3 Creative arts and conflict transformation...... 24 5 CL in relation to DFID’s media and peace-building portfolios and post-election ‘community recovery’...... 26 5.1 What is Centre Lokolé’s Unique Selling Point? ...... 26 5.2 Synergies between media and peace-building ...... 27 5.2.1. Media issues ...... 27 5.2.2. Peace building...... 27 5.3. Centre Lokolé and community recovery ...... 28 6 Monitoring and Evaluation Issues ...... 30 7. Recommendations ...... 32 7.1 Recommendations for DFID: ...... 32 7.2 Recommendations to Centre Lokolé for enhancing current activities: ...... 32 7.3 Recommendations for Centre Lokolé on institutional processes and linkages:.....33 Annex 1: Terms of Reference...... 35 Annex 2: List of Key Documents Reviewed ...... 38 Annex 3: People Consulted during Mid-Term Review...... 39 Annex 4: Original Logframe...... 42 Annex 5: PowerPoint Presentation with Preliminary Findings .. 46 Annex 6: Output to Purpose Review ...... 50 6.1 Part A - Project Data...... 50 6.2 Part B - Recommendations ...... 51 6.3 Part C – Project Scoring Assessment ...... 53 6.4 Part D – Risk Management ...... 62 6.5 Part E – Lessons Learned ...... 63 Annex 7: Clarifications Presented by Search for Common Ground in DRC ...... 64

Final Report 22nd March 2006 3 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

Executive Summary

This mid-term output-to-purpose review of Search for Common Ground’s (Centre Lokolé - CL) “Supporting Congo’s Transition towards Sustainable Peace” programme was undertaken to provide an objective assessment of the programme’s progress against its aims, and its impact to date. The review found that, in general, the programme is on the right track to achieve its purpose (laying the foundations for sustainable peace by enhancing informative and participative communication around the transition process and by contributing to the reduction of tensions in the Eastern Congo) through activities focused on conflict transformation, media training and, to a lesser extent, community reconciliation. The next 18 months provide CL with an opportunity to consolidate the successes for the first phase of this programme while also allowing it to strengthen internal capacity around management and monitoring and evaluation. DFID should have no hesitation in continuing to provide funding for this phase.

Centre Lokolé has successfully undertaken a large number of activities since the start of the programme. These have included: ! Producing ten weekly radio programmes which are distributed to a total of 84 radio stations (including the production of six weekly radio programmes broadcast through around 35 stations in the Kiswahili zone); ! Activities aimed at reducing tensions in Eastern DRC including four facilitated community reconciliation projects, and the establishment of two theatre troupes specialising in participatory theatre for conflict transformation; ! Providing partner radio stations with basic factual and official documentation related to various national processes together with in-kind support (basic broadcasting equipment); ! Distributing a comic strip version of one of the radio soap operas as well as posters on elections and other transition issues; ! Training around 200 journalists and writers of radio drama in ‘common ground’ journalism, writing for specific formats, and editing processes.

Centre Lokolé is also starting to develop activities which include elements of both radio and on-the-ground conflict transformation work. These include: ! A radio series on army integration and a training initiative for newly integrated brigades, focusing on human rights, communication and conflict transformation.; ! Activities promoting the reintegration of returning refugees in South Kivu through a combination of radio, theatre, and community development initiatives (in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees).

Assessment

CL is currently in the process of setting up a design, monitoring and evaluation (DME) system. This means that, at present, evidence of impact is incomplete, however listener feedback, some limited audience survey work, and

Final Report 22nd March 2006 4 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC stakeholder appreciations do provide some indication of the positive outcomes of the work to-date.

CL is the only organisation in DRC that is advocating conflict transformation to a mass-audience. It combines practical peace-building with the power of the mass-media (i.e. radio), to inform and encourage Congolese participation in the ongoing peace process, as well as influencing knowledge, attitudes and behaviour of the audience in ways that can facilitate peace. In particular, ‘Jirani ni Ndugu’ (a soap opera) and ‘Sisi Watoto’ (magazine programme on children’s rights prepared and produced by children) both attract large audiences owing to their entertainment value and capacity to reflect the language and outlook of ordinary people in eastern DRC.

CL has promoted conflict transformation communication through its radio outputs as well as through participatory theatre (in which field it has become an important resource), and to a less evident degree through its on-the-ground community work. There is some evidence that CL’s outputs have helped reduce general levels of tension, as well as contributing to specific instances where violence has been prevented, including most notably child demobilisation resulting from ‘Sisi Watoto’.

The key achievement of CL’s radio output is that it produces informative, relevant and stimulating material which is disseminated to mass audiences in parts of the country where few other sources of information or discussion reach. Programmes have contributed to transition processes by enabling people to become better informed about the transition and better able to assess and act on information, and by providing outlets for popular opinions and commentary.

CL has contributed to media development through the training of professionals – including the young ‘Sisi Watoto’ reporters - and by setting high standards in its own programmes. It is the only organisation in DRC tackling elections from the standpoint of covering positive stories while being alert to the potential for conflict to result from the language or choice of stories chosen.

Moreover, when compared to other media organisations in the country CL’s programme includes a wide range of activities which are not being attempted by other organisations. These include developing creative radio formats, especially drama; promoting the only production by and for children broadcast throughout the Kiswahili zone; and developing programme formats which allow ordinary people from all over the country to have their say. CL’s approach is an example to other organisations on how to use a multi-media approach with inventiveness and creativity, and, as such, is a contribution to improved media standards throughout DRC.

Community-level reconciliation activities work through local peace organisations operating in strategically important locations and contexts. However, this work has been given limited attention to-date, owing to a combination of human and financial resource constraints and a conscious decision to focus resources on media work which is where CL considers it can make most difference.

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Summary of Recommendations

1. Recommendations to Centre Lokolé for enhancing current activities: a) CL should consider identifying a series of priority subjects for which it will develop longer and more in-depth treatment. b) It should also consider the possibility of extending coverage of ‘Sisi Watoto’ throughout the country, developing the scope and range of its participatory theatre troupes, and expansion into TV. c) The team should undertake an assessment of its experience with on-the- ground community reconciliation work with a view to deciding what level of resources to invest in this work. d) CL should look for ways to enhance synergies between community reconciliation work and media work. e) In the long term CL will need to consider undertaking a broader analysis of the conflict, to include the roles of marginalised groups (e.g. women, pygmés, and the rural poor).

2. Recommendations to Centre Lokolé on institutional processes and linkages: a) Some revisions to the project log-frame need to be made. b) CL should commit to paper an agreed work-plan for the remaining 18 months of the project as soon as possible. c) CL should strengthen its plans, and internal capacity, for monitoring and evaluation. d) CL should continue to look for ways to collaborate with Radio Okapi, Panos and other peace-building and development agencies. e) CL should review and possibly reorient its programme of training for journalists. f) CL should start to consider themes for a post-conflict scenario. g) CL should consider whether, and how, its community work could be strengthened through joint programming with other peacebuilding organisations.

3. Recommendations for DFID: a) The outputs and the purpose of the project are largely being achieved - or are well on the way to being so. DFID should have no hesitation in funding the second half of the 3-year grant foreseen for Search for Common Ground.

Final Report 22nd March 2006 6 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

1 Introduction

1.1 Background to the Review

This report documents the mid-term output-to-purpose review of Search for Common Ground’s1 (SfCG) “Supporting Congo’s Transition towards Sustainable Peace” programme, funded by the Department for International Development (DFID). Terms of reference (TORs) for this review were finalised in January 2006 (see Annex 1) and Triple Line Consulting Ltd. was contracted by DFID to provide two consultants, Mary Myers and Judy El Bushra, specialists in media and peace-building respectively, to undertake the review. The main questions for the evaluation were:

1. Is the project on the right track in terms of objectives, deliverables and budget? 2. Are the anticipated outputs likely to be achieved by the project end, and how will these outputs contribute to the stated purpose (Output to Purpose Review)? 3. What is SfCG’s “Unique Selling Point” (USP), i.e. what is SfCG doing that others are not? 4. What are the links and synergies between media and peace-building, and what lessons can be learned? 5. What has SfCG actually contributed to national processes such as disarmament, demobilisation and reinsertion (DDR), the creation of a unified national army, the national peace process, preparations for elections, repatriation of refugees and child soldiers? 6. What links exist between SfCG and other elements of DFID’s overall programme, particularly its media and its peace-building work? How effective are they and what lessons can be learned? 7. What lessons can be learned from SfCG’s approach, for post-elections “community recovery” from conflict? 8. What further questions need to be asked amongst SfCG’s listeners and other partners and audience to complete the programme-based evaluations that Centre Lokolé has already done? And what methodology is recommended?

Field work for this evaluation was carried out between 20 January and 5 February 2006.

1.2 Search for Common Ground and DFID Support in DRC

When it is well regulated and managed, DFID believes that the media can be a major force for improving the quality of government in developing and transitional countries2. DFID’s support to regulation and to some of the best media initiatives in the DRC is premised on the media’s potential role in facilitating a peaceful political transition, promoting free and fair elections, the establishment of a functioning state apparatus and in tackling poverty through education and providing a voice for the impoverished majority.

Through its media programme, DFID is supporting three media-related

1 Search for Common Ground is known in DRC as Centre Lokolé, the name used in this document. 2‘ The Media in Governance: a Guide to Assistance’ DFID 2001: London Final Report 22nd March 2006 7 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

organisations in DRC: Radio Okapi, the Panos Institute and Search for Common Ground (Centre Lokolé; CL). DFID has been supporting CL’s 3- year programme, entitled ‘Supporting Congo’s Transition towards Sustainable Peace’, since October 2004 with a total grant of £1.2 million. The programme objectives, in summary, are to:

1. Enhance informative and participative communication around the transition process and; 2. Contribute to the reduction of tensions and the development of sustainable peace in Eastern Congo.

DFID’s support to CL, although administered under media support, has very clear links to DFID’s peace-building strategy. This strategy aims to continue support to local level peace-building and reconciliation and to promote human rights in war affected communities. Complimentary to this on-the- ground peace-building are projects which aim to support the transition process. DFID is supporting various aspects of this transition, including the forthcoming elections, army reintegration, disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) of armed groups, disarmament, demobilisation, repatriation, reinsertion and reintegration (DDRRR) of foreign belligerents, reform of the police and judiciary, peaceful return of refugees and other processes relating to the restoration of the rule of law and respect for human rights. CL’s work touches on all of these national processes to a large extent; the way in which its work supports these processes and compliments the work of other agencies working on media and peace-building is analysed below.

Final Report 22nd March 2006 8 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

2 Methodology

The methods used for this evaluation were key informant interviews, observation and desk review of the project documents (see Annex 2). The two evaluators, Mary Myers and Judy El-Bushra, spent 15 days in the DRC. Both visited Uvira, Bukavu and Kinshasa although work in Bunia and Kalehe was undertaken by Mary and Judy separately. Most of the visits were facilitated by CL staff but the interviews were done without their presence in an effort to ensure that interviewees felt able speak openly (a list of people met is given in Annex 3).

To gain a full understanding of the context for the project, the evaluators interviewed a number donor agencies, local government representatives, a cross-section of CL’s partner organisations, as well as community groups, and CL’s ‘competitors’ (i.e. other organisations working on media and on peace-building). The evaluators also interviewed as many radio station directors as possible in the time available; 14 were interviewed from all around the country, either in person or by telephone. They also watched three participatory theatre performances, listened to at least one example (sometimes more) of each radio programme, listened to other songs and spots produced, and tuned into some partner radio stations. Visits to two marketplaces – in Uvira and Kinshasa - were undertaken in order to do some informal interviews with ‘ordinary’ listeners. The evaluators also spent many sessions in discussion with Centre Lokolé staff, notably the Director, Lena Slachmuijlder.

The programme’s original logical framework (2004) was ceased being used by SfCG in April 20053 when CL held an internal review which resulted in a slightly revised vision for the programme. CL plans to draw up a revised logframe during the next internal strategic review in April 2006. However as a logframe was required for this Output-to-Purpose review, the evaluators developed an indicative logframe based on the programme proposal, progress reports, the strategic review report of 2005, and observations and discussions with staff (see Annex 4 for original logframe and Annex 6 for indicative logframe). This was done in order to help the programme get greater, explicit clarity on objectives which were already implicit and which were, in any case, being followed as per the programme document agreed with DFID.

At the end of the field trip, the evaluators gave a presentation of preliminary findings to staff from DFID, CL and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), (see Annex 5 for Power Point presentation), enabling staff from these agencies to provide further input to the review process. A draft report was submitted to DFID and SfCG. Annex 6 provides the comments received by SfCG.

