volume 14 2/2009 A journal of peace research New Routes and action published by the life & peace institute

Conflict transformation: Three lenses in one frame

UNDERSTANDING PEACEBUILDING THEORY: Management, resolution and transformation

CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION: A circular journey with a purpose

TOGETHER IN CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION: Development co- operation, mission and diacony Conflict transformation by military involvement CONFLICT TRANSFORMATION: A challenging necessity in a war-ridden region Espoir de paix grâce à l’action de l’UPDI Contents excuse me, is this the right way to peace? 3 understanding peacebuilding theory: Management, resolution and This issue of New Routes is largely about theory, or rather theories. A great transformation number of scholars have developed theories on peacebuilding, conflict Thania Paffenholz resolution, conflict management, conflict transformation, etc. But theory without practice in the context of peacebuilding is, if not dead, at least lifeless 7 conflict transformation: and of little use. Therefore, the descriptions and explanations of theory are A circular journey with a purpose accompanied by practical examples in order to make them more John Paul Lederach/Michelle Maiese comprehensible and more based on real life experiences. Since the late 1980’s, the Life & Peace Institute (LPI) has been engaged in community-based peacebuilding and nonviolent conflict transformation in together in conflict transformation: 11 Africa. Therefore, the aim of this issue is to reflect on different aspects of Development co-operation, conflict transformation, to explain its basic theory, to compare it with other mission and diacony approaches to peacebuilding and to describe its effects in reality. Paula Dijk Two of the most well-known researchers on conflict transformation, John Paul Lederach and Thania Paffenholz, have kindly contributed to this issue 15 Conflict transformation by with their wealth of knowledge and experience. Paula Dijk from the Dutch military involvement interchurch organisation ICCO expounds their efforts within conflict transformation to help people create sustainable peace. The activities of the Thomas Boehlke military within conflict transformation are described by Thomas Boehlke, with examples from the Philippines. conflict transformation: 19 Other examples form the field are found in an article from LPI’s field office A challenging necessity in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, and from one of its partner in a war-ridden region organisations, the farmers’ syndicate the UPDI, respectively. These texts depict the interaction between theory and practice, regional and local. 23 Espoir de paix grâce We hope that this issue will be useful and instructive both to readers who à l’action de l’UPDI are already familiar with the concepts of different peacebuilding theories, and to students and others who have recently become acquainted with them and Urbain Bisimwa want further knowledge and inspiration. For this purpose, please see the Resource pages with a number of websites and publications for further reading. 30 Conflict Transformation: Further reading Kristina Lundqvist [email protected] 32 LPI News 33 Reviews and Resources About the authors

Thania Paffenholz holds a PhD Michelle Maiese is a graduate stu- in International Relations and is a dent of Philosophy at the University A journal of peace research lecturer for peace, conflict and deve- of Colorado, Boulder, and is a part of New Routes and action lopment at the Graduate Institute the research staff at the Conflict published by the life & peace institute of Inter­national and Development Research Consortium. Studies, Geneva, Switzerland. She New Routes is a quarterly publication of the Life & Paula Dijk works as a Programme also advises the UN, the OECD, Peace Institute (LPI). Material may be reproduced Specialist on Democratisation and governmental and non-governmental freely if New Routes is mentioned as the source. Peace building for ICCO & Kerk in organisations on their peacebuilding Opinions expressed in New Routes do not necessarily Actie, the Netherlands. reflect LPI policy positions. work. She is a member of LPI’s Board Life & Peace Institute and Executive Committe. Thomas Boehlke is an instructor for Sysslomansgatan 7, SE-753 11 Uppsala, Sweden Joint Military Operations at the John Paul Lederach is Professor of Tel: (+46) 18-16 97 86, Fax: (+46) 18-69 30 59 German Armed Forces Command and International Peacebuilding with the E-mail: [email protected], Staff College in Hamburg. He is Web site: www.life-peace.org Joan B. Kroc Institute for Commander in the German Navy and International Peace Studies at the Editorial committee: Malin Brenk, Henrik Fröjmark, holds university degrees in adult edu- University of Notre Dame. He works Bernt Jonsson and Kristina Lundqvist cation and mediation. Editor: Kristina Lundqvist as a practitioner-scholar, providing Cover photo: Janerik Henriksson/Scanpix facilitation, mediation and training/ Urbain Bisimwa is the Secretary Layout: Georg Lulich Grafisk Form education, with extensive experience General of the farmers’ syndicat UPDI Printer: Temdahls Tryckeri AB, Östervåla, Sweden ISSN 1403-3755 at national and community levels. in the Democratic Republic of Congo. understanding peacebuilding theory New Routes 2/2009 3

Building peace is in itself one of the most intricate enterprises of human beings. Out of different theories, models and practical experiences a number of schools of thought have evolved, each with its own way of thinking and specific terminology. The dividing lines between the different approaches and their understanding are not always crystal clear. This article presents an overview of some of the most influential peacebuilding theories. understanding peacebuilding theory: Management, resolution and transformation Thania Paffenholz

Peacebuilding is essentially about the building therefore aims at achieving native discourse school) that could have process of achieving peace. Depending peace between nations on the basis of implications on practitioners’ work. on one’s underlying understanding of the establishment of norms and stand- peace, peacebuilding differs consider- ards and through a super entity like the The Conflict Management School ably in terms of approaches, scope of United Nations (UN), which can help in The approach of the Conflict Manage- activities and time frame. It is there- regulation and monitoring. ment School is to end wars through dif- fore not astonishing that the term and A Marxist-inspired structuralist IR ferent diplomatic initiatives. This is the concept of peacebuilding are nowadays analysis focuses on justice and equal- oldest school of thought, closely linked to used in research and practice with vary- ity, and critically analyses the power the institutionalisation of peacebuilding ing understandings and definitions. relations within the sys- This article1 gives an overview of the tem. Peacebuilding in this theoretical underpinnings of peace- context is a revolutionary What was at first a more building. A theoretical reflection allows approach to mobilise the elite-based civil society for a better understanding as to why masses in order to achieve “ approach became a general certain terms and approaches are used radical change in the inter- (and sometimes confused) in research national system. civil society and grassroots and practice. The article presents a sys- Post-structural IR read- tematic analysis of different schools of ing also looks into issues of approach. thought that explain why different actors justice, equality and power choose different ways to build peace, relations, but puts the main emphasis in international law. Peacebuilders, ac- and where they derive their underlying on marginalised actors and discourses. cording to the logic of this school, are ex- theories from (explicitly or implicitly). Here peacebuilding is not about a com- ternal diplomats from bilateral or multi- The article thereby also presents new mon meta-narrative, but about under- lateral organisations. This school aims to and critical research thinking in peace- standing differences and including the identify and bring to the negotiating table building that might impact on practi- discourses on the everyday peace of or- leaders of the conflict parties. Its main fo- tioners’ work in the future. dinary people into international debates cus is the short-term management of the in an emancipatory sense. armed conflict. Recent examples include Peacebuilding in international Peacebuilding within IR theory is of- the Sudan or Aceh peace accords (Miall relations theories ten not explicit. The framing of IR theo- et al. 1999, 158-168; Paffenholz 2001a, In a nutshell, the focus of all interna- ries has, however, inspired the middle 75-81; Richmond 2005, 89-96). tional relations (IR) theories is on regu- level theories that deal more explicitly The largest contribution of the Con- lating the international system of states, with peacebuilding (even if not all of flict Management School is its focus thus maintaining peace as security, or- them refer to the very term). on those in power who have the abil- der or justice.2 Realism focuses on the ity to bring large-scale violence to an balance of power among sovereign Different schools of thought end through a negotiated settlement. nation­-states based on an understand- I identify five main approaches (schools The Conflict Management School has ing that the international system is an- of thought) to peacebuilding that are been criticised because mediators tend archic, and states are driven by interest presented below. The mainstream to concentrate solely on the top leader- rather than idealistic norms. Peacebuild- peacebuilding literature usually comes ship of the conflicting parties (Lederach ing in realism refers to maintaining sta- up with three schools (management, 1997), often ignoring the need for facili- bility through hegemonial power and resolution and transformation), but I tation by different internal and external through the preservation of interests. would like to add two more, one for his- actors before, during and after the ne- In contrast, idealism advocates for a torical reasons (complementary school) gotiations (Paffenholz 1998 and 2000). world regulated by international organ- and one due to new discussions that The approach also overlooks the deep isations, norms and standards. Peace- currently take place in research (alter- causes of conflicts (Hoffman 1995). 4 New Routes 2/2009 understanding peacebuilding theory

The Conflict Resolution School to communities and organised civil so- peacebuilding capacity of actors from The approach of the Conflict Resolu- ciety groups. one or different groups, and conflict tion School is to solve the underlying The common features of modern resolution workshops. causes of conflict and rebuild destroyed (second generation) conflict resolution The Conflict Resolution School has relationships between the parties. In approaches can be identified as follows: been criticised first from a conflict the early Conflict Resolution School, all involved actors aim at addressing the management perspective. Improving peacebuilders were mainly Western root causes of conflict with relationship- communications and building relation- academic institutions carrying out con- building and long-term resolution- ships between conflicting parties do flict resolution workshops with non- oriented approaches, and they do not not necessarily result in an agreement official actors close to the conflict par- represent a government or an interna- to end the war (Bercovitch 1984). The ties (Fisher 1997; Kelman 1992). As the tional organisation. The main suppli- approach has later also been criticised approach evolved, the scope of actors ers are international NGOs. They often for its assumptions that the work with was substantially broadened. What was work together with national and local civil society and the grassroots does not at first a more elite-based civil society NGOs. The main activities performed automatically spill over to the national approach became a general civil soci- are dialogue projects between groups level (Richmond 2001). ety and grassroots approach, including or communities, peace education, con- a wide range of actors from individuals flict resolution training to enhance the The Complementary School This school focuses on the possible congruence between the Conflict Man- agement and Resolution Schools. By putting the strength of these two schools together, it was somehow a logical step that peacebuilding is needed from the top and from below. In the early to mid- 1990s, different approaches were devel- oped that sought to overcome the dichot- omy between conflict management and resolution. The three main approaches are a) the “Contingency model for third party intervention in armed conflicts” PHOTO: PAUL JEFFREY/ACT INTERNATIONAL (Fisher and Keashly 1991), b) Bercovitch and Rubin’s similar model (1992), and c) the Multi-Track Diplomacy approach (Diamond and McDonald 1996). The main critique of this approach points out that in practice, different types of interventions can take place at the same time (Bloomfield 1995; Webb et al. 1996; Paffenholz 1998 and Fitz­ duff 2000) and do not fully address the issue of coordination (Paffenholz 1998).

The Conflict Transformation School This school focuses on the transfor- mation of deep-rooted armed conflicts into peaceful ones, based on a differ- ent understanding of peacebuilding. It suggests replacing the term “con- flict resolution” with the term “conflict transformation” (Rupesinghe 1995). John Paul Lederach developed the first comprehensive and widely discussed transformation-oriented approach (Led- erach 1997). (See also Lederach’s article on p 7 in this issue.) Building on the Complementary School, Lederach also sees the need to resolve the dilemma between short- term conflict management and long- Children often have the ability to play even in difficult outer circumstances. This boy has term relationship building, as well as been internally displaced by violence in Colombia and now lives in Cazuca, a burgeoning the resolution of the underlying causes poor neighbourhood south of Santa Fe de Bogotá. of conflict. His proposal is to build understanding peacebuilding theory New Routes 2/2009 5

“long-term infrastructure” for peace- Paffenholz, when analysing the valid- In line with Foucault, the Alternative building by supporting the reconcilia- ity of the approach in the Mozambican Discourse School does not present an tion potential of society. In line with the (Paffenholz 1998) and Somali peace overarching theory, but points to the Conflict Resolution School, he sees the processes (Paffenholz 2003 and 2006b), need to refocus on the everyday peace need to rebuild destroyed relationships, points to several deficiencies: First, the of ordinary people (Featherstone 2000; focusing on reconciliation within soci- linkage between the tracks is not suffi- Bendaña 2003; MacGinty 2006, 33-57; ety and the strengthening of society’s ciently elaborated, as conflict manage- Richmond 2005). On the basis of an peacebuilding potential. Third party in- ment is still necessary but is under-con- analysis of Southern voices, Bendaña tervention should concentrate on sup- ceptualised in Lederach’s approach. comes to similar conclusions by em- porting internal actors and coordinat- Second, external ing external peace efforts. Sensitivity to actors should not the local culture and a long-term time only support insid- This school aims to identify and frame are also necessary. ers directly, but also bring to the negotiating table This approach has a key focus on need to consider “ leaders of the conflict parties. peace constituencies by identifying the wider peace- mid-level individuals or groups and building arena, and empowering them to build peace and might also lobby for peacebuilding vis-à- phasising that peacebuilding becomes support reconciliation. Empowerment vis other actors like regional or interna- an inherently conservative undertaking of the middle level is assumed to then tional governments (Paffenholz 1998, seeking managerial solutions to fun- influence peacebuilding at the macro 213-215). damental conflicts over resources and and grassroots levels. Third, civil society organisations can power, attempting to modernise and re- Lederach divides society into three also take up a conflict management ap- legitimise a fundamental status quo re- levels, which can be approached proach as exemplified with the role of spectful of a national and international through different peacebuilding strat- the churches in the Mozambican peace market economy (Bendaña 2003, 5). egies. Top leadership can be accessed process (Paffenholz 1998, 213-215). The alternative approach suggested by mediation at the level of states (track Fourth, the emphasis on the incor- here is one of transformative peacebuild- 1) and by the outcome-oriented ap- poration of traditional values and local ing, which leads to a post-hegemonic proach. Mid-level leadership (track 2) voices in Lederach’s approach is con- society (Featherstone 2000, 213-214) can be reached through more resolu- firmed in its essence. However, it needs where oppressed voices are listened to tion-oriented approaches, such as prob- to also be critically analysed, as in to- and respected. It therefore also implies lem-solving workshops or peace-com- day’s world these structures are often structural changes and the acknowledg- missions, and with the help of partial transformed by modern developments ment that peacebuilding is mainly a insiders (i.e., prominent individuals in (Paffenholz 1998, 76). Western enterprise that needs to engage society). The grassroots level (track 3), Fifth, the main focus on the middle in a serious South/North dialogue. however, represents the majority of the level might not work in all societies, and The biggest contribution of this population and can be reached through the option to work directly with the grass- emerging Alternative Discourse School a wide range of peacebuilding ap- roots in a bottom-up community peace- of peacebuilding is its focus on ordinary proaches, such as local peace commis- building approach should be better con- people, oppressed voices, the critical sions, community dialogue projects, or ceptualised, as exemplified by the work analysis of power structures and an as- trauma healing. of the Life & Peace Institute in Somalia sessment based on realities instead of Building on a decade of work in the (Paffenholz 2003 and 2006b).3 Other cri- normative assumptions. Horn of Africa, the conflict transfor- tiques point to the lack of a power analy- mation approach of the Life & Peace sis in Lederach’s approach (Featherstone Conclusion Institute adopts a community-based 2000, 207) as well as to the negative In sum, peacebuilding is still an un- bottom-up peacebuilding approach, ex- consequences of the practical application dertheorised concept. Nevertheless, the panding Lederach’s mid-level approach of the approach by international NGOs theories presented in this article dem- to the grassroots track. This approach (Paffenholz and Spurk 2006, 23-26; onstrate that it is necessary to engage in also combines in-country peacebuild- Richmond 2005, 103-104). solid theoretical reflection when doing ing with peacebuilding advocacy at the peace work. All of these theories already international level (Paffenholz 2003 The Alternative Discourse School of have an impact on realities.4 Knowing and 2006b). Peacebuilding where one’s underlying theories come The largest contribution of the con- There is an emerging literature analys- from is therefore a first step in a criti- flict transformation school is its shift in ing peacebuilding through the lens of cal practitioner’s reflection on peace focus from international to local actors. discourse analysis and advocating for an work. ~ It therefore puts even more emphasis alternative approach to peacebuilding on civil society and ordinary people (Featherstone 2000; Richmond 2005; References than the resolution school. The Conflict MacGinty 2006; Heathershaw 2008). Bendaña, A. 2003. What Kind of Peace is Transformation School has not been By deconstructing the international Being Built? Stock Taking of Post-Conflict subject to any fundamental critique for practitioners’ discourse, this school Peacebuilding and Charting Future a while. On the contrary, it has become shows that the peacebuilding discourse Directions. Paper prepared for the Inter- the leading school for scholars/prac- has become a self-referential system national Development Research Council titioners and the international peace- that has long lost its connection to the (IDRC) on the 10th anniversary of An building NGO community. real world and needs of the people. Agenda for Peace. Ottawa, Canada. 6 New Routes 2/2009 understanding peacebuilding theory