3 Rapport du Revue Stratégique 2005 du Centre Lokole, Search for Common Ground en RDC 18-21 avril 2005, Kinshasa

Final Report 22nd March 2006 9 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

3 Assessment of outputs and their contribution to the programme’s purpose

3.1 Introduction to CL’s Programme

As discussed in section 2, this mid-term evaluation and Output-to-Purpose Review were carried out using a partial and indicative logframe (see Annex 5) constructed by the evaluators in conjunction with CL staff during the evaluation mission. This logframe shows the programme’s purpose as:

‘The foundations are laid for sustainable peace in the DRC by enhancing informative and participative communication around the transition process and by contributing to the reduction of tensions in the Eastern Congo’

The outputs were identified in the original project document as follows (though they were not set out explicitly in the original log-frame):

! Radio broadcasts on the transition process and institutions; ! Other media activities which reinforce messages on the transition; ! Training of media in peace and common ground journalism techniques; ! Radio programming to reduce tensions in Eastern Congo; ! Promotion of cross-border dialogue; ! Community awareness-raising on children’s rights and the demobilisation process in the East; ! Training and capacity-building for local peace leaders; ! Cultural activities to increase social harmony.

3.2 Progress Against Outputs

3.2.1 Radio broadcasts on the transition process and institutions

Four programmes on transition-related issues are produced and disseminated on a weekly basis through CL’s Kinshasa office. These are:

! ‘Arbre à palabre’(‘Discussion Tree’), a half-hour magazine programme in French centred on round-table discussions to which politicians, civil society activists, and decision-makers are invited, and also including vox pop, readers’ feedback and the French version of ‘Mopila’ (see below). ! ‘Mopila’, a soap opera prepared in the five national languages (French, Kiswahili, Lingala, Tshiluba, and Kikongo) and exploring similar issues in a more popular style through the adventures of Mopila, a taxi-driver. ! ‘Boyoka pe biso’ (‘Listen to us too’) a 12-minute vox pop collection in Lingala, presenting the views of the person in the street (sent in by correspondents around the country) about the issues discussed in the two other programmes. ! ‘Demain est un nouveau jour’ (‘Tomorrow is another day’), a soap opera in Lingala and Kiswahili on the theme of adult demobilisation developed in collaboration with the Commission de désarment, démobilisation et réinsertion des ex-combattants (CONADER): this programme is a new addition, having begun broadcasting only in February 2006.

Final Report 22nd March 2006 10 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

The Kinshasa office chooses a theme every week, to be covered by all of the first three programmes on the above list. Overall, the transition issues dealt with by CL are:

! The constitution and the electoral process; ! Demobilisation and reintegration of ex-combatants and the creation of a unified national army; ! Children’s rights and specifically the demobilisation and reintegration of child ex-combatants; ! Repatriation of Congolese refugees in neighbouring countries.

Programmes are recorded onto CD and distributed to 78 local and community stations in DRC and six in Burundi and Tanzania. In return for stations airing CL’s programmes, CL provides each station with a yearly in- kind contribution to the station, offering a choice of a mixer, a CD player, a microphone or a mini-disk recorder. Compilations of ‘Mopila’ have been distributed experimentally on cassette to 3 markets and 11 public buses in Kinshasa and Bas-Congo.

The original programme document envisaged the establishment of 15 radio listening groups. To-date only a few have been set up; a small number are based in children’s rehabilitation centres and some of the radio stations which receive CL programmes. In principle, these groups are meant to serve as mechanisms for two-way communication with listeners (reporting back to CL on the regularity of broadcasts and on the pertinence of the programmes to local issues).

Anecdotal evidence suggests that of the three longstanding programmes under this heading, ‘Mopila’ is the most popular; for example, in Bunia, ‘Mopila’ has now become a standard name for all taxi-drivers, despite Bunia being far away from the Lingala-speaking milieu where the nick-name originated. ‘Mopila’ was also the first programme mentioned by shoppers interviewed in Uvira’s market when asked what they knew of CL. However, a listener survey of 20054 suggested that Mopila’s popularity may vary significantly from one location to another, and, in places like Kinshasa, where there is more choice, the series seems to be known by only about 20% of the public (see section 9 below). Staff reviewing the programme5 felt that the character of Mopila is too ‘intellectual’ and remote from the ordinary person. CL’s programmes also appear to have more impact in the provinces than in Kinshasa where they have to compete with a large array of mass-media.

3.2.2 Other media activities which reinforce messages on the transition

CL has produced a number of printed materials which accompany programmes on election topics. A comic strip version of ‘Mopila’ was produced and distributed around the time of the referendum, as were several posters from the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) informing people of procedures for voting. CL’s partner in Uvira, Mission des Jacobins Sages (MIJAS), produces a newsletter, ‘Messager du people’ with CL

4 Rapport final de l’enquête sur la série radiophonique Mopila Kinshasa, Juillet 2005 5 Rapport du Revue Stratégique 2005 du Centre Lokole, Search for Common Ground en RDC 18-21 avril 2005, Kinshasa

Final Report 22nd March 2006 11 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC support. Materials produced by other civic education organisations, including the CEI, have been sent out to partner radio stations alongside the broadcast CDs. These documents have included the constitution itself as well as various legal texts, information sheets produced by the International Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) and other groups, and some copies of the ‘Journal du Citoyen’ newsletter6. These documents were often not available to the stations from any other source and have therefore been indispensable in developing their programming around the elections. CL has also given computer facilities for the production of ‘Kinshasa Today’, a daily digest of news reports, and CL regularly includes items from it on its website7.

CL is phasing out its support to ‘Messager du peuple’ as a result of an internal evaluation which identified problems with its content and distribution. Support will instead be given to MIJAS’s newly installed radio station.

The new CL initiative in collaboration with CONADER on adult DDR consists of conflict transformation training in demobilisation centres, as well as comics, posters and boîtes à images, 8 in support of the radio series ‘Demain est un nouveau jour’.

Print and web media clearly take second place to radio programmes in CL’s output; this is suited to the context given that, at present, radio has by far the widest reach. However, other mass media, especially television, are gaining ground and CL will want to take a flexible approach to the use of non-radio channels of disseminating information in future.

3.2.3 Training of media in peace and common ground journalism techniques

CL has organised and/or facilitated a number of training opportunities (three per year) for a total of 200 journalists and writers. Training has covered ‘common ground’ journalism and conflict transformation approaches, writing for specific formats such as talk shows, vox pop and soap operas, and technical processes such as digital editing.

Five ‘joint reporting weeks’ were held for journalists from Burundi, Rwanda and DRC, through a collaboration between CL and the Panos Institute. The two organisations also collaborated in a ‘Synergy’ scheme in the East during the referendum. This involved journalists from local and community radio stations in many remote parts of the country reporting to a central location on the progress of the referendum in their area. The purpose was both to help ensure that accurate, live information was available to the public on the conduct of the elections - to head off possible disruptions and fraud - and to enable local reporters to take advantage of this entirely new experience.

3.2.4 Radio programming to reduce tensions in Eastern Congo

6 A weekly newsletter about the electoral process, in French, produced by an independent team supported by HAM, Panos and APEFE (partly with DFID funding). 7 We were not able to gain a sense of the impact of ‘Kinshasa Today’ because the staff associate responsible was on leave. 8I.e. large-format pictures in sets, normally used for training or awareness-raising purposes with non- or semi-literate audiences. Final Report 22nd March 2006 12 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

Six programmes per week are being produced by the Bukavu office under this heading, all in Kiswahili. Programmes are disseminated through the same national network of radio stations as the Kinshasa programmes, with approximately 35 out of the 80 partner radio stations broadcasting the Kiswahili programmes. They are:

! ‘Jirani ni Ndugu’ (‘My neighbour is my brother’) a drama series following key developments in the East which have the potential to become flashpoints, and showing how ordinary people can approach conflict with a collaborative rather than adversarial approach. ! ‘En parler c’est agir’ (‘To talk about it is to act’), a half-hour magazine programme, focusing mainly on tensions in the Kivus, in which CL journalists investigate current social issues, presenting a wide variety of opinions from both experts and persons in the street. A ‘key word’ segment highlights terms related to the transition often subject to confusion and/or manipulation. ! ‘Bâtisseurs de la paix’ (‘Peace-builders’), a 30-minute programme in Kiswahili which showcases individuals and groups from among the general population who have acted to reduce tension in their own context, often in heroic ways, such as saving lives of those outside their ethnic group. ! ‘Sisi Watoto’ (‘We the children’) a key output, described in more detail below. ! ‘La Chronique’ (‘The chronicle’), a two-minute news update, broadcast through CL’s Radio Isanganiro in Burundi. This is a new programme which began broadcasting in February 2006. ! ‘Tukutane Tena’ (‘We meet again’), produced in collaboration with UNHCR, which is specifically about repatriation and is broadcast widely in South Kivu and in neighbouring Tanzania: by three radio stations in Bukavu, two in Uvira, four others in south South Kivu and 5 radio stations in three refugee camps in Tanzania, as well as Radio Kahuzi whose short-wave broadcasts are also received in the camps.

These programmes aim to provide a platform from which popular views can be aired in styles and formats to which the person in the street can easily relate. Evidence from partner radio stations indicates that both ‘Jirani ni Ndugu’ and ‘Sisi Watoto’ are hugely popular programmes that attract large audiences owing to their entertainment value and their capacity to reflect the language and outlook of ordinary people in Eastern DRC. Radio stations usually choose to air them at peak listening times and report receiving complaints if they are unable to broadcast them through electricity failure or other technical problems. The more talk-based programmes are also well respected but have less entertainment value.

These programmes aim to exemplify the ‘common ground’ approach to conflict transformation, which looks for ‘win-win’ rather than ‘zero-sum’ solutions to conflicts. Both discussion and drama segments model attitudes and behaviours in which different opinions and interests are first acknowledged and then accommodated in mutually acceptable ways. This approach to journalism in the current transition attracts some controversy (discussed in more detail in section 4.2.1 below). However CL staff believe that it has been highly influential in terms of addressing potential points of conflict constructively and, importantly, that this has helped reduce general levels of tension. Staff also quote specific examples of violence being headed off as a result of CL programmes; one example relates to Final Report 22nd March 2006 13 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC programmes around student elections in Bukavu where feedback from student listeners indicated that the programmes had helped to dispel tensions in a volatile situation.

It is notable that CL has itself been viewed as an actor in ethnic tensions in the East; following programmes describing the return of Banyamulenge refugees and the assistance given to them, CL was accused by some of favouritism. Although this impression was counteracted by later programmes talking about returning refugees from all communities and neighbouring countries, the incident highlights the potential risks to those who intervene actively to transform conflict. 9

3.2.5 Promotion of cross-border dialogue

Cross-border dialogue is promoted both through radio outputs and through support to partner organisations which have regional communication and reconciliation goals. For example ‘La Chronique’ is broadcast from neighbouring Burundi and reaches out to an audience in Burundi and in South Kivu province of DRC. Programmes broadcast by Kinshasa radio stations, which include regular features on repatriation, are heard in Brazzaville. CL also receives reports from Congolese listeners living in Angola, Burundi, Rwanda, Zambia, CAR, and Uganda who have heard CL programmes on Congolese stations close to borders.

CL supports the Great Lakes University Forum which brings together students from 12 Congolese, Burundian and Rwandan universities. The initiative arose due to problems with cohabitation between students from the three countries which were sparked by current events and violence in the region. The first three-country forum was held in Ngozi, Burundi in December 2004 and was followed by separate national forums (but with representatives from the three countries) in Burundi, Rwanda and DRC during 2005. A second combined forum will be held during 2006. CL radio programmes have included reports from these meetings.

Another initiative, the inter-community Youth Mediation project, held a successful meeting in Kampala, Uganda in February 2005, bringing together young men and women from Bukavu, including Banyamulenge youth originating from Bukavu who had sought refuge in Rwanda following events of 30 June 2005 (when civil unrest was expected about the delay of the planned elections). These two groups had previously been severely polarised; discussion in Kampala was at times bitter, but some rapprochement was achieved by the end.10 Since then, despite separate meetings being held in 2005 in Burundi and in Bukavu, the initiative has lost momentum for two main reasons. On the one hand, the groups have themselves fallen back into mutual recrimination and have not been able to identify a programme of activities. On the other hand, CL has had difficulty, mainly due to staffing constraints, in providing facilitation which could effectively manage the youth groups’ expectations of the process.

9 Rapport du Revue Stratégique 2005 du Centre Lokole, Search for Common Ground en RDC 18-21 avril 2005, Kinshasa 10 Rapport de l’atelier de consolidation des terrains d’entente entre la plate-forme ‘Ikingi’des jeunes Banyamulenge en refuge au Rwanda et les autres jeunes de la societé civile du Sud-Kivu en provenance de Bukavu Kampala du 29 janvier au 01 février 2005

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However, since CL has more recently been able to encourage the participation of more dynamic associates in the process, prospects for reviving this project seem good.

3.2.6 Community awareness-raising on children’s rights and the demobilisation process in the east

The main element in this activity is the ‘Sisi Watoto’ radio magazine programme which is designed and made by a team of around 12 child journalists under CL supervision (renewed periodically as older children reach the age of 18 and leave the group - a total of 16 to date). It includes interviews and vox pops as well as a thematically-relevant dramatised sketch by the Chem Chem theatre troupe which is composed of ex-child soldiers. Chem Chem also does community outreach drama around child soldier demobilisation and reintegration, using interactive techniques. In addition, an 11-episode drama entitled ‘Mambo’ has been recorded and will be distributed to radio listening clubs in children’s transit centres in Kiswahili-speaking eastern DRC.