Bercovitch, J. 1984. Social Conflicts and Kelman, H. 1992. Informal Mediation Pouligny, B. 2005. Civil Society and Third Parties. Boulder, CO: Westview. by the Scholar/Practitioner. In Media- Post-Conflict Peacebuilding: Ambiguities tion in International Relations: Multiple of International Programmes Aimed at Bercovitch, J., Rubin, B. 1992. Media- Approaches to Conflict Management, ed. Building ‘New’ Societies. Security Dia- tion in International Relations. Multiple Bercovitch/Rubin. London: Macmillan. logue 36 (4):495-510. Approaches to Conflict Management. London: St. Martin’s Press. Lederach, J. P. 1997. Building Peace. Pugh, M. 2004. Peacekeeping and Criti- Sustainable Reconciliation in Divided So- cal Theory. International Peacekeeping 11 Bloomfield, D. 1995. Towards Com- cieties. Washington, D.C.: United States (1):39-58. plementarity in Conflict Management. Institute of Peace Press. Resolution and Settlement in Northern Ray, J. 1998. Does Democracy Cause Ireland. Journal of Peace Research 32 MacGinty, R. 2006. No War, No Peace: Peace? Annual Review of Political Science (2):151-164. The Rejuvenation of Stalled Peace Pro­ 1:27-46. cesses and Peace Accords. Basingstoke: Diamond, L., J. McDonald. 1996. Multi- Palgrave. Richmond, O. 2001. Rethinking Conflict Track Diplomacy, A Systems Approach Resolution: The Linkage Problematic Be- to Peace, West Hartford, CT: Kumarian Miall, H., O. Ramsbotham, T. Wood- tween ‘Track I’ and ‘Track II’. The Journal Press. house. 1999. Contemporary Conflict of Conflict Studies Fall ‘01. Featherstone, A. 2000. Peacekeeping, Resolution. Cambridge: Polity Press. Richmond, O. 2005. The Transformation Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding: Owen, T. 2004. Human Security – of Peace. London: Palgrave Mac Millan. A Reconsideration of Theoretical Frame- Conflict, Critique and Consensus: works. International Peacekeeping 7 Colloquium Remarks and a Proposal for Richmond, O. 2008. Reclaiming Peace (1):190-218. a Threshold-Based Definition.Security in International Relations. Millennium: Journal of International Studies 36 Fisher, R. 1997. Interactive Conflict Reso- Dialogue 35 (3):373-387. (3):439-470. lution. In Peacemaking in International Paffenholz, T. 1998. Konflikttransforma- Conflict:Methods and Techniques, ed. tion durch Vermittlung. Theoretische Rupesinghe, K. 1995. Conflict Transfor- Zartman/Rasmussen. Washington, D.C.: und praktische Erkenntnisse aus dem mation. London: St. Martin’s Press. United States Institute of Peace Press. Friedensprozess in Mosambik (1995- Webb, K., V. Koutrakou, M. Walters. Fisher, R. J. and L. Keashly. 1991. “The 1996). Main: Grunewald. 1996. The Yugoslavian Conflict, Euro- potential complementarity of mediation Paffenholz, T. 2001a. Western Approach- pean Mediation, and the Contingency and consultation within a contingency es to Mediation. In Peacebuilding, A Field Model: A Critical Perspective. In Resolv- model of third party intervention.” Jour- Guide, ed. Reychler/Paffenholz, 75-81. ing International Conflict. The Theory and nal of Peace Research, 28: 29-42. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner. Practice of Mediation, ed. J. Bercovitch, Fitzduff, M. 2000. First- and Second- 171-189. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner. Paffenholz, T. 2003a. Community-based Track Diplomacy in Northern Ireland. Bottom-up Peacebuilding. The devel- In Peacebuilding, A Field Guide, ed. opment of the Life & Peace Institute’s Reychler/Paffenholz, 110-120. Boulder, approach to peacebuilding and Lessons CO: Lynne Rienner. Learned from the Somalia experience 1 This article sums up parts of a theory Foucault, M. (Folley 1996). 2004. (1990-2000). Uppsala: Life & Peace chapter of a forthcoming book: Paffen- Sécurité, Territoire, Population. Cours Institute. holz, Thania (ed.) 2009, Civil Society and au Collège de France 1977-1978. Ed. M. Peacebuilding: A Critical Assessment. Senellart. Paris: Gallimard/Seuil. Paffenholz, T. 2006b. Community Boulder: Lynne Rienner Publishers. Peacebuilding in Somalia - Comparative 2 For an overview of International Rela- Goldstein, et al. 2005. Classic Readings Advantage of NGO Peacebuilding – The tions Theories see Goldstein, Donald M., and Contemporary Debates in Inter- example of the Life & Peace Institute’s Jay M. Shafritz, and Phil Williams (2005). national Relations. 3rd ed: Wadsworth Approach in Somalia (1990-2003). For an attempt to conceptualise peace Publishing. In Subcontracting Peace: NGOs and Peacebuilding in a Dangerous World, ed. in International Relations Theory see Heathershaw, J. 2008. Unpacking the O. Richmond, et al, 173-182. Aldershot: Richmond 2008. liberal peace: The Dividing and Merging Ashgate Publishers. 3 It should be mentioned here that Led- of Peacebuilding Discourses Millen- erach is very much grassroots oriented nium: Journal of International Studies 36 Paffenholz, T., C. Spurk. 2006. Civil So- in his field work. (3):597-621. ciety, Civic Engagement and Peacebuild- ing. Social Development Papers, Conflict 4 For a presentation of a broad assess- Hoffmann, M.1995. Konfliktlösung durch Prevention and Reconstruction Paper No. ment of peacebuilding realities on the gesellschaftliche Akteure. Möglichkeiten 36. Washington, D.C.: World Bank. ground see the following publication: und Grenzen von Problemlösungs-Work- Paffenholz, Thania, Civil Society and shops. In Friedliche Konfliktbearbeitung Patrick, I. 2001. East Timor Emerging Peacebuilding, Working Paper 4, Centre in der Staaten- und Gesellschaftswelt, from Conflicts: The Role of Local NGOs on Conflict, Development and Peace- ed. Ropers/Debiel, 284-303.Bonn: Dietz and International Assistance. Disasters building, The Graduate Institute, Geneva Verlag. 25 (1):48-66. May 2009. conflict transformation: a circular journey with a purpose New Routes 1/2009 7 When conflict arises, people tend to feel uncomfortable and seek for a reason and a quick resolution. However, in social conflicts the underlying causes are often multi-layered and refer to different aspects in time and context. In order to reach the goal, the actors have to enter a process of conflict transformation, which will turn out to be both linear and circular.

conflict transformation: A circular journey with a purpose John Paul Lederach and Michelle Maiese

In common everyday settings we expe- rience social conflict as a time when a disruption occurs in the ”natural” dis- course of our relationships. As conflict emerges, we stop and take notice that something is not right. The relation- ship in which the difficulty is arising PHOTO: FRANCISCO DATAR becomes complicated, not easy and fluid as it once was. We no longer take Dialogue and things at face value, but rather spend collaboration can greater time and energy to interpret prevent violent what things mean. As our communica- conflict and tion becomes more difficult, we find it promote peaceful harder and harder to express our percep- solutions. Two boys tions and feelings. We also find it more in Mindanao, the difficult to understand what others are Philippines, discuss doing and saying and may develop feel- their high-flown ings of uneasiness and anxiety. This is plans. often accompanied by a growing sense of urgency and frustration as the con- transformational tool. I recently pur- aspects of a complex reality, and cannot flict progresses, especially if no end is chased a set of glasses that have so- rely exclusively on one lens to see the in sight. called progressive lenses. This means multiple layers of complexity. If someone uninvolved in the situ- that in my eyeglasses I have three differ- Third, the three lenses are held to- ation asks what the conflict is about, ent lens types in the same frame. One gether in a single frame. I need each of our initial explanations will typically be lens helps bring into focus things at a the different lenses to see a particular framed in terms of the specific issues great distance that would otherwise be portion of reality, and I need them to the parties are dealing with. This is the a blur. A second brings objects that are be integrated to see the whole picture. content of the conflict, the immediate at mid-range into a clear picture. The Thus, we need lenses that help us ad- problems that must be resolved through third helps me read a book or thread a dress specific aspects of conflict as well problem solving and negotiation. How- fish line through a hook. as a framework that holds them together ever, the transformational approach It is interesting to note three things in order to see the conflict as a whole. addresses this situation somewhat dif- about my new glasses and how they re- So what are useful lenses that bring ferently. This is because conflict trans- late to a transformational view. First, if varying aspects of conflict complexity formation is more than a set of specific I try to use the close-up lens to see at a into focus and at the same time create techniques. It is about a way of look- distance, the lens is counterproductive a picture of the whole? First, we need ing and seeing, and it provides a set of and useless. Each lens has its function a lens to see the immediate situation. lenses through which we make sense and serves to bring a specific aspect of Second, we need a lens to see past the of social conflict. These lenses draw our reality into focus. But when it brings immediate problems and view the deep- attention to certain aspects of conflict, that layer of reality in focus, other lay- er relationship patterns that form the and help us to bring the overall mean- ers are placed in a blur. context of the conflict. Third, we need ing of the conflict into sharper focus. Second, no one lens is capable of a lens that helps us envision a frame- Before proceeding further, I should bringing everything into focus. Rather, work that holds these together and cre- describe what I mean by a lens as a I need multiple lenses to see different ates a platform to address the content, 8 New Routes 2/2009 conflict transformation: a circular journey with a purpose

Inquiry 1: Inquiry 2: sion of the conflict and focuses on the Presenting Horizon of relational and historical patterns in situation Future which the conflict is rooted. Put another way, presenting issues connect the present with the past. The patterns of how things have been Issue Solutions in the past provide a context in which the issues in a dispute rise toward the surface. But while they create an op- Patterns Relationships portunity to remember and recognize, presenting issues do not have the power to change what has already transpired. History Systems The potential for change lies in our ability to recognize, understand, and redress what has happened, and create new structures and ways of interacting in the future.