‘Sisi Watoto’ addresses issues faced by young people in the context of armed conflict, including, but not limited to, the dangers of recruitment and the challenges of demobilisation and reintegration. Themes are developed in close collaboration with organisations involved in child protection and children’s DDR, including Save the Children, UNICEF, and local child support organisations. The radio programme aims to overtly encourage child soldiers to demobilise and to discourage non-enlisted children from being drawn into armed groups. It is oriented towards both children and their parents and towards enhancing mutual understanding between the two.

‘Sisi Watoto’ won first prize in the feature category for UNICEF and OneWorld’s competition for radio programmes by children for children in May 2004 and it continues to be one of CL’s most effective and important achievements, especially in relation to child demobilisation. The programme seeks out and publicises specific cases of enlisted children or children in enforced relations with the military, and this has led, in a number of cases, to their rescue and reunification with their families. A number of child soldiers have also approached CL for help in demobilising as a result of this programme. There is also anecdotal evidence that as a result of the programme, military commanders have brought children forward for demobilisation, while child protection specialists have been able to locate and rescue children at risk, and children at risk of re-enlisting have been dissuaded from joining armed groups.

There is some evidence from interviewees that the work of reintegrating ex- child soldiers into their families and communities has been facilitated by the programme (by, for example, giving voice to ex-combatants themselves, and in more practical terms by informing parents and authorities of where the children are). However, the programme’s impact in terms of reintegration not as clear as its impact on demobilisation.

CL provides ongoing training to ‘Sisi Watoto’ child-reporters in journalism and production techniques, as well as the collection and analysis of audience phone calls, text-messages and other feedback. The latter training includes basic statistics and spreadsheet use, which enables CL to monitor and Final Report 22nd March 2006 15 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC evaluate its radio programmes through analysis of listeners’ feedback. Chem Chem also benefited from training in interactive theatre (see 3.2.8 below) which has provided a number of disadvantaged children with the opportunity to acquire professional skills of lasting validity. The production team and the Chem Chem theatre troupe recruit from a range of gender, ethnic and educational categories, thus contributing to positive images through its own make-up. The programme gives particular emphasis to the acute problems of the girl child.11 CL staff view the programme as being highly appropriate in terms of content but having an insufficiently wide audience, which needs to be consolidated through increase in the number of listening clubs.12

3.2.7 Training and capacity-building for local peace leaders

Training and capacity building, though an item in the original proposal, was de-prioritised when the programme failed to receive full funding due to the difficulties of achieving impact in this field with limited resources and given that media work was seen as having stronger added value in the current circumstances. Recently, however, some training has been done in the context of a UNHCR project which seeks to respond to UNHCR’s facilitated repatriation of Congolese refugees from Tanzania to Eastern DRC. CL is intending to establish a total of 20 community reintegration committees in southern South Kivu province to promote the peaceful coexistence between returnees and their host communities. To-date five committees have been set up and have received training from CL in conflict transformation.

A small number of facilitated mediation and community reconciliation processes have also been started. Community reconciliation was carried out in Kalehe, near the border with North Kivu, in April 2005, at the request of, and working through, the local non-governmental organisation REPPAD (Réseau de Pacification pour la Paix et le Développement). Relations between the cattle-keeping Kinyarwanda-speakers in the higher areas and the agriculturalist Bahavu and Batembo on the lower slopes were severed after June 2004, especially since the Kalehe area then became a stronghold of the renegade Laurent Nkunda, whose presence drove a wedge between the two groups. REPPAD, which had already begun to put together an umbrella organisation linking a number of local community-based organisations, asked for help in effecting reconciliation between the two groups.

This is a strategically significant area as the conflict described here contains some of the major elements of the broader conflict in the Kivus. CL financed and facilitated a three-day seminar in June 2005, in which representatives from different communities carried out a joint analysis of the causes of the problem, committed themselves to collaborative action across the divide, and agreed to develop a series of follow-up activities. CL followed this up by distributing footballs and small travel grants to local teams, and by visits from its Jirani Ni Ndugu theatre troupe. However, staff shortages have limited the support provided for the last few months and the initiative was in danger of stalling at the time of the evaluation visit.

11 For an authoritative summary of these, see Verhey, B (2003). Going home: Demobilising and Reintegrating Child Soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo. London: Save the Children UK. 12 Rapport du Revue Stratégique 2005 du Centre Lokole, Search for Common Ground en RDC 18-21 avril 2005, Kinshasa. Final Report 22nd March 2006 16 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

The issues raised by these examples of community reconciliation are discussed in more detail in section 4.2.2.

3.2.8 Cultural activities to increase social harmony

In 2005 CL set up a theatre troupe, Jirani Ni Ndugu, and trained actors in participatory theatre techniques. Theatre was foreseen in the original proposal, and has evolved specifically as participatory theatre. This has become a key element of this output, and is now seen as providing an important complement to the more mass-oriented radio outputs, being adaptable to different local conditions. Jirani Ni Ndugu’s recent tour of the Uvira area with MIJAS, raising issues around refugee repatriation, put on at least one and sometimes two performances a day over a fortnight, thereby reaching an estimated 8,000 people directly and perhaps five times that number indirectly. Its impact on these audiences is immediate and engaging. The participatory theatre approach is important methodologically too, as it presents and analyses popular perceptions of the issue concerned and offers a platform from which the audience can express its views.

The original proposal suggested that three trainings per year would be offered to theatre practitioners. In 2005 three trainings were carried out in interactive theatre techniques for 15-20 actors in each, drawn from various troupes in Bukavu, Uvira and Kinshasa.

In 2004 CL held a peace song competition, publishing the 11 best entries in the form of a CD. The CD has been distributed to partner radio stations which often play music from it: it is also on the CL website. CL’s partner in Uvira, MIJAS, organised two peace concerts. CL also provided financial and technical support to the Prod’Art festival in Kinshasa in 2005, a display of visual art with peace messages.

3.3 Is the project on the right track in terms of objectives, deliverables and budget?

CL is a dynamic organisation with an energetic director and a strong sense of mission which is constantly looking for ways to optimise its peace-building impact. The programme is largely on the right track and is following the terms of the original proposal agreed with DFID, although there have been a number of changes which have slightly re-oriented the programme. The most changes were:

! Staffing: Lena Slachmuijldjer took over as Director from Patrick Merienne in April 2005. An international staff member has been recruited as Deputy Director and Administrator in Kinshasa. Two staff members in Bukavu left during 2005, including one of the two-person team working on community reconciliation. Further staff recruitments are currently under way, including a new post to develop a design, monitoring and evaluation (DME) function ! Strategic Review: An internal strategic review took place in April 2005 which reoriented the programme in the light of the pace of the transition

Final Report 22nd March 2006 17 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

process (e.g. postponement of elections) and of other political developments. ! Funding: The programme did not originally receive 100% funding because DFID agreed to partially fund the proposal on the understanding that Search would seek complementary co-funding; other funding took some time to materialise (see below), so before this happened, the situation required a slight re-prioritisation of activities. ! In particular, media activities were prioritised over community-based activities. USAID recently suspended funding to all DRC programmes (probably temporarily) however, other donors have provided some support to CL activities. These include UNHCR, the World Bank through CONADER, the Belgian Government and SIDA (pending approval). Interest from new donors has allowed CL to develop new ideas. The following initiatives are in development or under discussion:

! A new magazine programme about army reintegration ! A theatre festival next year in the Kivus ! Writers training programme ! A new TV series being planned for after the elections.

Although other donors are providing grants for discrete activities, DFID’s funding supports CL’s entire programme, so the resultant changes may have a bearing on how the DFID grant is spent. There is a slight risk that these new ideas may make the management of budgets and workplans more complex and time-consuming.

Although the project is on track, it faces a very challenging 18 months in terms of the political context. It will have to remain focused and well- managed, with a well designed work plan which enables staff to respond flexibly and appropriately, while also finding and exploiting synergies between the various planned activities.

Final Report 22nd March 2006 18 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

4 CL’s contribution to peace-building in the DRC transition

4.1 What has CL contributed to national processes?

CL has undertaken a systematic analysis of the factors which pose a threat to the national peace process and have identified a number of key threats to the peace-process which shape their programme activities13. CL also has a good knowledge of what people should understand about these issues because they have taken the time to elicit opinions and answer questions. For example, when listeners call in after the CL programmes are aired, their suggestions and questions are often taken as a sub-theme for an upcoming programme14. This analysis is limited however, since respondents tend to be drawn from those with the best access to communications facilities and with the highest levels of self-confidence. CL has not yet systematically sought out the opinions of more marginalised groups (for example women, pygmés, or the rural poor), although it has made an effort to promote diversity in its recruitment and programming policies. While these groups may not be crucial in terms of CL’s conflict-oriented approach as they do not currently pose threats in the current context, in the long term there may be a need to undertake a broader analysis to understand their roles, and needs, more clearly.

4.1.1 DDR and the creation of a unified national army

CL’s activities on demobilisation have been focused on ‘Sisi Watoto’ and the issue of child demobilisation, where it has had considerable impact. In terms of adult demobilisation, CL’s impact has been limited as programmes dealing with this topic are only now starting to be aired. However, the existing portfolio of ‘transition’ programmes produced in Kinshasa has consistently broadcast segments on adult demobilisation and ‘brassage’ (army reunification). Topics have included, for example, the non-payment of military salaries, the harassment of civilians, and the law relating to the armed forces. Additionally, ‘Jirani Ni Ndugu’ has addressed the problem of re-enrolment, while ‘En parler c’est agir’ has explained key words such as brassage and DDR, and has presented features on the challenges facing demobilised ex-combatants.

13 Failure of the army integration and DDR process; the effects of rumour and disinformation; the risk of political manipulation during the transition process on the basis of political, regional or communal/ethnic issues (including the nationality question); risks linked with the repatriation of refugees, particularly their socio-economic reintegration and their acceptance by other communities; interference by neighbouring countries in Congolese affairs (support to internal armed groups, creation of new armed groups from outside); absence of state authority (which could allow certain groups or destabilising influences to dominate); absence of justice and reconciliation – impunity (Revue Strategique, April 2005, Centre Lokole).

14 CL logs about 300 listeners’ phone calls per quarter. The reactions to the programmes are overwhelmingly positive (this is usually the case with self-selected respondents), but it does allow CL to gauge the mood of the population to some extent, and to understand the level of comprehension on various issues, e.g. the questions that people still have regarding the elections.

Final Report 22nd March 2006 19 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

CL has also contributed to the debate around disarmament, demobilisation, repatriation, reinsertion and reintegration (DDRRR). The main broadcast output on this issue in DRC is a radio series put out by Radio Okapi entitled ‘Gutahuka’ aimed at encouraging Forces Démocratiques de Libération du Rwanda (FDLR) militias still in DRC to go home. It was initiated by a Liberian employee of CL, and then got moved to the DDRRR section of MONUC.

Radio programming around the issue of adult demobilisation has contributed to improved information and reduction of tension around the process, however the problem remains that the army and its personnel continue to behave in ways that affront and terrorise the population and increase tension. Many commentators believe that a strong, disciplined and properly- paid national army ensuring stability, protection and the rule of law is a key guarantor of the transition, so stepping up this element of programming has considerable strategic importance. The issue of sexual violence (often carried out by armed men from non-integrated militia or from the national army) is linked to this; while CL programmes have certainly addressed this subject, it would merit a deeper and more extensive treatment15.

4.1.2 The national peace process

CL’s approach is to promote understanding of the issues, and to find constructive stories and positive role models which create confidence in national processes and transitional institutions, while, at the same time, explaining and admitting that there are difficulties and tensions. Thus, for each radio programme, a constructive angle and/or message is identified for each larger theme. For example, during the run-up to possible tensions around the 30 June 2005., one theme identified was the role of youth. The angle chosen was to give a voice to the youth to permit them to express their hopes, fears, and to provide them with strategies for resisting political manipulation.

CL’s greatest contribution in this area is probably to increase understanding among the public and to dispel myths and harmful rumours. A number of findings from the 2005 evaluation done on the ‘Mopila’ radio sketch point to some positive impacts: ! After listening to several sketches which clarified the length of time the transition was due to last, understanding among men sampled in Mbuji Mayi, where levels of knowledge were lowest (compared to 6 other towns where samples were taken), rose from 9.5% to 64%. ! Knowledge about the organisation of the transition among men and women sampled in Kikwit rose dramatically by 50% and 45% respectively, after those questioned had listened to relevant episodes of the sketch which explained how the transitional government was composed and what its objectives were.

These were the most dramatic changes noted; other than the above, impact is hard to measure and to attribute solely to CL, since they are not the only actors in the peace-building area.

15 We note that since our visit to DRC, SfCG has begun discussions with DFID and other donors about a special conflict transformation facilitation and training effort with the integrated brigades, aiming at a long-term improvement in military-civilian relations, an initiative which we would encourage.

Final Report 22nd March 2006 20 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

4.1.3 Preparation for elections

CL has already had some tangible impact around the subject of elections, and is continuing to do some vital work. The organisation is engaged not only in basic civic education, but is also in educating the public about sensitive election issues (such as reasons for the postponement of elections, potential for manipulation of the population by political leaders, security around the elections, media coverage, and the importance of accepting the election results). To this end, it is devising radio programming and other strategies like media training and the distribution of printed material in an effort to prevent conflict from flaring.

Although this work is done mainly through radio programmes, there is evidence that some of the documents that CL delivered to radio stations has also had a positive effect on the awareness about elections at a local level. Collaboration with the CEI has so far been very positive with the CEI regarding CL as a vital partner16. Collaboration with CEI has included interviews, radio spots distributed in collaboration with Appui au Processus Electoral au Congo (APEC) which encouraged voting in the recent referendum, and inviting CEI spokespeople to speak on ‘Arbre a Palabre’. The CEI and CL have also collaborated on a popular ‘Mopila’ cartoon book. Testimonies gathered from radio stations strongly indicate that this book helped radio animators to put together better programmes about the elections.

CL’s contribution to journalist training around election issues is also significant. During the referendum in December 2005, a large group of different community radios in the East worked together to ensure live coverage on local radio. CL worked with Panos on what they called this ‘synergy’ exercise. Both Panos representatives and the journalists involved have said it was very valuable from a journalist-training point of view17.

4.1.4 Repatriation of refugees

The repatriation of refugees initially referred to the return of the mainly Banyamulenge refugees from Burundi and Rwanda and was dealt with through the cross-border reconciliation activities. With UNHCR’s decision to facilitate the return of refugees from Tanzania, CL began scaling up its work on this issue, both at the national level and specifically in southern South Kivu province (Uvira and Fizi territories). Kinshasa-based programmes have run features on the implications of UNHCR’s decision and on the impact of the return on the electoral process, while Bukavu-based programmes, especially ‘Jirani Ni Ndugu’, have focused on conflict transformation at community level, with the theatre troupe reinforcing this discussion with their on-the-ground work. ‘Sisi Watoto’ has also done work on child returnees while the Messager du people newsletter has focused on repatriation. In addition, the UNHCR grant has enabled CL to begin work on

16 As evidence through interviews with CEI staff: ‘Our collaboration with CL is very strong, honest and open. It is very positive for us’ – Desire Molekela (CEI). ‘The CL journalists pose good questions, they manage the on-air debates professionally, and their themes are well-chosen. They ask basic questions which ordinary people want answers to’ – Nadine Mishika (CEI). 17 ‘Centre Lokole’s experience of doing this kind of synergy successfully in Burundi gave us extra confidence to take this on’ – Pascal Chirhalwirwa, Panos Paris. Final Report 22nd March 2006 21 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC community mobilisation for the reintegration of refugees through local reintegration committees.

4.1.5 Child soldiers

The question of child soldiers is one that CL has devoted considerable investment to, and has rightly received considerable acclaim for, both for its exemplary journalism and for its effectiveness in promoting the release of child soldiers. The main vehicle for this work has been the ‘Sisi Watoto’ radio programme although the issue has been addressed in other programmes. Topics covered include, for example, pressures on children to re-enrol, the situation of girl ex-soldiers, ex-FDLR child soldiers, Hema and Lendu ex-child soldiers, and the many challenges of social reintegration. These are addressed within a general context of children’s rights.

While this initiative has been effective in promoting the release of child soldiers and discouraging them from re-enlisting, there is less evidence of whether ex-child soldiers have been helped to reintegrate and this is an issue which merits further research.

4.2 What has SfCG contributed to the reduction of tension in the East?

4.2.1 ‘Common ground’ journalism

The starting point for the ‘common ground’ approach to conflict transformation is that conflicts of interest can be transformed into shared interests if the protagonists are willing to recognise the legitimacy of differing viewpoints and to explore mutually beneficial solutions. Turning conflict into collaboration is something that takes practice, and people emerging from years of bitter war may have little experience with it. CL therefore aims to demonstrate what this approach means in practice and in relation to the many issues that threaten to divide people, from interpersonal disputes to ethnic conflicts.

An important element of common ground journalism is the idea that the journalist’s role in presenting a topic is to separate fact from opinion, identify key elements of the historical or cultural context, acknowledge the different opinions that surround a topic, and to present these in a style and language to which audiences can relate, leaving them to make up their own minds. The Kiswahili radio outputs exemplify the ‘common ground’ approach in a number of ways. Magazine programmes aim to explore different perspectives on a given issue, mainly through interviews with both expert and lay opinion makers; the principle is never to present one opinion without also presenting the contrasting one.

The nature of CL’s approach raises the question of the ‘message’, and the neutrality of the journalist. CL’s work could be described as ‘intended outcome journalism’ in that it seeks to contribute to a social good and CL’s programmes actively encourage citizens to participate in elections, child soldiers to demobilise, and authorities to respect people’s rights (even though it recognises the dilemmas individuals may face in living up to these

Final Report 22nd March 2006 22 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC ideals). In this sense, it is not espousing neutrality although it does intend to be impartial in the sense that journalistic engagement is meant to stop short of advocating particular solutions, or taking a stand for or against a particular controversial viewpoint18 .

As is the case for many organisations in the peace-building field the aim to be impartial but not neutral is easier to describe than to put into practice and not all programmes are equally successful in avoiding sending a ‘message’. Some examples from SfCG’s output: a programme about gender equality presents the opposing view but rather weakly; a report on child soldier reintegration in Rwanda urges those still in DRC to return home; a soap opera episode on property conflicts between residents and returning refugees advocates that the true owners of the property accept to be re- housed; a vox pop on returning refugees includes no quotes which might raise doubts about how they will be received. Even where there is no overtly spelled out ‘message’, and even where contrary viewpoints are presented, the lesson to be drawn is clear.

While questions of impartiality and neutrality may not matter to the average listener, who probably see such programmes as legitimate examples of public education, it may matter for CL, both as an issue for discussion within the team and because the question of ‘message-based’ programming is the subject of debate amongst media professionals. To some extent, one could say that the principle of not taking a stance is an inherent part of CL’s identity, so there is a continuing debate to be had about where exactly to draw the line between ‘neutrality’ and ‘impartiality’.

4.2.2 Community reconciliation

CL’s on-the-ground community-level work is currently represented by community reconciliation in Kalehe, cross-border youth and student mediation, and the new refugee reintegration project around Uvira. Since the programme’s inception, the role to be played by this work within the overall range of outputs has been a matter for debate. On the one hand, there has been a general view that the media work can achieve wider impact and hence should be afforded greater priority; on the other hand, the community-level work is thought to be strategically important because it is at this level that the impact of the radio programmes is, in principle, most likely to be felt.

Balancing these two views has been made problematic by shortfalls in both financial and human resources. As a result, the community-level work has not received the attention that it deserves, and potential synergies between the two have been underexploited. This is something that the upcoming strategic review should address. Given that resources will probably continue to fall short of the ideal, the team needs to look for ways of intensifying impact within the broad framework of its existing programme.

First, our review of current community projects suggests that in two cases (the youth mediation project and the Kalehe mediation initiative) there may

18 It is perhaps worth noting that not everyone in DRC considers the elections to be an incontrovertible good – some believe that since the current power-holders still hold the means to manipulate the process, elections at this stage will merely serve to confer added legitimacy on them and allow their kleptocracy to continue unchecked (Aloys Tegera, interview dated 26.9.05 in the context of a different evaluation). Final Report 22nd March 2006 23 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC be a need to revisit the modalities of partnership. CL has a policy of responding to initiatives that have already been developed by its partners; however, partners do not always appear to have understood the implications for them of this approach and when blocked have tended to respond by waiting for CL to come up with a solution. CL needs in future to develop a clear and consistent – and shared - methodological approach to ‘accompanying’ these partnerships, an approach that will help partners to ride difficulties while avoiding creating dependency on CL’s support.

Second, CL should look for ways to enhance synergies between community reconciliation work and media work: ! Radio listening groups may offer some potential to achieve this. Following the example of radio listening groups elsewhere, (for example, in Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia where radio clubs present some very interesting models of audience participation) they could potentially take on more pro-active roles as local discussion fora for the ideas contained in radio programmes, as reporters on local events and trends, and as generators of material for incorporation into CL programmes. Radio listening groups may have further roles as developmental or conflict transformation catalysts within their local environment.19 ! It is possible that, through the various NGO coordination mechanisms existing in Bukavu, opportunities for linking up with other organisations with relevant expertise and capacity to support listening groups and other initiatives could be developed further. ! CL’s participatory theatre groups Jirani Ni Ndugu and Chem Chem currently provide the main link between the radio outputs and on-the- ground work. However this link is not a direct one. These troupes currently explore specific themes (refugee repatriation and child rights respectively) but could in principle take on a more open brief or be deployed in support of specific community projects.20

Third, working at community level requires a different set of specialisms to those CL has built up in the media field, and some of the above suggestions might require expertise in community development and training. Further development of this work may require a decision to recruit such expertise into the team: indeed, some of the existing projects (notably the community reintegration committees in Uvira and Fizi territories) would certainly benefit from this too; alternatively, CL may have to consider not developing this as a specific area.

4.2.3 Creative arts and conflict transformation

CL is emerging as the leading practitioner of participatory theatre in Eastern DRC, if not the country as a whole. The application of the technique specifically to conflict transformation initiatives is innovative and deserves intensive assessment. The ‘playback theatre’ approach exemplifies the

19Some radio listening groups attached to radio stations may already aspire to such roles, although the support they receive is negligible. For example, the Radio Kahuzi listening group in Kalehe is a local development CBO with branches in outlying villages: it carries out reforestation, animal husbandry and literacy projects, and contributes recordings to a Radio Kahuzi programme on youth unemployment issues. 20 Interviewees involved in the REPPAD initiative in Kalehe remembered vividly Jirani Ni Ndugu’s performances there, and suggested that a local troupe be formed and train to continue this work. Final Report 22nd March 2006 24 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC notion of ‘impartiality’ (see 4.2.1 above) since the technique invites audience members to contribute their own solutions to problems that have been identified through community research.

There are two methodological risks in the current strategy: one (faced by almost all performance-for-development groups) is the temptation (and sometimes financial necessity) to be over-dependent on donor agendas. Jirani Ni Ndugu’s current work on refugee reintegration appears to be avoiding this because as a troupe it is still fresh enough to retain skill and adaptability in devising story-lines. However, in the long run this may not always provide protection from donor interference, and it may be worth thinking now about the long-term institutional future for this group. The other, related, risk is that of concentrating on a successful technique to the detriment of others which may (or may not) be less effective in terms of the communications goals but which may enhance creativity and generate new ideas. ‘Playback’ is not the only technique of interactive theatre, and even with staged plays there are ways of working audience participation into both the preparation and the performance.

All in all, there is considerable scope for developing the method and the troupes themselves in future. Possible future developments might include: tying performances in more tightly with community projects, linking in with other practitioners in the DRC and the Great Lakes region, developing a training function for other aspiring actors, and exploring a range of other performance forms, both interactive and other.

Creative and cultural activities undertaken by the programme also include concerts, art exhibitions, and song competitions. These activities have essentially used the creative arts as tools for advocating for peace in general terms, and as such may have performed a useful function during a critical period. However, beyond that, and unlike the participatory theatre initiative, their rationale as conflict transformation tools is less clear, and should not form focus for the creative arts and conflict transformation activities.

Final Report 22nd March 2006 25 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

5 CL in relation to DFID’s media and peace-building portfolios and post-election ‘community recovery’

During the second half of the programme, DRC will be going through significant changes, notably following the elections which are due in spring 2006. These changes raise the question of how effectively can DFID expect CL to contribute to its aim of supporting DRC in adjusting to its post- election challenges.

5.1 What is Centre Lokolé’s Unique Selling Point?

CL has three key advantages in undertaking its work in the DRC:

1. It has the resources to ensure high quality productions and good media coverage 2. It has a good reputation and successful experiences in Burundi and other parts of the world upon which it can build when tackling peace- building in the DRC. 3. It has the backing of the international community, and is therefore able to say certain things and go to certain places that local radios and theatre troupes cannot.

It is also worth noting that the CL ‘brand’ is becoming increasingly well known and that this attracts people to its theatre shows and smoothes relations with local authorities when the theatre troupes arrive in new areas of the country.

CL is also implementing a number of specific activities with particular approaches which make it unique:

! Creative radio formats, especially drama, are a strong factor in CL’s appeal. Although local and national radio and TV produce occasional plays and sketches, no other outfit in DRC is producing sustained socially-oriented theatre using high-quality writers and actors.

! On the subject of children, particularly child-soldiers, CL’s Sisi Wa Toto programme is the only production by and for children, broadcast throughout the Ki-Swahili zone. There are one or two imitations, but nothing that covers the difficult issues of child-soldiers and other children’s problems with the depth and originality of Sisi Wa Toto.

! CL’s programmes allow ordinary people to have their say and are also very strong and appealing. There are no other radio programmes to compete with ‘Peace-builders’ (‘Batisseurs de la paix’) and vox pop shows like ‘Boyoka pe biso’ and sections of ‘Arbre à palabre’, which elicit audience views about national and local questions. It is these programmes which were most often cited as evidence that CL is ‘close to the people’ and ‘on the ground.’21

21 According to a recent university student’s Master’s thesis on community radio stations in Lubumbashi, ‘Boyoko pe Biso’ was the most popular programme on Radio Phoenix Université in Lubumbashi. Final Report 22nd March 2006 26 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

! No one else is using live, participatory theatre to promote peace in the same way as CL. Search for Common Ground in Burundi has a lot of experience in interactive theatre and they have been able to draw on this experience.