Inquiry 2: The horizon of the future The second point of inquiry is the ho- Personal rizon of the future, the image of what we wish to create. It asks us to con- Episode sider what we would ideally like to see Relational Cultural in place. However, this is not simply a Epicenter model of linear change, in which there is movement from the present situ- Structural ation to the desired future. While the presenting issues act as an impetus to- ward change, the horizon of the future Inquiry 3: points toward possibilities of what could Development of be constructed and built. It represents Change Processes a social energy that informs and cre- ates orientation. Thus, the arrow points Figure 1 The big picture of conflict transformation not only forward to the future, but also back toward the immediate situation and the range of change processes that the context, and the structure of the re- but rather a set of dynamic initiatives may emerge. This combination of ar- lationship. From this platform, parties that set in motion change processes and rows suggests that transformation is can begin to find creative responses and create a sustained platform to pursue both a circular and a linear process, or solutions. long-term change. Such a framework what we will refer to here as a process emphasizes the challenge of how to end structure. The conflict transformation map something not desired and how to build It is common in the study of conflict to something that is desired. Inquiry 3: The development of change develop a map that helps us to engage processes in conflict assessment and analysis. Inquiry 1: The presenting situation The final major inquiry is the design Similarly, it is useful to have a map of The first point of inquiry is the present- and support of change processes. This what we mean by transformation. Fig- ing situation, the conflict episode that broader component requires that we ure 1 provides a shortcut overview of provides an opportunity to look both at think about response to conflict as the such a map, which can help us to visu- the content of the dispute and the pat- development of change processes that alize the development of a strategy to terns of relationship in the context in attend to the web of interconnected constructively transform conflict. This which the dispute is expressed. This is needs, relationships, and patterns. Be- transformational framework has three graphically represented in Figure 1 as a cause the change processes should ad- components, each of which represents set of embedded circles or spheres. dress both the immediate problems and a point of inquiry in the development of A transformational view raises two the broader relational and structural a response to conflict: important questions: What are the patterns, we need to reflect on multiple immediate problems that need to be levels and types of change rather than 1) The presenting situation; solved? What is the overall context focusing on a single operational solu- 2) The horizon of preferred future; and that needs to be addressed in order to tion. Change processes must not only 3) The development of change change destructive patterns? In other promote short-term solutions, but also processes linking the two. words, transformation views the pre- build platforms capable of promoting senting issues as an expression of the long-term social change. The movement from the present toward larger system of relationship patterns. Taken as a whole, this big picture pro- the desired future is not a straight line, It moves beyond the ”episodic” expres- vides a lens that permits us to envision conflict transformation: a circular journey with a purpose New Routes 2/2009 9 the possibilities of immediate response and how movement is created. Specifi- 3. Sometimes we feel as if the change and longer-term constructive change. It cally, it asks us to look at the patterns of processes are going backwards, and requires a capacity to see through and interaction, not just the immediate ex- what has been achieved is being un- beyond the presenting issues to the perience, and understand the changes done. Common to the change proc- deeper patterns, while at the same time in these broad patterns. ess is the feeling that we are ”swim- seeking creative responses that address Circular understanding suggests that ming against the tide” or headed real-life issues in real time. However, we need to think carefully about how upstream. social change actu- ally develops. This 4. Finally, we sometimes feel like we Circular understanding suggests notion of circularity are living through a complete break- underscores some down. These periods tend to be deep- that we need to think carefully defining elements ly depressing, and are often accom- “ about how social change of transformational panied by the repeated echoes of ”we change processes. have to start from ground zero”. actually develops. First, it reminds us that things are All of these experiences are integral connected and in parts of the change process and provide to more fully understand this approach relationship. Second, it suggests that us with some important insights about we need to explore in greater depth how the growth of something often ”nour- change. First, no one point in time de- platforms for constructive change are ishes” itself from its own process and termines the broader pattern. Rather, conceptualized and developed as proc- dynamic. In other words, it operates as change encompasses different sets of ess structures. a feedback loop. Third, and most criti- patterns and directions. Second, we cal to our inquiry, an emphasis on cir- should be cautious about going forward Platforms for transformation cularity makes it clear that processes of too quickly. Sometimes going back may We come now to the operational side change are not unidirectional. Figure 2 create more innovative ways forward, of transformation. The key challenge is represents change as a circle, featuring and falling down may create new op- how to support and sustain a platform four experiences common to those in portunities to build. Third, we should with a capacity to adapt and generate the midst of a difficult conflict. be aware that life is never static and that ongoing desired change while at the we must constantly adapt. same time responding creatively to 1. There are times when we feel as if de- The key to create a platform for trans- immediate needs. To engage this chal- sired change is happening. Things formation in the midst of social conflict lenge we have to think about platforms move forward and progress, and what lies in holding together a healthy dose as process structures. we hope to build seems to be in sight. of both circular and linear perspectives. In modern physics, process struc- A transformational platform is essen- tures are natural phenomena that are 2. At other times, we feel as if we have tially this: The building of an on-going dynamic, adaptive and changing, and reached an impasse or ”hit a wall”. and adaptive base at the epicenter of yet at the same time sustain a functional Nothing is happening or all pathways conflict from which it is possible to gen- and recognizable form and structure.1 forward seem blocked. erate processes that create solutions to Margaret Wheately refers to them as ”things that maintain form over time 2 yet have no rigidity of structure”. The Figure 2 Change as a Circle two terms that make up this term, ”process” and ”structure”, point to two 3. Things move backwards interdependent characteristics: adapt- ability and purpose. Transformational change processes must feature both of these characteristics. They must be both linear and circular. Conflict transformation is a circular journey with a purpose. In simple terms, linear means that things move from one point to the next 4. Things 2. Things hit a wall; in a straight line. It is associated with a collapse movement stops rational-logical understanding of events in terms of cause and effect. However, in the social arena, events are likely mov- ing along broad directions not always visible from a short-term perspective. In this arena, a linear perspective asks us to stand back and take a look at the overall direction of social conflict and the change we seek. It requires us to ar- ticulate how we think things are related 1. Things move forward 10 New Routes 2/2009 conflict transformation: a circular journey with a purpose

Figure 3 Transformational Platform example, a one-time business dispute over a payment between two people who hardly know each other and will never Episodes: Issues, Content, Controversy Expressed in Discrete Time have contact again is not a context to ex- (Crisis) plore a transformational application. However, in cases where parties share an extensive past and have the potential for significant future relation- * * * * ships, and where the episodes arise in an organizational, community or broad- er social context, simple resolution ap- proaches may be too narrow. Though Epicenter: they may solve the immediate prob- Relational Context lems, they miss the greater potential for and Patterns Visible Over Time constructive change. This is even more significant in contexts where there are repeated and deep-rooted cycles of con- flict episodes that have created destruc- tive and violent patterns. In such cases, Plattform: Base for Creating Processes avenues to promote transformational Past Responsive to Immediate Issues Future and Deeper Patterns change should be pursued. Increasingly, I am convinced that those in the alternative dispute-res- olution field and the vast majority of short-term needs and provide a capac- re-generate change processes respon- people and communities who wish to ity to work on strategic long-term con- sive to both immediate episodes and find more constructive ways to address structive change in systemic relational the relational context. It is in this way conflict in their lives were drawn to the context. an adaptive process-structure, one that perspectives and practices of conflict We can visualize this idea in Figure can produce creative solutions to a vari- resolution because they wanted change. 3 by adding to our process-structure the ety of problems. They wanted human societies to move rising escalation of conflict episodes. In from violent and destructive patterns order to understand a transformational Conclusions toward the potential for creative, con- platform, we need to visualize the idea The lenses of conflict transformation structive and nonviolent capacities to of an on-going base from which proc- focus on the potential for constructive deal with human conflict. This means esses can be generated. The escala- change emergent from and catalyzed replacing patterns of violence and co- by the rise of social ercion with respect, creative problem- conflict. Because the solving, increased dialogue, and non- The movement from the present potential for broader violent mechanisms of social change. change is inherent To accomplish this, a complex web of toward the desired future is not in any episode of change processes under-girded by a “ conflict, from per- transformational understanding of life a straight line, but rather a set sonal to structural and relationship is needed. ~ of dynamic initiatives. levels, the lenses can easily be applied This article is an abbreviated version of the to a wide range of Knowledge Base Essay Conflict Transformation, posted at http://www.beyondintractability.org/ tion of conflict creates opportunity to conflicts. A key advantage to this frame- essay/transformation/?nid=1223 establish and sustain this base. From work lies in its capacity to think about the transformational view, developing multiple avenues of response. A trans- a process to provide a solution to the formational approach inquires about 1 See Margaret Wheatley’s discussion of this in presenting problem is important but both the specifics, immediately appar- reference to learning organizations in Leadership not the key. Central to transformation ent in the episode of conflict, as well as and the New Sciences, San Francisco: Barrett- is building a base that generates proc- the potential for broader constructive Koehler, Publishers, 1994. esses that 1) provide adaptive responses and desired change. 2 Wheately, 1994:16 to the immediate and future iterations Clearly there are arenas in which of conflict episodes, and 2) address the transformation is limited and a quick deeper and longer-term relational and and direct resolution of the problem is systemic patterns that produce violent, more appropriate. In disputes where destructive expressions of conflict. parties need a quick and final solution to In other words, a conflict-transfor- a problem and do not have a significant mation platform must be short-term relationship, they typically appeal to ne- responsive and long-term strategic. gotiation and mediation. In such cases The defining characteristic of such a the exploration of relational and struc- platform is the capacity to generate and tural patterns are of limited value. For together in conflict transformation New Routes 2/2009 11 For a couple of years the international departments of the Dutch interchurch develop- ment organisation ICCO and the missionary organisation Kerk in Actie have worked together to promote justice, peace and democracy in 50 countries. The approach used in these collaborative efforts is conflict transformation, which aims not only at ending violence, but at achieving positive, sustainable peace.

together in conflict transformation: Development co-operation, mission and diacony Paula Dijk