5.2 Synergies between media and peace-building

From DFID’s point of view the CL programme is a hybrid in that it straddles DFID’s media and peace-building programmes. This section aims briefly to highlight the synergies and links to other organisations working in these two areas.

5.2.1. Media issues

CL has working links with both Panos and Radio Okapi (the two other media organisations funded by DFID in DRC). Its work with Panos includes joint trainings and reporting projects, joint strategies around elections coverage, and technical capacity-building for local radio stations. On a very practical level, CL is making use of Panos’ technical expertise on the question of extending radio coverage in southern South Kivu, with its partner, MIJAS. Furthermore, from an information-exchange point of view, it is valuable for Panos and Search to meet regularly – which they do, both in Kinshasa and Bukavu.

Search’s links with Radio Okapi (RO) are less strong. Radio Okapi has a policy of not broadcasting anything that it has not produced itself and for which it cannot be held responsible. While RO’s Director, Yves Laplume, both respects CL and likes educational drama, he regards CL’s productions as too message-based and feels that anything which preaches or sends messages needs to be questioned and opened-up for discussion. RO has also felt that the standard of some of the earlier versions of Mopila were not well acted or well-written, although CL has reviewed this and feels confident that standards have now improved.

Interestingly, RO has just started some ‘participatory’ programming’ which sounds similar to what CL have been doing over the last few years and the evaluators have encouraged them to meet and collaborate over these programmes. Also, there has been a tacit understanding in Bukavu that Radio Okapi broadcasts ‘Sisi Watoto’ every Sunday, simply because they believe it is of high quality and it does not clash with other RO programming at weekends. This will probably continue, but it would be useful for CL if the agreement were formalised, so that they do not have to renegotiate the arrangement every time a head of station is changed (which happens regularly). In short, CL should continue to press RO on ways the two organisations could formalise their collaboration.

5.2.2. Peace building

CL is in contact with DFID’s other peace-building partners (International Alert, Christian Aid, Catholic Agency for Overseas Development and the Life and Peace Institute) in Eastern DRC and they meet informally on a quarterly basis to share general information about projects, contacts, and events. The

Final Report 22nd March 2006 27 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC organisations often overlap in practical ways; for example CL works with a number of local organisations which also belong to the Christian Aid partnership while one of International Alert’s partners has worked with the Jirani Ni Ndugu theatre troupe to raise awareness of gender equality. In addition to links with the DFID partners, CL attends local NGO co-ordination meetings organised by local civil society groupings and by the UN.

Links with these peace and civil society agencies are not as strong or as practical as those CL has with other media organisations but given the potential overlap between interests, themes and partners there is room for more collaboration, both in practical ways and at the policy level. Other DFID partners could provide a rich source of inspiration for ‘Bâtisseurs de la paix’ and other radio outputs. Christian Aid works on community development, an area where CL has weaknesses. CL and International Alert (IA) also have a shared interest in practical conflict transformation techniques and training and IA has a strong track-record on the training and accompaniment of local groups in conflict analysis and mediation which is something new for CL.

CL should give some thought to the question of whether, and how, its community work could be strengthened through collaboration with these other peacebuilding organisations. Possible forms of collaboration include providing media support to the community projects undertaken by other agencies; joint planning of activities in order to lever greater impact in places where more than one organisation already has an intervention,22 and pooling resources for training so that complementary methodologies of conflict transformation can be consolidated.

5.3. Centre Lokolé and community recovery

Within this context ‘community recovery’ refers both to the multitude of challenges facing DRC in the post-election period and to the specific development needs of local communities. In relation to the first, CL has a well-established role in promoting information and discussion about issues affecting the mass of the population. It will need to be adaptable both in terms of the issues it deals with and in terms of appropriate media (with the press, mobile phones and television possibly become more significant). It will also need to find ways of consolidating its media work at community level by making better linkages between activities within its own programme as well as scaling up its impact through closer collaboration with other agencies. This is an important strategy as media and community work have complementary strengths and weaknesses; the media can reach large numbers, but their impact may well be slight or fleeting at the individual or community levels while community work is intensive but hard to scale up.

In terms of specific development needs for local communities, CL is less confident in this area which is also more complex methodologically and requires more intensive and long-term engagement. Nevertheless, CL’s work on community reconciliation is starting to demonstrate the links between reconciliation and livelihoods. On the one hand, improved security means that livelihoods projects are becoming more feasible and are at lesser risk of being destroyed by violence, looting and displacement. On the other

22 Partners of both IA and CL have activities in the Kalehe area, for example. Final Report 22nd March 2006 28 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC hand, reconciliation initiatives can go only so far without livelihoods support. CL will eventually need to decide whether and how it should address this, and, in particular, how it can tap into the expertise of other organisations (where they exist) in this area.

Final Report 22nd March 2006 29 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

6 Monitoring and Evaluation Issues

Centre Lokole has not, to-date, been using a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework in its DFID-funded programme, however it is attempting to take M&E more seriously. CL is well-supported by an international team at Search’s head office in the United States, which has its own M&E unit, and is in the process of appointing a dedicated M&E officer. The role of this officer will be to improve the scattered M&E systems that are in place at the moment.

CL has undertaken a number of studies which have concentrated on specific activities, but it would be both interesting and useful in the next phase to find out which radio programmes were the most popular, and for what reasons. There were also limitations to these studies from a methodological point of view23. Furthermore, CL has found it difficult to gather systematic feedback from listening clubs and other monitoring mechanisms, mainly because of the logistics involved, and limitations on staff-time.

At present CL still only has a fragmented and anecdotal sense of how many listeners it has, where and who they are, through which channels most of them access their radio programmes24, what they think about their programmes, and, crucially, whether they are impacted in any way by these programmes. The theatre work is still relatively new, but CL is rightly interested in understanding more about its impact. Other initiatives like the distribution of cassettes on mini-buses and in market places are also due to be evaluated.

The question that remains is whether CL is changing the knowledge, attitude or behaviour of its listeners and those others participating in its activities (such as theatre)? And, if so, how?

There are many difficulties involved in asking such questions, not least, the logistical and security limitations in the present DRC context. The other big challenge is the sheer size and diversity of the potential audience (i.e. radio listeners all over the country), such that choosing a manageable sample size, which is representative of the population as a whole, would be difficult. In short, a classic knowledge, attitude and behaviour (KAB)

23 Although it makes interesting reading, the Sisi Wa Toto Program Analysis (by Christina Glavas and Grover Jamie Jones August 2005) was limited by the fact that those surveyed were just young people and their families who were involved in producing the programmes and 80 youth and demobilised child-soldiers in Bukavu. It did not include any female respondents. It was not a survey of the general audience. The Mopila evaluation of July 2005 had a sample of respectable size - 240 listeners, of whom half from Kinshasa and half from six other provinces. This was mostly a test of KAB among listening-groups before and after listening to a series of 12 programmes over 4 weeks. Although methodologically sound in most respects, this was not a test of ‘ordinary listeners’ but a test done under experimental (not natural) conditions, so, again it is not a reliable picture of the way the general audience is responding to the programmes. 24 For example, it is not known how many people listen to CL programmes on short-wave to Radio Kahuzi, and what are the most-listened to stations in areas where several compete for audience-share. There were some worrying indications in the Mopila survey of July 2005 that only 20% of people randomly surveyed in 7 towns listened to the series at all. This was for reasons of either not having access to a radio, or, more commonly, not knowing about the programmes in the first place. Furthermore, there were some worries expressed by the researchers that the programme was not being broadcast on the most popular channels (e.g. RTNC and Okapi) in some towns. How representative these findings were, it is not possible to tell from the report.

Final Report 22nd March 2006 30 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC survey would be time-consuming and expensive, and might be so limited by difficulty of access that it might not be sufficiently methodologically sound to merit the expenditure. However, we feel it would be interesting to do a large-scale listener survey if the security and access situation improves in one to two years’ time.

Meanwhile, now would be a good moment to attempt a relatively small- scale enquiry based around the newly produced programmes about returning refugees (’Tukutane Tena’). Because the broadcasts are only just beginning, there would be an immediate opportunity to do some pre- broadcast random surveys to compare with post-broadcast findings, perhaps a year from now (i.e. a baseline). It would also be interesting to investigate the complimentary theatre and community-level peace- building work at the same time. The survey could cover quite a manageable geographical area, such as Uvira and its environs – or perhaps two comparison areas – perhaps Uvira (town) and a returnee- intensive rural area – possibly around Baraka. Depending on the reach of the radio signal carrying CL’s programmes, it might be possible to identify a third ‘control’ area which did not receive the programmes, but which was otherwise comparable. It might then be possible to isolate the effects of the radio programmes on people’s KAB.

It would be useful for CL to know if, how and in what context ‘ordinary people’ listen to the programmes, and how regularly. It would, additionally, be useful to understand what listeners actually retained and what struck them about the radio programmes and theatre shows, which characters, if any, they liked, disliked or identified with, whether they felt the scenarios and characters were believable, and whether they discussed or acted upon the advice in the programmes and shows25.

If successful, this evaluation could then serve as a pilot for a larger-scale enquiry, which would include other peace-building groups as well as Search. For instance, it would perhaps be possible to take discrete initiatives by others such as International Alert or Christian Aid, and to replicate this kind of before-and-after KAB study, in other areas outside South Kivu. This might make it possible for DFID to gain a better understanding of the actual impact of its peace-building work, which, until now, has largely been based on subjective and anecdotal evidence.

25 Comparison over time could be made about KAB along the following lines: Knowledge (e.g. ‘Do you know what assistance returnees are entitled to and for how long?); Attitude (e.g. On a scale of one to ten, mark how positive you feel about refugees returning to your area); Practice (e.g. What practical help are you planning/have you given to returnees in your area, if any?).

Final Report 22nd March 2006 31 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

7. Recommendations

7.1 Recommendations for DFID:

1. We find that the outputs and the purpose of the project are largely being achieved - or are well on the way to being so. DFID should have no hesitation in funding the second half of the 3-year grant foreseen for Search for Common Ground.

7.2 Recommendations to Centre Lokolé for enhancing current activities:

2. CL should consider identifying a series of priority subjects, for which it will develop longer and more in-depth treatment over a series of programmes. One problem identified with the media output is that although the same theme is treated in the three ‘transition process’ programmes each week, given the plethora of possible subjects there is a question over whether any are treated in sufficient depth or are repeated often enough. Topics that could appropriately be identified as priorities include army integration and sexual violence.

3. CL should pursue plans (already proposed to SIDA) to expand into TV in order to reach opinion formers and a growing audience of ordinary people with TV sets, particularly in Kinshasa.

4. CL should consider the expansion of the child-centred radio programme ‘Sisi Wa Toto’ beyond the Kiswahili zone and possibly the whole of DRC. It is both popular and unique, and the rest of the DRC needs to be aware of the child-soldier issue. The same radio programme idea has worked well at a national level in other countries (e.g. Golden Kids by Search in Sierra Leone).

5. CL should undertake an assessment of its experience with on-the- ground community reconciliation work with a view to deciding what level of resources to invest in this work. As this work requires an intensive and long-term commitment, there may be a case for scaling it down.

6. CL should give some thought to the question of whether, and how, its community work could be strengthened through collaboration with other peacebuilding organisations, especially those engaged in community-level work. Options to consider include providing media support to the community projects; joint activities in specific geographical areas of common interest, and collaboration on training of staff and partners.

If the decision is taken to build up its own community work, the present limited resources will need to be expanded. Requirements may include: a. Recruitment for at least one and probably two new staff posts, (conflict transformation and community development), with appropriate budget allocations.

Final Report 22nd March 2006 32 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

b. The identification of appropriate strategies and resources to enhance synergies between media and community work (for example by targeted deployment of theatre practitioners or by building up the role of radio listening groups). c. A clear and consistent methodology of ‘accompanying’ CL’s partnerships with local peace organisations carrying out the work on the ground.

7. CL should consider scaling up its participatory theatre-work both within the current programme in the East and more widely. 8. CL should look for ways to enhance synergies between community reconciliation work and media work, particularly in the areas of strengthening radio listening groups and using its theatre troupes to explore specific themes and/or be deployed in support of specific community projects.

CL has not yet systematically sought out the opinions of more marginalised groups (for example women, pygmés, or the rural poor), although it has made an effort to promote diversity in its recruitment and programming policies. In the long term there may be a need to undertake a broader analysis to understand their roles, and needs, more clearly.

7.3 Recommendations for Centre Lokolé on institutional processes and linkages:

9. Some revisions to the project log-frame should be made to reflect current targets and activities in light of both this mid-term review and the process of an internal strategic review. Revisions should be made no later than May 2006.

10. CL should commit to paper as soon as possible a work plan for the remaining 18 months of the project.

11. CL should strengthen its plans and internal capacity for monitoring and evaluating its impact on listeners’ knowledge, attitudes and practice, and on processes of social reintegration generally. It should give serious consideration to beginning with an intensive impact study of its current refugee reintegration project.

12. With respect to journalism training, CL should consider the impact of training already done and should plan more in situ training workshops and joint reporting with journalists from partner radio stations alongside CL journalists. Without this, journalists experience problems applying the lessons learned within a real-life context. The referendum ‘synergy’ exercise was useful for training but it is questionable whether it added much more than Radio Okapi was already offering to listeners (i.e. live, accurate and credible coverage of the elections to prevent fraud and promote voter reassurance and confidence in the electoral process). CL should examine its own work plan carefully consider whether repeating this

Final Report 22nd March 2006 33 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

exercise during the main elections would over-stretch its human and financial resources.

13. CL should continue to find ways to collaborate with Radio Okapi, Panos and others. In particular, collaboration with RO on joint productions and participatory reporting should be pursued.

14. CL should start to consider themes for a post-conflict scenario. Looking at the longer term, there is a need to make plans now for new demands that will be placed on the programme after the elections. Some ideas on this are already being developed, however, there may be a need for systematic scenario planning to identify the sorts of changes that are likely. Areas to look at include, for example, likely outbreaks of violence and insecurity, accountability structures and the changing relationships between people and authorities (including military, police and local government), prospects for poverty reduction, and changing gender relations.

Final Report 22nd March 2006 34 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

Annex 1: Terms of Reference

Background

DFID has been supporting Search for Common Ground’s (SfCG) programme entitled ‘Supporting Congo’s Transition towards Sustainable Peace’ in the DRC since September 2004. The total grant amounts to £1.2m until December 2006. The programme objectives, in summary, are to:

1. Enhance informative and participative communication around the transition process through: a. Radio broadcasts on the transition process and institutions, b. Other media activities, c. Training of media

2. Contribute to the reduction of tensions and the development of sustainable peace in Eastern Congo through: a. Reduction of tension through radio programming, b. Cross-border dialogue, c. Community awareness-raising on children’s rights and the demobilization process in the East, d. Training and capacity building for local peace leaders, e. Increased social harmony through cultural activities.

NB. The above summary appears in the original project document but was somewhat scaled down in some areas (e.g. 2 d.) because DFID’s grant was smaller than SfCG originally anticipated.

Objectives of the Review

The project is due to for a mid-term review after the first 18 months of operations. The review should provide an objective assessment of the project’s progress against stated aims, and its impact to date. This review will be an external evaluation based on objectives, methodology, team and budget that are jointly agreed between DFID and SfCG. The main questions have been discussed with Lena Slachmuijlder (SfCG’s Country Director) and have been agreed as follows:

1. Is the project on the right track in terms of objectives, deliverables and budget? 2. Are the anticipated outputs likely to be achieved by the project end, and how will these outputs contribute to the stated purpose (Output to Purpose Review)? 3. What is SfCG’s ‘Unique Selling Point’ (USP), i.e. what is SfCG doing that others are not? 4. What are the links and synergies between media and peace- building, and what lessons can be learned? 5. What has SfCG actually contributed to national processes such as disarmament, demobilisation and reinsertion (DDR), the creation of a unified national army, the national peace process, preparations for elections, repatriation of refugees and child soldiers?

Final Report 22nd March 2006 35 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

6. What links exist between SfCG and other elements of DFID’s overall programme, particularly its media and its peace-building work? How effective are they and what lessons can be learned? 7. What lessons can be learned from SfCG’s approach, for post- elections ‘community recovery’ from conflict? 8. What further questions need to be asked amongst SfCG’s listeners and other partners and audience to complete the programme-based evaluations that Centre Lokolé has already done? And what methodology is recommended?

Deliverables

The review team will produce a report that responds to the overall objectives (above). This should contain an executive summary and should not exceed 25 pages (excluding any annexes).

A draft report should be submitted by the end of February 06 to DFID Kinshasa and to SfCG. A final report must be submitted within 2 weeks of receiving feedback from DFID and SfCG.

Method

The team will work closely with SfCG in DRC, and with their Institutional Learning and Research Division in the USA. Centre Lokolé may well decide to contract a separate quantitative survey on a small scale which would feed into the present evaluation. The team should advise Centre Lokolé on this audience-level survey.

The 2 person team will spend an average of 15 days in the field, plus 6 days each in the UK, to prepare, to write-up, to feed-back and to consult over finalising the draft. The team-member focusing on media will spend 14 days in the field, and the peace-building team-member will spend 16.

The team will, review all relevant reports, surveys and other background documents provided by DFID and SfCG. SfCG have already done some mini-evaluations of some of their media-based campaigns that have used questionnaires to look specifically at content recognition; these will be important sources for the team.

The team will undertake meetings and field visits covering Kinshasa, the Kivus and possibly another location in-country, to be decided in consultation with SfCG. At least 12 radio partners will be interviewed (either in person or by phone) to assess the reach and quality of the content of SfCG’s audio materials. There will be some qualitative audience research, as time permits. It is expected that the team will meet with a representative sample of project beneficiaries and as many key informants among SfCG’s project partners as possible.

Proposed Team

Two team members: one team member will focus on the quality, reach and impact of SfCG’s media outputs, and the other team-member will

Final Report 22nd March 2006 36 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC focus on the impact of SfCG’s peace-building work, particularly in N and S Kivu.

Competencies and Expertise required

! Proven track record in evaluating multi-media-based peace-building and civic education work in DRC or comparable war-torn country/ies. ! Good knowledge of the DRC, and familiarity with the socio-political context, particularly in the East. ! French language and good written English. ! Experience in gender mainstreaming. ! Thorough understanding of DFID’s policies and strategies in peace- building, human rights, reconstruction and support to the political transition.

Final Report 22nd March 2006 37 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

Annex 2: List of Key Documents Reviewed

Document Title Author Date Supporting Congo’s Transition towards a Search for Common 2003 Sustainable Peace – Proposal Ground Rapport de l’atelier de consolidation des Search for Common February terrains d’entente entre la plate-forme ‘Ikingi’ Ground 2005 des jeunes Banyamulenge en refuge au Rwanda et les autres jeunes de la societé civile du Sud-Kivu en provenance de Bukavu

Rapport du Revue Stratégique 2005 du Centre Search for Common April 2005 Lokolé Ground

First Interim Progress Report Search for Common 9 May 2005 Ground Rapport final de l’enquête sur la série Search for Common July 2005 radiophonique Mopila Ground

Sisi Wa Toto Program Analysis Christina Glavas and August Grover Jamie Jones 2005 Second Interim Progress Report Search for Common 28 October Ground 2005

Final Report 22nd March 2006 38 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

Annex 3: People Consulted during Mid-Term Review

Search for Common Ground

Lena Slachmuijlder, Country Director Leon Baroani, Director, Bukavu Office Don Tshibanda, Theatre Co-ordinator Joelle, Pascaline, Amani - Sisi Watoto journalists Caddy Adzuba, Cynthia Kanyere, Sylvie Bora Rubenga - Journalists on ‘En parler c’est agir’ Nestor Nkurunziza, National Media Manager Stephane Mora, Deputy Director Anna Mayimona, Director of Media (Kinshasa) Bernardin Sebahire, Production Assistant (Bukavu) Sosthène Nsimba, Assistant Editor, ‘Boyaka pe biso’ Marcel Mukendi, Production Assistant, radio drama Dupont Ntererwa Shabani, journalist/intern John Kadjunga Ngaboyeka. Journalist/intern

Uvira

Jirani ni Ndugu theatre group MIJAS Uvira Muharabu Amisi Paul Modeste Lwanga Destin Pendez-Luundo Alphonse Yeyiji Ndjesi Musaka Jean-Pierre Bora Josephine Eliza Alphonsine

CL Repatriation project Uvira Akili Mali Nongo, GASAP Pitie Lulonga Maussa, Arche D’Alliance Francois Rushambara, GASAP Banike Kipusa Sage Lukala bin Tukakye Clement, GASAP Riziki-Kasibu, GASAP Narukumao Madeleine, GASAP Afua Rashidi, GASAP

RTNC Uvira Ramazani Bulimwengu, Head of Station Saiari Ntanama, Deputy Head of Station Karwe O’s Atocho, Head of Administration

Others Mutere Kifara, Director, Mission des Jacobins Sages (MIJAS) Kashumbani Bin Saleh, Assistant Governor for Economic Affairs Tshakoly Ali Tchanile, Chief of Delegation, UNHCR Uvira Mme Awada, Social and Community Services Officer, UNHCR Uvira M. Dolo, Repatriation Officer, UNHCR Equateur

Final Report 22nd March 2006 39 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

Bukavu

Youth Mediation Group Coochi Muzaliwa Rigobert Luhinzo Pierre Kabeza Osee Rubibi Rutikanga Nsengimana Innocent Romaine Bashizi Alyne Mugisho

Others Victor Kalume Kavue Katumbi, South Kivu Provincial Director, RTNC Donat Musema, Editor in chief, Radio Maria Jean-Moreau Tubibu, Co-ordinator, Groupe Jeremie Murhabazi Namegabe, Director, Bureau pour la Volontariat (BVES) and DRC Co-ordinator of Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers Alfred Bulakali, Co-ordinator, Great Lakes University Forum Muamariza Zashe, President of Banyamulenge Community Annie Bukarabu, Senior Programme Officer, International Alert Richard Macdonald, Director, Radio Kahuzi Serge Mahesha, Radio Okapi Bukavu Nicholas Sur, Radio Okapi, Bukavu Franck Kashando, UNICEF Child Protection section Pascal Chirhalwirwa, Panos Paris Kizito Mushizi, Radio Maendeleo Juvenal Muderhwa, Representative of the Tchem-Tchem troupe

Kalehe

Reseau de Pacification pour la Paix et le Developpement (REPPAD) Christian Murhanzibaga, Co-ordinator

REPPAD Noyeau Kalehe Nkataza Mihigo, President Didakga Kanani Albert Sebuntu Binwa B Andre Mukeshimana M Chantal, Secretary Joseph Bantu Birambi Marieline Miderho Magadji Martin

REPPAD meeting in Nyabibwe Jeje Kalonia Matunguru Joseph Lwasso Wa Mwindja Baho Gwerhe Malambo Bisengimana Ndabakenga Sim,weragi Kayumon Katabana Shandaga Bafakura Tulinabo Murhabazi M Pius

Final Report 22nd March 2006 40 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

Mdegamiye Sengabo Alexis Mbani Paypay Mukesha Bahati Butoni Bihama Habimana Ndamutsa Ime Ahdi Nuru Mwamini Joseph Muhabazi Kamyena Paul Banya Kageruka Habimana Bidogo Twagirimana Maguru Shweka Rubenga Jean Gahire Ndayisaza Hagumineza Habimana

Radio Club, Radio Kahuzi Bahidika Magadju Danny, Animator Ciza Ntahira, Secretary Ciyane Kadokole Marcelini, Counsellor Bushole Kartusi Louis, Counsellor Ciza Kamanzi, President of Kalehe Platform

Bunia

Gilbert Tandia, Centre Pelican Gabriel Lidju, Radio Candip Dieudonné Dhedda, Radio Candip Napoléon Nzishama, Radio Amkeni, Mambasa Pasteur Jonas Kiningani, Radio Tangazeni Kristo Pithua Ambele, Radio Tangazeni Kristo Gratien Iracan, Radio Canal Révélation Louis-Marie Bouaka, Human Rights Coordinator, MONUC

Kinshasa

Nadine Mishika, Commission Electorale Independante Desire Molekela, Commission Electorale Independante Sam Howard, MONUC Joanna Wells, Information and Analysis Unit Rene Roemersma, Panos Paris Yves Laplume, Director, Radio Okapi Yves Renard, Radio Okapi Michel Biolley, Radio Okapi Anne-marie Amoros, Radio Okapi Pia Hallonsten, SIDA Magnus Carlquist, Embassy of Sweden Charlie Kumande Biti, Radio Télévision Armée de l’Eternel (RTAE) Freddie Mulongo, Radio Réveil ‘Americain’, bus-driver Michel Diantité, bus-driver

Final Report 22nd March 2006 41 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

Annex 4: Original Logframe

Goal Objectively Means of Assumptions/Risks Verifiable Verification Indicators

Enhance the Increased Surveys Transition remains prospects for more knowledge & Focus groups on tracks inclusive and awareness in the Informal Systematic conflict viable transition Congolese interviews will not resume process & a population about Reduction of sustainable peace the transition sporadic conflicts process & reduction of tensions in Eastern Congo

Objectives Objectively Means of Assumptions/Risks Verifiable Verification Indicators 1. Enhance Public has better Knowledge, Communication informative and knowledge of the attitude and channels are in participative transitional practice survey place & reach a communication institutions & Focus groups critical amount of around the mechanisms the population transition process Increased Minimum level of participation of the freedom of press public in the transition process 2. Contribute to Increased number Informal Local authorities do reduction of of peace initiatives interviews not prevent tensions & the in the Kivus initiatives outside of development of their control sustainable peace in Eastern Congo

Final Report 22nd March 2006 42 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

Outputs Objectively Means of Assumptions/Risks Verifiable Indicators Verification 1. Public has % public knows Surveys Channels of better knowledge about transitional Focus groups communication of the transition institutions (their Informal function role, their duties) interviews Minimum and how to use effectiveness in them. transitional % public knows institutions about the major Election dates are stepping-stones of fixed the transition. Population is not too % public more cynical vis à vis aware of their transition process rights

1. Increased # of targeted Anecdotes Transition process participation of the transition issues are allows a certain public into the debated amongst amount of transition process the population. participation More political awareness.