The Interchurch Organisation for De- dress root causes of violent conflicts. be complemented with interventions velopment Co-operation (ICCO) & Kerk This means that the underlying struc- aimed at transforming the underlying in Actie has chosen to focus its peace- tures that consolidate unequal power structures of conflict, and linkages need building policy on the approach of con- relations, and thus cause injustice and to be created with all groups of actors. flict transformation. This choice was inequality, need to be addressed. For example, while conflict resolution made on the basis of the outcomes of a ICCO & Kerk in Actie uses the fol- mainly focuses on changing attitudes study that was done in 2004 to position lowing definition of conflict transfor- and improving relationships between ICCO in peacebuilding (Wormgoor, mation: Conflict transformation aims at conflicting groups, conflict transforma- 2004). The main research question truly achieving positive peace. It does not tion focuses on changing the context as was: how do ICCO policy and practice only aim to end violence and change nega- well (Specht, 2008:6). relate to the different approaches in tive relationships between the conflicting Characteristics of conflict peacebuilding and what lessons can be parties but also to change the political, transformation learned from this analysis? An overall social or economic structures that cause conclusion in this study was that no ex- such negative relationships. Conflict trans-  Emphasis is placed on the root causes plicit choice had been made in ICCO’s formation is aimed at empowering people of conflicts. This focus on root causes policy for a specific approach in peace- to become involved in nonviolent change necessitates a thorough analysis of the building, and that ICCO practice was ‘in processes themselves, to help build sustain- causes (both the root causes and the between’ conflict resolution and conflict able conditions for peace and justice.2 more proximate causes) of conflict. transformation. Different approaches to peacebuild-  The three main dimensions of con- In this study it is recommended that ing exist. Apart from conflict transfor- flict transformation are: the percep- an explicit choice is made for conflict mation, the main approaches are con- tions and attitudes of people, the transformation, firstly because this flict management, conflict settlement, context in which people live and the is the most comprehensive of all ap- conflict resolution and conflict preven- behaviour of people. These three di- proaches, and secondly because this tion. These approaches remain relevant mensions are closely linked, as can is the only approach to address the un- in conflict transformation, but need to be seen in the figure below.3 derlying structures of a conflict, which was found to be closest to ICCO’s de- velopment approaches. ICCO & Kerk in Actie is advised to acknowledge the importance and relevance of the other four approaches to peacebuilding, but to choose conflict transformation as the main focus for a country as a whole (Wormgoor, 2004: 39, 40). ICCO & Kerk in Actie has based this approach of conflict transformation to a large extent on the work of John Paul Lederach.1 (See also the article on p 7 A man prepares his PHOTO: PAUL JEFFREY/ACT INTERNATIONAL in this issue.) This approach aims to small plot for planting end violence and to change negative outside the village of relations between parties in conflict. Koukou Angarana, In addition, it stresses the need to ad- Eastern Chad. 12 New Routes 2/2009 together in conflict transformation

Adaptation of Galtung’s triangle (Fisher et al., 2000: 10)

Direct physical Action: reduction of violence violence to promote negative peace Behaviour

Visible violence

Less visible violence (under the surface)

Attitude Context Sources of violence: Structural violence: Action: work to change attitudes attitudes, feelings, values context, systems, structures and context, as well as violence reduction, to promote positive peace

Ω Perceptions and attitudes: How people Applying policy in practice transformation (South Research c.s., behave is influenced by their percep- Taking the specific (post)-conflict situation 2008: 97). tions and attitudes. Examples of per- as a starting point is a guiding principle in To ensure the effective operationali- ceptions and attitudes are distrust, the policy of ICCO & Kerk in Actie, since sation of our policy, we have developed, feelings of superiority (negative we believe that there are no blueprints and will continue to develop, separate examples) or trust and confidence for conflict transformation. Analysis of tools and guides that translate the policy (positive examples). underlying structures of conflicts and of choice for conflict transformation into Ω Context: This concerns the circum- the agendas and motivations of the dif- user-friendly guidelines for formulat- stances in which people live, for ex- ferent actors involved in the conflict is es- ing context-specific programmes. ample whether people have equal sential. Furthermore, our long experience We are stimulating the formulation of access to basic services, whether in working with local organisations (both programmes on conflict transformation they have economic opportunities faith-based and secular) has given us a with our partners and other stakehold- and whether they can participate in strong belief that these are best placed to ers in the above-mentioned countries/ the political system. The context in work on conflict transformation, since regions. ICCO & Kerk in Actie started which people live influences their they are rooted in their society and often using the so-called programmatic ap- perceptions and attitudes as well as have good insight into the causes, actors proach in 2007. The core characteris- their behaviour. and dynamics of the conflict. tics of this approach are seen as: Ω Behaviour: The behaviour of people is For these reasons we find it neces-  The need for cooperation and comple- a result of both their attitudes and the sary to ensure that our policy on con- mentarities, which includes dividing context in which they live. Examples flict transformation can be applied in roles among different actors accord- of behaviour are violence, corruption practice by both our staff and our part- ing to strength, capacity and focus; (negative examples) or peaceful co- ner organisations. This necessity is existence and dialogue (positive ex- also confirmed by a recent Partos pro-  Working towards a common goal amples). Behaviour also influences gramme evaluation on conflict trans- that is specific and attainable; formation.4 In the synthesis report on attitudes and context.  Having a process that is inclusive this evaluation, named “Conflict trans- and participatory; and The linkages between attitudes, be- formation: a science and an art”, one of haviour and context imply that conflict the main conclusions is that there is a  Dividing programmatic work into transformation needs to address these lack of operationalisation and weak ver- phases while recognising that it is three dimensions simultaneously. tical integration of policies on conflict an ongoing process. together in conflict transformation New Routes 2/2009 13

Using the programmatic approach to development, looking at the root and The third phase is the operationali- work on conflict transformation means proximate causes of conflicts, actors sation of a realistic programme with a that we favour a participatory process involved, and all the main dimensions clear goal. The objectives, strategies, in which partner organisations and that need to be ad- possibly other stakeholders are jointly dressed in conflict working towards the development of a transformation. The context in which people programme. We strive to work with a A tool for conflict live influences their perceptions mix of different kinds of organisations, analysis has been like NGOs, Faith-Based Organisations, developed to be “ and attitudes as well as their Community Based Organisations, Re- used in workshops search Institutes, etc. Some of these or- bringing together behaviour. ganisations have strong constituencies, the partner organi- and therefore legitimacy, whereas others sations and possibly others, as well as expected results and indicators will be have considerable knowledge and expe- by individual organisations.6 In this formulated. The participants will decide rience. tool special attention is given to gender together, based upon the outcomes of In this process of programme devel- and religion. the preceding phases, on which issues opment different phases can be identi- The second phase is the development the programme will focus, possibly in- fied. These phases are a guideline, not of a joint vision for the programme. For cluding sub-programmes. A tool is be- a blueprint. In some contexts a differ- conflict transformation programmes, ing developed to give guidance on the ent phasing might be more preferable. this means that a joint vision of peace formulation of conflict transformation Tools have been and are being developed and change is developed, as well as the programmes. to facilitate the formulation of context- key elements of a broad conflict trans- specific programmes.5 formation strategy. This is done in the Some experiences so far The first phase concerns a thorough form of a workshop in which all of the As described above, we have fairly re- analysis of the conflict. This is prefer- participants in a programme take part. cently introduced this more systematic ably a joint initiative by all of the stake- A tool is being finalised for this pur- way of working on conflict transforma- holders involved in the programme pose. tion in order to ensure a better connec- PHOTO: PAUL JEFFREY/ACT INTERNATIONAL

Traditional grinding by two people demands strength, skilful co-operation and a sense of rhythm, like with these women in Eastern Chad. 14 New Routes 2/2009 together in conflict transformation tion between policy and practice. It is therefore too early to give an in depth overview of our experiences and re- sults. We can, however, share some of our experiences related to the process of developing a programme with partners Rebuilding and others on conflict transformation. and repairing Most importantly, we have opted for a are essential participatory, context-based approach. elements in PHOTO: CWS-ACT INTERNATIONAL It is our experience that the ownership human life, Both of a programme grows when sufficient women and men time is taken for a joint conflict analysis of Mayankyun and vision development. village took part Besides, these contribute consid- in reconstructing erably to the exchange of knowledge the school after and experiences between the partner the cyclone organisations, and thus stimulate in a in Burma. very natural way the creation of forms of cooperation. However, this is a proc- Lederach, John Paul (1997), Building 1 Sources: “The little book on Conflict Transforma- ess that is quite demanding for our staff Peace: Sustainable reconciliation in tion”, John Paul Lederach, 2003; “Building Peace: and partner organisations in terms of Sustainable reconciliation in divided societies”, divided societies. Washington: United time investment, but also because of the John Paul Lederach, 1997. Washington: United States Institute of Peace. States Institute of Peace. innovative character of introducing the programmatic approach in combina- Lederach, John Paul (2003), The Little 2 Based on Wormgoor (2004:11), based on work of Lederach, last sentence Lewer (1999:2). tion with conflict transformation. The Book of Conflict Transformation. Inter- course, PA: Good Books. 3 The terms negative and positive peace are tools we develop provide considerable mentioned in this figure. Negative peace is under- support to staff and partner organisa- South Research, ECORYS Research and stood as the absence of visible violence, whereas tions, but should not be considered a Consulting and Peace Research Leuven positive peace can only be achieved when, apart panacea. As the synthesis report on the (2008), Conflict Transformation: A sci- from reducing violent behaviour, attitudes and the context are also addressed (Fisher 2000:10). Partos programme evaluation on con- ence and an art. Synthesis report of the thematic evaluation: “CFAs on the road 4 Partos is the national platform for Dutch civil flict transformation states: “Conflict society organisations in the international develop- transformation is both an art and a sci- to conflict transformation” , Final draft ment cooperation sector. Four organisations ence” (South Research c.s., 2008: 29), November 2008. participated n this Partos Programme evaluation where ‘art’ refers to intuition, empathy, Specht, Irma (2008), Conflict analysis. covering the period 2003-2006, including ICCO & Kerk in Actie. imagination, creativity, adaptive leader- Practical tool to analyse conflict in order ship and courage. ~ 5 A three-phased approach has been developed. to prioritise and strategise conflict trans- For each phase a tool for trainers and a tool for formation programmes. Utrecht: ICCO participants are developed. These tools are devel- & Kerk in Actie. oped for ICCO & Kerk in Actie by Irma Specht of Bibliography Transition International. Wormgoor, Otto (2004) Positioning 6 Specht, Irma (2008), Conflict analysis. Practical Fisher, Simon et al. (2000), Working ICCO in Peace building. To manage, tool to analyse conflict in order to prioritise and with Conflict: Skills and strategies for settle, resolve, transform and prevent strategise conflict transformation programmes. action. London: Zed Books. conflicts. Utrecht: ICCO. Utrecht: ICCO & Kerk in Actie.