1. Increased % of positive Review press Journalists are responsible articles/segments in ready to embrace reporting by key publications ethical & journalists and broadcast professional programs conducts Media Commission is effective Outputs Objectively Means of Assumptions/Risks Verifiable Indicators Verification 2. Population # of examples Interviews Transitional process better equipped to where population is maintained. resolve local manage to resolve Regional trend in tensions & more its conflicts decrease of conflicts harmonious is maintained. communities in Eastern congo 2. Children in the # of children Focus groups Demobilisation East better constructively Informal process is taking informed on effect informed about the interviews place. of war and on the demobilisation Tensions around demobilisation process reintegration process process are managed Synergy between stakeholders remains 2. Local leaders Increased number Informal Space for local intervene more to of community interviews peace initiatives is diffuse local conflict resolution Anecdotes increased. conflicts initiatives 2. Communities % of communities Community Communities are are more that establish a anecdotes willing to rebuilt an respectful of each mutual commitment Informal harmonious society others in the Kivus to move forward interviews

Final Report 22nd March 2006 43 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

Activities Objectively Means of Assumptions/Risks Verifiable Verification Indicators 1. Record and Arbre à Palabre Radio broadcast Relations with large have broadcast 30 mn broad. logbooks number of radios is innovative, quality p/week Polling of 15 maintained and radio programming Voice of Congolese contacts in 15 increased on the transition 12 mn broad. locations process and p/week institutions Sketch 6 mn broad p/week Soap Opera 30 mn broad. p/week 1. Produce posters 1,000 posters & Anecdotes Ad hoc partners are and leaflets related leaflets designed, interested and to the transition produced & willing to post or process distributed per distribute posters year and leaflets 1. Southern Kivu 1,500 newsletter Newsletter The authorities will newsletter (Mijas) produced Anecdotal not crack down on fortnightly and feedbacks this only distributed in independent written Southern Kivu source of information in Southern Kivu 1. Distribution of # of information Logbook Interest in receiving information and and fundamental this information texts on the texts on transition remains high transition distributed in South Kivu 1. Diffusion of Complete design Counting devise to Internet connections information of website + calculate n° of hits will remain as they regarding the update on monthly are or improve transition put on basis the internet 1. Training of 4 trainings per Evaluation forms Journalists are not media to provide year Staff reports prevented to attend balanced information during the transition

Final Report 22nd March 2006 44 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

Activities Objectively Means of Assumptions/Risks Verifiable Verification Indicators 2. Radio Jirani Ni Ndungu Radio broadcasts Relations with radio broadcasts to 30 mn broad. Logbooks maintained & contribute to a p/week Listening groups increased sustainable peace Batisseurs de la Technical capacities Paix of radio broadcast 30 mn broad. maintained & p/week increased En Parler, c’est Agir 15 mn broad./per week 2. radio 10 programmes Reports Access to refugee programmes & conceptualised and camps remains tape distributions distributed to address cross- Listening groups border issues 2. Community Sisi Watoto Radio broadcast Demobilisation awareness raising 15 mn broad. logbooks process takes place. through media on p/week Training Partnership with children rights and 4 trainings for 16 evaluations & youth organisations demobilisation young journlts staff reports and demobilisation process p/year Listening groups centres is increased. Soap opera on demobilisation 30 mn broad. p/week 2. Training & 4 trainings per Training Reports Local leaders will Capacity building year for 15 local have the available for local peace leaders on 4 space and leaders different issues Monthly staff opportunity to - Training in Increased reports participate and conflict resolution communication and maintain a level of - Support & exchanges interaction between facilitate between local each other. networking leaders. - Support cross 10 micro grants fertilisation distributed to Grants reports - Micro grants support local peace initiatives 2. Production of 3 cartoon books Book Distribution to cartoon books per year population is not seen as a subversive action by authorities 2. Participatory 1 play developed & Script, play Security situation theatre toured in Kivus performed and enables the tour to tour take place 2. Training of 4 trainings per Reports & Participants willing artists engaged in year evaluations to engage peace activities 2. Cultural & 4 cultural & Reports Some cultural and sporting events to sporting events sport groups are bring polarised organised per year willing to publicly communities work for peace together

Final Report 22nd March 2006 45 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

Annex 5: PowerPoint Presentation with Preliminary Findings

Search for Common Ground DRC

Mid-term review Preliminary findings Kinshasa 3rd February 2006

Contents

• Strengths, achievements and concerns • Full report will follow format of TORs

Strengths: Conflict transformation

• Provides practical models of non-violent communication • Provides platform for people’s voices • Complementarity of all CL activities • Offers alternative, apolitical, solutions to local conflicts • Innovative approaches • Strong understanding of the main dynamics of the conflict sparks related to the transition

Final Report 22nd March 2006 46 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

Strengths: Transition

• National reach and influence • Issues treated in programmes are carefully selected on grounds of conflict-potential

Strengths: Media development

• Improves media standards by promoting responsible reporting and high standards of investigative journalism • Brings ordinary people to the microphone • Unique, outcome-oriented programming • Bringing stories and perspectives from remote areas not covered by other stations • Popularity of programmes creates space for other CL activities • International nature of SfCG enables open discussion of politically sensitive issues • Complementary to Radio Okapi

Achievements: Conflict transformation

• Contributed to community rapprochement and restoration of confidence in Kalehe • Youth mediation group meeting in Kampala reduced tension in Bukavu • Great Lakes Forum facilitated, contributed to increased confidence between Burundi, DRC, Rwanda • Disadvantaged individuals access professional skills training, eg in journalism, participatory theatre • Youth/children have participated, work, gain confidence and respect • Community groups are given frameworks for debates, material inputs, to facilitate, speed up and scale up their initiatives

Final Report 22nd March 2006 47 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

Achievements: Transition

• Contributed significantly to levels of participation in referendum

• Sisi Watoto contributed to child demobilisation by convincing RCD commanders, broadcasting information on presence of child soldiers (for service providers, parents)

• Sisi Watoto provides psychological support to child ex-soldiers

• Sisi Watoto is almost the only media production aimed at children

• Exposure of problems around DDR (eg. corrupt commanders)

• Joint reporting on DDR by journalists from Burundi, Rwanda, DRC encouraged confidence

Achievements: Media development

• Hugely popular programmes • Wide range of programmes developed for a variety of audiences • Partner radio stations have gained ideas and have improved output • Synergie of community radio stations during elections provided real-time skills • Participatory theatre developed and promoted as tool for debate, information

Concerns: Conflict transformation

• Community work is still fragile, needs more intensive support • ‘Development’ activities with communities and partner orgs may take it outside its core range • Some key conflict issues not dealt with in sufficient depth so far (eg sexual violence, HIV/AIDS) or frequently enough to build up momentum towards change • Common ground approach…?

Final Report 22nd March 2006 48 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

Concerns: Transition

• Could distribute ‘Journal du Citoyen’ more assiduously • Time is too to short to raise journalists’ analytical skills in time for election (Synergie)

Concerns: Media development

• Other theatre methods? • Journalism training not evaluated • Radio partners would like stronger relationship, more training and joint activities. • Relationship with Okapi could be more collaborative

Final Report 22nd March 2006 49 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

Annex 6: Output to Purpose Review

Annual or Output to Purpose Review (OPR)

6.1 Part A - Project Data

Project Short Supporting Congo’s Transition Towards Sustainable Peace – Search for Common Ground in the DRC (AG3959) Title

Benefiting Country / Region D R Congo MIS code Current Project Officer Name Approved Commitment £1.2m subject to review at 18 months Actual Start Date (dd/mm/yyyy) Spend To Date Planned End Date (dd/mm/yyyy) Date of Review 20/01/2006 – 5/02/2006

Final Report 22nd March 2006 50 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

6.2 Part B - Recommendations

Summary of Recommendations Responsibility 1. DFID should have no hesitation in funding the second half of the 3-year grant foreseen for Search for Judith Whiteley, DFID Common Ground 2. Some revisions to the project log-frame should be made to reflect current targets and activities, through SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre the process of an internal strategic review, and in the light of this mid-term evaluation, no later than May Lokolé) 2006. 3. SfCG should commit to paper an agreed work-plan for the remaining 18 months of the project, as soon as SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre possible. Lokolé) 4. SfCG should strengthen its plans, and internal capacity, for monitoring and evaluation SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre Lokolé) 5. SfCG should consider expanding both its TV output and its child-centred programming. SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre Lokolé) 6. SFCG should undertake an assessment of its experience with on-the-ground community reconciliation SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre work with a view to deciding what level of resources to invest in this work Lokolé) 7. SfCG should consider identifying a series of priority subjects for which it will develop more-in depth SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre treatment. This could include around army integration and sexual violence. Lokolé) 8. SfCG should continue to look for ways to collaborate with Radio Okapi, Panos and others SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre Lokolé) 9. SfCG should start considering themes for a post-conflict scenario SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre Lokolé) 10.SfCG should consider further developing its participatory theatre-work and applying it to other themes and SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre to other areas of the country. Lokolé) 11.SfCG should look for ways to enhance synergies between community reconciliation work and media work. SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre Lokolé) 12.SfCG should plan more in situ training workshops and joint reporting with journalists from partner radio SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre stations alongside SfCG journalists. Lokolé) 13.In the long term CL will need to consider undertaking a broader analysis of the conflict, to include the SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre roles of marginalised groups (e.g. women, pygmés, and the rural poor). Lokolé)

Final Report 22nd March 2006 51 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

14. CL should consider joint programming and joint activities with other peace-building NGOs SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre Lokolé)

Final Report 22nd March 2006 52 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

6.3 Part C – Project Scoring Assessment

Goal Statement Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVIs) An inclusive and viable transition process and a sustainable peace in Increased knowledge and awareness in the Congolese population about the DRC the transition process and reduction of tensions in Eastern Congo

Purpose Statement Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVIs ) Progress Recommendations/Comments The foundations are laid Congolese people are well informed SfCG is making a significant SfCG should continue with its present for sustainable peace in and participate responsibly in the contribution to building popular audio programmes and its present radio the DRC by enhancing electoral process information resources by partners, and should continually look for informative and distributing audio material to key opportunities to extend its geographical participative local radio stations in all provinces. coverage, languages, formats and communication around the There is evidence that the material programme themes. transition process and by is widely appreciated for its contributing to the informative and entertainment SfCG’s plans to concentrate on possible reduction of tensions in the value and its positive influence on areas of conflict around and after the Eastern Congo. attitudes. It is not possible to upcoming elections are entirely judge exactly how far SFCG appropriate, as are its plans to continue contributed to the high turn-out or working on civic education. the calm conduct of the referendum, but it certainly DFID should be ready to consider contributed. It remains a key separately funding small extra civic partner for the Independent education initiatives by SfCG if they Electoral Commission (CEI) in the arise. run-up to the elections.

Communities live together in peace There has been a general SfCG team needs to reflect on strengths and community reconciliation is a reduction of tension and insecurity and weaknesses of community work. reality in Eastern DRC as compared to Developing it further will require staff the start of programme, and much recruitment and the elaboration of improvement in community effectives strategies to enhance

Final Report 22nd March 2006 53 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

Purpose Statement Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVIs ) Progress Recommendations/Comments relations can be attributed to this, partnership and intensify impact, so it is difficult to identify the including strategies for maximising impact of any one intervention. synergies between media and There is some evidence that community work individuals have changed behaviour as a result of SfCG’s programmes. Community reconciliation initiatives have been at least partially successful, but have been affected by financial and human resource constraints. Combatants are demobilised and SfCG’s contribution to adult DDR SfCG should take as many opportunities reintegrated into Congolese society has so far been small because to assess the impact of its new programmes dealing specifically programmes in partnership with with this were developed relatively CONADER as it can find. recently. However, existing programmes have consistently SfCG should be encouraged in the broadcast segments on this issue discussions it has started with DFID and and have helped to clarify, for other donors about a special example, current laws relating to conflict transformation facilitation and the army and the issue of training effort on the integrated demobilisation in relation to the brigades and a long-term improvement elections. On child ex-combatants, in military-civilian relations. the Sisi Watoto programme has made some concrete contributions to child demobilisation.

Children are able to uphold their right ‘Sisi Watoto’ is both very popular Programming on child-soldiers could not to be attached to armed groups and acclaimed by child protection investigate issues around reintegration agencies for its impact on attitudes more deeply in future. Building on the and the flow of information about success of Sisi Wa Toto is important.

Final Report 22nd March 2006 54 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

Purpose Statement Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVIs ) Progress Recommendations/Comments child rights and child The possibility of expanding it beyond demobilisation. There is clear the Swahili-speaking zone should be evidence of direct links between investigated. the programme and incidents in which children seek demobilisation, are brought to demobilisation centres by officers, are identified by child protection specialists as being at risk, or are dissuaded from re-mobilisation as a result of the programme. The programme gives particular emphasis to the acute problems of the girl child. However, the programme’s impact in terms of reintegration is less clear.

Congolese refugees are repatriated, There has been little targeted SfCG should consider designing a reintegrated and accepted programming on this issue until the specific evaluation exercise focused on recently-begun UNHCR-funded its and UNHCR’s repatriation work in project on returnees from South Kivu. Tanzania, including (i.e. Tukatane tena, participatory theatre, support to local media partner MIJAS, and the setting up of community committees. It is too early to assess the impact of this

Media contribute positively to conflict High standards of journalism and SfCG should consider evaluating and transformation civic education are being promoted consolidating its journalism training through the example of SfCG’s through more joint-reporting exercises,

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Purpose Statement Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVIs ) Progress Recommendations/Comments own programmes, journalist and doing more to develop and expand training, and technical support existing listening clubs. It should look given to 84 of the better local for further opportunities to collaborate radio stations. This contributes to with Panos, Radio Okapi and the conflict transformation in a general Journal du Citoyen. sense, as it improves popular access to information, ideas and ways of dealing with problems. It contributes to a more responsible mass-media and the creation of an informed, dynamic and pluralistic society. Better reporting may, for example, have helped maintain calm at critical junctures such as June 30th 2005 and the referendum in December 2005.

People in DRC – especially youth - General anecdotal evidence and SfCG should continue focussing on are mature and critical, and able to testimonies from local radio youth, and the key themes (such as counter rumours and manipulation stations, suggest audiences ethnic conflict and political believe SFCG programmes are manipulation) it has identified as threats contributing to an informed society to the transition and to free elections. which has a strong capacity to Some key themes, such as sexual reflect and take stances on social violence and army reintegration might and political issues of the day. merit more in-depth exploration. SFCG’s work has a strong focus Strengthening its M&E capacity will help on youth, but it would be hard to it better understand the information judge whether the population as a needs of the population and the main whole has become more mature rumours, myths and misconceptions and critical, or to attribute this to which need to be countered. the work of SfCG specifically.

Final Report 22nd March 2006 56 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

Purpose to Goal Goal = ‘An inclusive and viable transition process and a sustainable peace in the DRC’ OVI = ‘Increased knowledge and awareness in the Congolese population about the transition process and reduction of tensions in Eastern Congo’ Purpose = ‘The foundations are laid for sustainable peace in the DRC by enhancing informative and participative communication around the transition process and by contributing to the reduction of tensions in the Eastern Congo.’ See below

Project Purpose Rating - General / Overall progress assessment 2 Justification In summary, we find that this purpose is well on the way to being achieved. The key achievement of SFCG’s radio output relating to the transition is that it produces informative, relevant and stimulating material which is disseminated to mass audiences, and to parts of the country where few other sources of information or discussion reach. SFCG has contributed to media development through training, technical support, and by setting high standards in its own programmes. Programmes have contributed to transition processes by enabling people to become better informed about the transition – especially the electoral process - and better able to assess and act on information, and by providing outlets for popular voices. SFCG has promoted participatory theatre for development and conflict transformation communication and has become an important resource in this field. The programme’s main weakness is in respect of community-level reconciliation work. Some planned activities (most notably work on adult demobilisation and on returning refugees) have got under way only recently, and its practical, on-the-ground, impact in terms of the social reintegration of refugees and of ex-combatants remains to be demonstrated.

State how far the project has helped to deliver the objectives of the Country Assistance Plan (where appropriate) The project is helping to deliver on the following aspects of the Country Engagement Plan (dated June 2005) - ‘The establishment of basic security and rule of law, including support for the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of ex- combatants, both Congolese and foreign, army integration, reform of the police and justice sector, and local level peace building. - The establishment of a functioning state, including support for the transition institutions, the establishment of a professional and impartial media sector, and the preparation for elections.’

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Outputs Objectively Verifiable Progress Recommendations/ Score Indicators (OVIs) Comments NB. The original logframe had Because the project outputs Progress is generally good, but it Some revisions to the project See slightly different outputs than have changed, the OVIs given will be possible to assess log-frame should be made to overall the ones here. Those below in the original logframe no progress properly only when OVIs reflect current targets and score are those to which the project longer apply. Below are some are specified. activities in light of both this below. is now working. suggested OVIs to correspond mid-term review and the to the new outputs. The process of an internal project needs to develop them strategic review. Revisions further. should be made no later than

May 2006.

1. Radio broadcasts on the (Named) radio programmes transition process and institutions produced and disseminated

through X radio stations,

distribution of tapes/CDs

through X methods

Transition themes aired in

programmes (list)

Listening groups set up (x on CL should consider children’s rights in the East plus others on transition identifying a series of priority issues) subjects, for which it will develop longer and more in- depth treatment over a series of programmes. CL should start to consider themes for a post-conflict scenario. CL should consider the

Final Report 22nd March 2006 58 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

Outputs Objectively Verifiable Progress Recommendations/ Score Indicators (OVIs) Comments expansion of the child- centred radio programme ‘Sisi Wa Toto’ beyond the Kiswahili zone and possibly the whole of DRC.

2. Other media activities which Printed materials (comic CL should pursue plans to reinforce messages on the books, Messager du people) expand into TV, particularly transition produced and distributed in Kinshasa.

3. Training of media in peace and X number of journalists trained CL should consider the common ground journalism impact of training already techniques X giving positive feedback done and should plan more after trainings in situ training workshops and joint reporting with Collaboration with other media journalists from partner radio training orgs. stations alongside CL journalists. Journalists are able to practice CL should continue to techniques collaborate with Radio Okapi,

Panos and others. In particular, collaboration with RO on joint productions and participatory reporting should be pursued.

4. Radio programming to reduce (Named) radio programmes tensions in Eastern Congo produced and disseminated through X radio stations,

Final Report 22nd March 2006 59 Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC

Outputs Objectively Verifiable Progress Recommendations/ Score Indicators (OVIs) Comments distribution of tapes/CDs

5. Promotion of cross-border dialogue 6. Community awareness-raising on children’s rights and the demobilisation process in the East 7. Training and capacity-building Mediators and facilitators CL has decided not to carry for local peace leaders trained out direct training but instead to support local Peace committees set up community reconciliation projects. It should assess this experience to decide what level of resources to invest in future. Options include scaling down, working in collaboration with other peacebuilding organisations, and scaling up. If the latter, CL should consider expanding the present limited resources devoted to this activity, identifying strategies to enhance synergies between media and community work (eg through theatre, radio listening groups), and developing a methodology of

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Outputs Objectively Verifiable Progress Recommendations/ Score Indicators (OVIs) Comments ‘accompanying’ local peace organisations. 8. Cultural Activities to increase X plays devised and toured CL should consider scaling up social harmony its participatory theatre-work X training workshops for artists and enhancing synergies per year held between community reconciliation work and X mini-festivals per year media work, eg strengthen organised radio listening groups and use theatre troupes to X theatre troupes trained in explore specific themes participatory theatre and and/or be deployed in conflict transformation support of specific community projects.

Project Outputs Rating - General / Overall progress assessment 2 Justification Activities have generally been carried out as planned, with the possible exception of the devised play, abandoned in favour of introducing participatory theatre. Radio listening clubs have been formed but not effectively followed up. Dedicated radio programmes on adult demobilisation and the return of refugees have come on stream relatively recently. The intention to train community peace activists has not been carried out (with one small exception) owing to doubts about its effectiveness in the context. The outputs achieved (in summary, the radio programmes and associated printed materials and training, the community reconciliation projects, and the development of cultural media for conflict transformation) have contributed fairly clearly to the transition process, and also, though less clearly, to the reduction of tension in the east.

Purpose Attribution The project outputs (above) are clearly enhancing informative and participative communication around the transition process and are certainly contributing something to the reduction of tensions in the Eastern Congo, though the impact here is harder to discern.

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6.4 Part D – Risk Management

The risk level for the project should be reassessed during Annual / Output-to-Purpose Reviews.

Risk Category Both Goal and Purpose level risk is relatively high because of the fragile nature of the political transition and the volatility of the sub-region. Has the Risk Category changed since the last review? If so explain why. This is the first review New risks identified None Action being taken to monitor / manage risks The meta-level threats to the project are beyond its control, but the project would no doubt re-orient itself and continue, even if full-scale war broke out again, as long as there were at least some mass-media functioning and it were still possible to find on-the-ground opportunities for peace- building. Recommended changes to plans or management strategies in respect of project associated risks SfCG would no doubt bring its status as an international organisation to bear, along with its facilities in neighbouring Burundi.

Does the Logframe Require Revision? . Yes. The programme’s original logical framework (2004) ceased being used by SfCG in April 2005 when CL held an internal review which resulted in a slightly revised vision for the programme. CL plans to draw up a revised logframe during the next internal strategic review in April 2006. However as a logframe was required for this Output-to-Purpose review, the evaluators developed an indicative logframe based on the programme proposal, progress reports, the strategic review report of 2005, and observations and discussions with staff (see Annex 4 for original logframe and Annex 6 for indicative logframe). This was done in order to help the programme get greater, explicit clarity on objectives which were already implicit and which were, in any case, being followed as per the programme document agreed with DFID.

Do the PIMS Markers Require Revision? [Mandatory for projects approved prior to 01/04/1998] N/A

Method of Scoring – state the team composition, the methods used to conduct the review, how the scoring was agreed upon, and whether partners and stakeholders were involved. Scores were agreed between the two- person evaluation team, Mary Myers and Judy El-Bushra.

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6.5 Part E – Lessons Learned

Lessons learned, and suggested dissemination. 1. Working with Partners SfCG’s work in DRC shows that fostering partnerships is labour and time-intensive. If you have a lot of partners (in this case e.g. 84 radio stations and potentially hundreds or community groups with which to work), it is good to acknowledge (as SfCG has done) that there are limits to the relationship, and not to raise undue expectations. 2. Best Practice / Innovation SfCG’s work in peace-building media – especially radio and participatory theatre - is very innovative, and therefore deserves thorough impact assessment and documentation. 3. Project / Programme Management SfCG’s work in DRC is exceptionally challenging and requires exceptionally committed and resilient staff and management. Because DRC is a ‘crisis’ country, there is a better case to be made for the presence of international staff at management level than in a more stable situation where such management structures would not be sustainable.

Key Issues / Points of information N/A

If appropriate, please comment on the effectiveness of the institutional relationships involved with the project (eg comment on processes and how relationships have evolved) N/A

What key documentary evidence is available to support the conclusions of this report? List any supporting documents annexed to this report. Final Report of Mid Term Review of Search for Common Ground, Triple Line Consulting, March 2006

Final Report 22nd March 2006 63 CENTRE LOKOLE

Search for Common Ground en RDC

Galerie du Centenaire/2è Niveau Av. Hippodrome n°39 C/Ibanda Blv. 30 juin-Gombe -Kinshasa-RDC B.P. 2511 Bukavu Tél : (+243) 817005829 – Fax : +243 813010298 Tél.: (+243) 813182880 B.P.: 9543 Kin 1;: [email protected] Bukavu/Sud-Kivu

Annex 7: Clarifications Presented by Search for Common Ground in DRC

After analysing the findings of this evaluation, SFCG in DRC is very appreciative of the observations and suggestions raised. The recommendations are pertinent and valuable, and will contribute in our planning for the coming year. I would however like to clarify two aspects of the report which refer to Search for Common Ground, its methodological approach and future perspectives: " COMMON GROUND APPROACH: Search for Common Ground aims to change the way the world deals with conflict – away from adversarial approaches and towards collaborative solutions. The ‘Common Ground’ approach – be it in peacebuilding or journalism – entails understanding the interests, or underlying needs, behind the parties in conflict, in order to search for a solution based on these common interests. This implies an analysis of the context and the history of the conflict, the positions and interests of the parties in conflict and a recognition that the relationship between them can be preserved while transforming the conflict. “Understand the differences, act on the commonalities” is a short way of explaining this approach. As “Common Ground” media producers, our core principles are accuracy, impartiality and responsibility, and do not entail us taking a position or promoting a certain point of view " FUTURE PERSPECTIVES: SFCG in the DRC is adapting to the changing context. The upcoming elections will bring an end to the current transition and usher in a new democratic dispensation. New conflicts will emerge: those predictable are related to resource exploitation, transitional justice, reconciliation and governance. While livelihood and development issues will hopefully take centre stage with enhanced human security, this is not an area of expertise that SFCG aims to enhance. Other organisations with this expertise should intervene in these areas. However, the peaceful transformation of conflict will remain a need in a post-election DRC; in fact, SFCG works in many post-conflict countries around the world, as a conflict transformation organisation. In DRC, SFCG will adjust its attention to these emerging needs, applying our expertise to transform these conflicts. These efforts will contribute to social cohesion, reconciliation and a context in which development, livelihood and income-generating activities are possible and sustainable. Once again, thank you for your report and we look forward to a continuing collaboration with DFID.

Lena Slachmuijlder Director, Centre Lokole SFCG in DRC

Siéges: Bruxelles, Belgique: [email protected] Washington DC, USA [email protected] www.sfcg.org