About ICCO & Kerk in Actie

ICCO is the interchurch organisation for development providing access to basic social services, bringing cooperation and one of the 5 largest Dutch co-financing about sustainable equitable economic development agencies, working in 50 countries solely through local and promoting peace and democracy. civil society counterparts. Kerk in Actie is the mission- One of the thematic focus areas is conflict ary and diaconal organisation in the Netherlands and transformation, for which ICCO & Kerk in Actie has the world of the Protestant Church in the Netherlands. developed and are developing policies and tools for Since January 2007 the international departments of practical use. We are currently applying these in the ICCO & Kerk in Actie have been merged, sharing following conflict or post-conflict countries (or sub- partners and programmes. ICCO & Kerk in Actie gives regions within countries): Afghanistan, Great Lakes, financial support and advice to local organisations and Kenya, Sudan and Uganda. networks across the globe that are committed to conflict transformation by military involvement New Routes 2/2009 15 The traditional view of military intervention as a ‘quick fix’ in insurgency situations is not valid in today’s world, says the author of this article. With a starting point of the internal conflict in Mindanao, Southern Philippines, he reflects on the role of the military in this kind of protracted social conflict. There is a need for a high degree of sensitivity and knowledge about the underlying factors that cause the conflict. International (unarmed) troops can have a positive impact, as they are professional soldiers and speak the “language” of their counterparts.

Conflict transformation by military involvement Thomas Boehlke

The end of the Cold War brought to a flicts, i.e. social conflicts. Social conflicts sharing, security and equality are not re- close four decades of antagonism be- are defined as an interaction between spected. The insurgent party strives to tween two political and military blocks actors (individuals, groups, organisa- gain access to state-related power. that dominated the international system. tions, etc.), where at least one actor ex- The Muslim Filipinos form a mi- This single international conflict cloud- periences a difference or contradiction nority (5 per cent) amongst a Christian ed almost all other conflicts and even led with another actor’s perception, way of majority (85 per cent) of the population. to proxy wars between the two antago- thinking or imagination, to the extent The “Moros”, as the Muslim Filipinos nistic systems (e.g. Vietnam War, wars that his/her intentions and feelings to- call themselves, are a multi-ethnic of liberation in Africa), when each side wards a situation or condition are such group with differing cultural and lin- supported their protégées dogmatically, that it appears to be incompatible or ir- guistic backgrounds. They have in materially and with military person- reconcilable.2 common their adherence to Islam. The nel. Although inter-state wars have not For long, enduring ethno-political conflict is ethnic in nature with socio- completely disappeared from the arena conflicts, E. Azar coined the term “Pro- cultural, economic and political roots of global politics, they are the exception tracted social conflict”.3 It is a conflict that eventually led to the marginalisa- to the rule (e.g. the Iraq war 2003). The between identity groups, of which at tion and impoverishment of the Muslim “Heidelberg Conflict Barometer 2008”1 least one feels that its basic needs for Filipinos in Mindanao. In the course of accounted for 345 contemporary con- political participation, economic wealth government politics to re-settle land- flicts in 2008. 134 of these conflicts -in volve armed violence and most of them are intra-state conflicts. A practical example of an intractable and protracted social conflict that will serve as an example in this article is the internal conflict in Mindanao (South- ern Philippines). It has already lasted for more than four decades and is one PHOTO: THOMAS BOEHLKE of the longest lasting violent internal conflicts. Its recurring hostilities have caused the loss of life of about 120,000 people and the displacement of more than two million people. The violent encounters mostly take place between rebel groups and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Formal peace talks and negotiations (Track 1) are taking place or are about to be resumed between Patience, empathy and the government and rebel groups, but communicative skills they are supplemented by complemen- are the “weapons” used tary activities at various levels of society in the monitoring of the (Tracks 2 and 3). ceasefire between the Moro Islamic Liberation Sources of conflict Front and the Philippine In the international context, the focus Government, more of conflict resolution and consequently sustainable than the mediation is on the settlement of con- cartridges of this rebel. 16 New Routes 2/2009 conflict transformation by military involvement less people from a densely populated It is obvious that a multi-faceted ap- be named). The next Development North to the less populated Mindanao, proach is required that addresses the step is transforming of an a demographic shift in Mindanao oc- social, economic, political and security- this realisation into Insurgency curred. Muslims became a minority in related causes of conflict. The armed a grievance (some- their ancestral domains. “Minoritized confrontation between rebel groups and body can be blamed Complaint over decades in their homeland, the last the armed forces is supplemented by for it). Finally, the Naming five provinces where Muslims remain armed violence caused by armed groups discontent will be as the majority are not only the poorest like vigilantes, armed clan members or voiced and a remedy Blaming provinces but also those where the qual- criminal gangs. The proliferation of will be claimed from ity of life is worst. These five provinces small arms in Mindanao is contribut- someone (person or Claiming – … according to the Human Develop- ing enormously to a very dangerous institution).7 ment Index ranking of Philippine prov- situation that lacks public security and This progressing FIGHTING inces have the least access to education, a reliable judicial system. transformation is health, electricity, and transport, water, true for all social con- and sanitation services – the basic in- Conflict development and flicts and does not necessarily lead to frastructure to sustain any growth or military involvement physical violence, but there is a thresh- development. Moreover, life expectancy The cyclical nature of the conflict proc- old that, once overstepped, is very dif- and adult literacy are the lowest in these ess with its action-reaction-counterac- ficult to return to. So fighting becomes provinces.”4 tion momentum has the potential to the fourth sequential element, which is In 2004, a Joint Needs Assessment escalate into violence, and to pass the the common characteristic of an insur- Team with the cooperation of the Philip- threshold from a latent to a manifest gency, rebellion or internal war. This pine Government, Moro Islamic Libera- and finally a violent conflict. will inevitably bring the employment tion Front (MILF) and local stakeholders The dynamics that transform the of military forces. in Mindanao provided an assessment of dispute seem to progress principally to- An insurgency might be defined as the causes of the conflict and the needs wards escalation, unless it is prevented the actions by a minority group within a of conflict-affected areas in Mindanao. by conciliation or intervention. How is state against its sovereign government, The underlying cause of the conflict is this progression conceivable? A social with the intent to disrupt the govern- assessed to be injustice caused by the or political condition previously not ment’s influence and control and force factors shown in the table below: recognised becomes apparent (it can political change by means of a mixture of subversion and military pressure. It aims to persuade or intimidate the local Key causes of conflict as articulated by stakeholders in Mindanao6 population to accept and support such change.8 Naturally, from a government’s point of view, all activities conducted by Manifested in following forms: Key Triggers of Armed Confrontation: the insurgents are considered illegal. A successful insurgency requires the Social exclusion and marginalisa- Presence of armed groups or support of the local populace. If there tion of Bangsamoro people and militarisation of the communities is no popular support, the insurgency Lumads from mainstream of politi- will eventually fail. The two sides, the cal, economic and social life of the government as well as the fighting in- Philippines surgents, depend upon the acceptance and will of the people to either support Loss of access to land and other Declaration of “all-out-war” or resist the insurgency. The general key resources and economic against the MILF by the Estrada action of a government in response opportunities Administration to violent actions by insurgents is the employment of military and security Perceived suppression of Moro Inter-tribal and inter-ethnic conflict forces. The prime interest of the chal- and Lumad5 traditions, customs lenged government will be to preserve and institutions the territorial integrity of the state, and consequently the suppression of insur- Extreme poverty “Rido” (clan warfare and revenge rection by violence (fighting) tends to be killings/blood feuds the first option. However, a quick “military fix” to Deprivation of basic amenities for Crimes (e.g. cattle rustling, such a situation rarely succeeds. The a decent human existence kidnapping) specific methods of warfare applied by insurgents are, for instance, guer- Ineffective or imposed institutions Competition for scarce natural and rilla tactics, terrorism or assassination of governance, rule of law and mineral resources of government officials. A symmetric service delivery “force on force” encounter in a tradi- tional military form is unlikely to occur. Local election disputes The fighting will be protracted and re- cur over time. With the proliferation of small arms and modern weaponry, it is conflict transformation by military involvement New Routes 2/2009 17 also doubtful whether a purely military CONFLICT RESOLUTION STAGES OF CONFLICT RESPONSES solution would even be feasible. A suc- cessful counter-insurgency has to strive for “winning the hearts and minds” of Conflict Difference Cultural the population. The insurgents will try Transformation Peacebuilding to convince the same population to stay the course and accept the hardship. In- Contradiction timidation or oppression from either Structural Peacebuilding side will not resolve the conflict. Polarisation To suppress fighting is to tackle a Conflict Settlement Peacemaking phenomenon but not the actual roots of the conflict. It also delineates the role of Preventive Peacekeeping the military as an actor in conflict trans- Violence formation. It is a “war amongst people”9 as General Rupert Smith describes it, Peace Enforcement Conflict Containtment WAR where a single massive event of mili- Peace Support & Stabilisation tary action no longer delivers a politi- cal result. The cessation of hostilities Ceasefire Post-Conflict Peacekeeping in violent conflicts does not necessarily mean the end of a conflict, but should Conflict Settlement rather be seen as “a band-aid over an Agreement Peacemaking infected wound”. For military actors as an element of Track 1 efforts it means Structural Peacebuilding to create a peaceful and secure environ- Normalisation ment conducive to development. Conflict Cultural The role of military actors in Transformation Reconciliation Peacebuilding conflict transformation Peace processes are established through a multiplicity of conflict resolution ac- tivities. Ramsbotham and Woodhouse10 Hourglass Model of Conflict Resolution Responses11 developed the “hourglass model” of conflict resolution, which combines the nature of conflict resolution efforts again and to transform violent or po- Contemporary (internal) conflicts re- with stages of the conflict and adequate tentially violent conflicts into peaceful quire a new set of skills for the military responses to these stages. The military (nonviolent) processes of social and po- “war-fighter”. It is an understanding of has a critical but limited role to play in litical change. conflict dynamics that will need to be support of Track 1 efforts. The escalatory sequence of events complemented by conflict management The hourglass represents the narrow- eventually might turn into violence skills, to break away from old and failed ing of political space toward escalation when a conflict party expects violence patterns of dealing with present-day that culminates in violence. The widen- to leverage concessions from an oppo- conditions and to regain people’s trust ing represents political space and the de- nent or to affect the balance of power in and thus avoid renewed escalation. In escalatory aspects of conflict resolution. ensuing negotiations, or when a state Mindanao, the local military command- The rectangle in the centre illustrates the responds repressively or is perceived as er, Major-General R. Ferrer12, chose a sphere where conflict containment, the doing so. Whether a conflict further es- different approach to the challenges of attempts to limit and end violence, takes calates also depends on the way armed achieving peace. He introduced conflict precedence over other interventions. forces are employed or respond to civil management training for his field offic- This is the sphere where predominantly protest or unrest, and the public per- ers and non-commissioned officers in military means are being employed and ception thereof. The so-called “Bloody order to effectively contribute to conflict the use of force occurs. Sunday” 1972 in Northern Ireland is transformation. It is the ”transforma- The objective is to create conditions an event where British security forces tion of mindsets that is challenging the that would permit a pacific settlement opened fire on demonstrators, thus fur- military to go the distance, going deeper of the conflict through negotiations and ther igniting a latent conflict. As a con- into unknown territory, such as under- dialogue. It would remove the element sequence the Irish Republican Army standing culture and history, analysing of fighting from the escalatory sequence was able to recruit a great number of human behaviour, using sound judge- of naming – blaming – claiming. It de- militants, thus starting a spiral of vio- ment when it comes to tribal wars or lineates where military contingents and lence. In Mindanao the long and fierce rido, learning to practice empathy and police forces, for instance UN or NATO fighting has installed fear and distrust communication, and erasing biases.”13 peace forces would be employed to end and alienated the armed forces from the An encouraging fact is also that this hostilities and prevent a resumption of population. The military is seen as an training takes places in cooperation fighting. Maintaining a ceasefire (in- occupant rather than a protector, a situ- with local NGOs. The five-day training cluding coercive means) provides the ation a local field commander intends courses cover the following learning opportunity to re-enter into dialogue to change. objectives14: 18 New Routes 2/2009 conflict transformation by military involvement

• cite concepts and theories on of skills needs to be acquired by military ment and Transformation of Deadly conflict, peace and peace building; personnel, if they are going to be part of Conflicts. 2nd ed (fully revised and ex- effective peacebuilding. panded). Cambridge, UK / Malden, MA: • outline the different concepts, Although military intervention is pri- Polity Press, 2005 principles and approaches of marily an element of Track 1, its involve- peacebuilding work; Smith, Rupert. The Utility of Force – The ment will necessarily permeate all lev- Art of War in the Modern World. London: • demonstrate basic skills of els down to the grassroots and require Penguin Books, 2005 mediation, negotiation and proper cooperation and coordination dialogue; with all other players actively involved World Bank, The International Bank for ~ Reconstruction and Development. Joint • identify ways how peace building in the peace process. Needs Assessment for Reconstruction and can be integrated in their own work Development of Conflict-Affected Areas in context; and Bibliography Mindanao. Vol. I. Manila, 2005 • analyse/assess conflict in their Yabes, Criselda. ”All Wars End in Peace respective Areas of Responsibility Balay Mindanaw Foundation, Inc. 2009 – Army Maj.Gen. Ferrer tells his men: using [conflict management] tools. http://www.balaymindanaw.org/bmfi/ newsupdates/2009/04opkors.html (ac- Soldiers can be peacebuilders without cessed May 2009). losing their fighting spirit.” Edited by Additionally another programme called Marites DanguilanVitug. Newsbreak SAAL’AM (Special Advocacy on Lit- Bush, Robert A. Baruch. ”Realizing the (Public Trust Media Group, Quezon City, eracy/Livelihood and Advancement for Potential of International Conflict Work: Philippines), October/December 2008: Muslims) focuses on enlisted person- Connections between Practice and 16-17 nel. This programme aims at soldiers Theory.” Negotiation Journal (Blackwell employed in remote geographic areas Publishing) 19, no. 1 (January 2003): Yabes, Criselda. “Soldiers in Mind- where they stay with local communities 97-103 anao: Sustaining peace, healing and are supposed to teach basic read- wounds.” Newsbreak.com.ph. 9 June ing/writing and instruct on aspects of Felstiner, William L.F., Richard L. Abel, 2008 http://newsbreak.com.ph/index. livelihood. These are areas where mili- and Austin Sarat. ”The Emergence and php?option=com_content&task=view& tary personnel are often the only gov- Transformation of Disputes: Naming, id=4901&Itemid=88889094 (accessed ernment representation. Blaming, Claiming ...” Law and Society Jul 5, 2008). In support of the peace process an Review, 1980-81: 631-654 International Monitoring Team was Ferrer, Major-General Raymundo B., employed to Mindanao, encompassing interview by Thomas Boehlke. Military 1 HIIK, Heidelberg Institute for International (unarmed) military personnel from Ma- and Peacebuilding Cotabato City, (22 Jan Conflict Research, 2008) laysia, Brunei, Libya and Japan. Their 2008) 2 See Glasl, 2004, p. 44 mission was to monitor the ceasefire Glasl, Friedrich. Konfliktmanagement 3 Conflict Theory developed by Edward Azar between the Moro Islamic Liberation that identfies the deprivation of human needs – Ein Handbuch für Führungskräfte, Front and the Philippine Government. as source of protracted social conflicts and are Their main “weapon” is patience, empa- Beraterinnen und Berater. 8., aktualisierte usually expressed collecively. It is the prolonged and often violent struggle by communal groups thy and communicative skills in order und ergänzte Aufl. Bern/Stuttgart: Haupt Verlag, 2004 for such basic needs as security, recognition, and to diffuse any tense situation arising, acceptance, fair access to political institutions by mediating between armed groups Gutierez, Eric, and Saturnino Borras. The and economic participation. See Ramsbotham, involved. Their strength rests in the fact Moro Conflict – Landlessness and Mis- Woodhouse and Miall 2005, p. 84ff. that they are professional soldiers and a directed State Politics. Washington, DC: 4 Gutierez and Borras, 2004 kind of respected peer for their counter- East-West Center Washington, 2004 5 Moro = Muslim Filipino; Lumad = member of parts, as they speak the “language” and indigenous Non-Muslim and Non-Christian ethnic Heidelberg Institute for International groups understand potential concerns. Conflict Research.Conflict Barometer 6 World Bank, 2005, p. 17

Conclusion 2008. Department of Political Science, 7 See Felstiner, Abel, & Sarat, 1980-81 HIIK, Heidelberg: University of Heidel- 8 Definition developed by the War Studies Depart- The military plays a critical role in the berg, 2008 ment of RMA Sandhurst (UK Army Field Manual way to sustained dialogue as the way on Counterinsurgency, 2001) to conflict transformation. However, Miall, Hugh. ”Conflict Transformation: 9 Smith, 2005 it has a supportive role in the process A Multi-Dimensional Task.” Berghof 10 Ramsbotham, Woodhouse, & Miall, 2005, p. 14 of conflict resolution and has its main Handbook. Berghof Research Centre 11 Compare Ramsbotham, Woodhouse, & Miall, emphasis on conflict containment. The for Constructive Conflict Management. 2005, p. 12 military side comes on stage at a time 2004. http://berghof-handbook.net (ac- 12 Commander of the Philippine Army’s 6th when a conflict has escalated and the cessed 04 24, 2009) Infantry Division (Cotabato City) use of force, or the threat thereof, is 13 Yabes, All Wars end in Peace-Army Maj.Gen. NATO. Allied Joint Publication 3.4.1 – unavoidable to counter violence. Ferrer tells his men: Soldiers can be peacebuilders Peace Support Operations. Brussels: without losing their fighting spirit. 2008 The way the military is employed NATO Standardization Agency, 2001 14 Balay Mindanaw Foundation, Inc. 2009 needs to keep the end, a sustainable peace, in mind. At a time when contem- Ramsbotham, Oliver, Tom Woodhouse, porary (internal) conflicts are character- and Hugh Miall. Contemporary Conflict ised by “war amongst people”, a new set Resolution – The Prevention, Manage- conflict transformation in a war-ridden region New Routes 2/2009 19 Since the Life & Peace Institute opened its field office in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in 2002, its work has been based on the theory of Conflict Transformation. A strategy has been developed on how to transform violent conflicts and build sustainable peace in the volatile situation in Eastern DRC. The aim is to strengthen and enable local partners by helping them become so- called Professional Centres for Conflict Transformation.

conflict transformation: A challenging necessity in a war-ridden region

The uniqueness of the Life & Peace Institute (LPI) lies in its work being grounded in the theory of Conflict Transformation (CT), as opposed to other approaches commonly known as “conflict resolution” or “conflict man- agement”. CT takes as its central tenet that con- flict is not necessarily violent or nega- tive, but rather inherent in all societies, Displaced people, like and must be seen as a potential vector

this girl in Eastern DRC, PHOTO: PAUL JEFFREY/ACT INTERNATIONAL for change towards something posi- need food and shelter, tive, or pacifist. Based on the idea that but most of all peace. conflict represents a social situation in Since 1998 5.4 million which several actors pursue incompat- people in the country ible objectives, CT focuses, both at the have died of war-related theoretical and action levels, on three violence, hunger and key concepts: problems, actors and dy- diseases. namics. As far as actors are concerned, both attitudes (cognitive and emotional: representations, stereotypes, fears, etc) a) Personal/individual, in which CT CT involves simultaneously acting upon and behaviours (violence, pacifism, etc) seeks to minimise the effects of the one or more of these dimensions, tack- are considered crucial. conflict on a person and to maxim- ling the conflict from several angles, Thus, while conflict resolution es- ise his/her ability to cope with it working with a multitude of different sentially seeks to put an end to violence through, for example, psycho-social actors (from the bottom to the top) likely by working on the behaviours of actors help, counselling, victim-perpetrator to influence these levels, and guarantee- (mainly using techniques of mediation confrontation, spirituality, etc. ing a more complete and durable solu- through negotiations and diplomacy), b) Relational, in which CT considers tion in the long run. and conflict management mainly tack- inter-dependencies between groups Transforming conflicts in practice les the problems in order to try and or within a group, looking at, for contain them without necessarily solv- example, communication or inter- As mentioned above, LPI believes that ing them (for example, the use of peace- action means, stereotyping, mutual CT activities should/could focus on four keeping troops), conflict transforma- comprehensions, etc. dimensions of conflict and two levels of tion simultaneously tackles attitudes, intervention (analytic and prescriptive). behaviours and problems with the aim c) Structural, in which CT examines to With the aim of developing unique ex- of transforming, or positively changing, what extent social structures carry the pertise and of achieving more internal them. potential for conflict, or how conflict coherence, LPI thinks that its CT activi- CT work is therefore both analytical in its turn impacts social structures. ties should be limited to the analysis (in that it tries first to understand the d) Cultural, in which CT looks at how level, as well as to a few specific inter- conflict) and prescriptive (by prescrib- certain cultural traits can negatively ventions (in dark grey in the table on ing possible courses of action to trans- influence conflict, for example cus- next page): form it). It takes into account four di- tomary power, women’s roles, own- mensions of conflict: ership systems, identities, etc. 20 New Routes 2/2009 conflict transformation in a war-ridden region

Dimension Personal Relational Structural Cultural

Level of intervention

Feelings Person-Group, Structures, systems Ideologies Emotions Person-person, Values Analysis Perceptions Group-group (political, economic, Norms Fears … social…) Identities … Customs …

Therapy Mediation Mediation Mediation Action Psycho-social Negotiation Negotiation Negotiation accompaniment… Reflection Reflection Reflection

Advocacy Defending interests Cultural activities, etc… Sensitisation Advocacy Long term actions (e.g. Development work) To resume relations To modify structures To change mentalities

Interventions to be executed by a conflict transformer CT actions to be executed by other actors

LPI discourages interventions by one the organisation to avoid dispersion and ing parties. This objectivity and imparti- actor only on all of the dimensions of amateurism, which, no doubt, a ten- ality, which will have to be built, consoli- the conflict. It is important that a pro- dency to respond to all existing needs dated, and preserved, will be compatible fessional CT organisation circumscribe at once would result in. with only a few very specific activities. the activities it allows itself to execute Consequently, a conflict requiring ac- Advocacy activities, for example, which in order to safeguard its internal coher- tions in the social or economic domain by definition involve taking clear stands ence and perceived impartiality in the (for example, psycho-social accompani- on certain issues or actors, will only be ment of victims, carried out occasionally and with great or development caution. All other activities (for exam- Conflict is not necessarily violent activities like ple, development, health, etc), despite or negative, but rather inherent in road rehabilita- being necessary in order to transform a “ all societies. tion) will not conflict in a sustainable way, will be left be executed by to more specialised actors whose man- the CT organi- date it is to execute them. conflict. Over the past two years, LPI- sation itself. When the CT function Taking into account all of these views Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) cohabitates with other sectors within on how conflict can be transformed and has developed a clear strategy on how a larger organisation, collaboration what role LPI should play in this, how to transform conflict in the specific con- links with these sectors will be sought. does LPI put all of these ideas into prac- text of Eastern DRC and how to contrib- In all other cases, a PCCT will have to tice in DRC? Basically, LPI believes that ute to a long-term peace in the region. develop advocacy skills in order to mo- there are two main starting points for The idea is to reinforce local partners in bilise specialised actors in these fields. change in DRC: several domains, in order for them to The response of these actors will serve become Professional Centres for Con- to achieve complementary and durable 1) The involvement of local, independ- flict Transformation (PCCT). A PCCT solutions to the conflict. ent organisations in the peace build- will have to circumscribe the activities Another justification for limiting the ing process. it allows itself to execute in order to safe- scope of activities to be carried out by a Very often the actions of peace- guard its internal coherence, to develop CT actor will be linked to an impartiality building are choreographed by a unique expertise in a specific field of requirement at the analytical level. In international organisations (diplo- intervention, to professionalise its staff, order for the PCCT’s conflict analyses mats, MONUC, UN, and interna- and to communicate its objectives in a to be truly professional, they will have to tional NGOs). Attempts to resolve transparent way. This will also enable be perceived as objective by the conflict- a conflict are mostly situated in the conflict transformation in a war-ridden region New Routes 2/2009 21

higher circles of society (track 1 top d) sharing of information, documen- cussions, debates and proposals for down diplomacy), often with only tation and tools with LPI’s local part- possible solutions. 2 limited success. LPI believes that – ners; and at the same time – conflict should be e) exchange visits with other PCCTs in As this is a very new approach in East- 3 transformed slowly, concretely and the region, for example with CENAP ern Congo, it is a process that is still 4 on a long-term basis on the ground, in Burundi or IRDP in Rwanda) being tested and improved. LPI-DRC with the actors directly involved in 2) The involvement of local conflict ac- faces many challenges in this process, the conflict (multi-track bottom-up tors in the mutual understanding but the first results are promising. approach). For this type of work, lo- and transformation of the conflict: cal organisations who have gained One of the basic causes of con- Balanced information to all parties the most appropriate credibility over flict in DRC is the manipulation Educating partners on how to perform the years and who are deeply rooted of several conflict actors by certain a PAR will have a positive impact on in Congolese society are the natural leaders. Very often, manipulation is the transformation of a conflict, as lo- actors for change. This is why LPI combined with wants to strengthen local partners misinforma- to become independent PCCTs, who tion. LPI-DRC Attempts to resolve a conflict will continue to transform conflicts believes that in are mostly situated in the higher positively, even when LPI leaves DRC order to solve a “ after a few years. conflict at any circles of society, often with only Through reinforcement plans, level it is es- LPI intends to develop the capacity of sential that all limited success. seven local preselected organisations actors have a in order for them to become PCCTs. complete, objective and shared un- cal conflict actors will be informed This implies the reinforcement of derstanding of all causes and conse- neutrally on the different aspects of the several organisational aspects: con- quences of that conflict. Therefore, conflict and on the different positions flict transformation, administrative, LPI’s partners are encouraged to use of other parties to the conflict. During a legal and financial matters. a methodology of Participatory Ac- roundtable participatory review entail- This capacity building can take on tion Research (PAR). This method- ing an exchange of information they several different forms: ology includes research that involves will be invited to join a debate in the all parties to the conflict at several presence of other conflict actors, a de- a) theoretical and practical work- levels, and continuously keeps them bate during which LPI’s local partners shops in which the expertise of LPI updated on the information gathered will be able to play the role of mediator staff is shared with local partners; and the development of the research. between the different parties. Thanks to b) theoretical and practical work- Thus, conflict actors give informa- the balanced information and through shops involving external experts or tion to the researchers working for the process of mediation, the different consultants on matters in which the LPI’s partner organisations, but they conflict actors can start looking for pos- expertise of LPI staff is insufficient; also receive information and hence sible solutions and LPI’s local partners c) accompaniment of LPI’s local part- participate actively in the conflict will be able to assist in the implementa- ners in their field and/or office work;1 analysis and resolution through dis- tion of these solutions. PHOTO: LPI

In September 2005 LPI arranged a workshop in Jinja, Uganda, for promotion of interfaith dialogue in Sudan. The consultation was planned jointly by Christian and Muslim organisations. 22 New Routes 2/2009 conflict transformation in a war-ridden region

Before starting to transform a specific ings, etc, slowly building up to a big who to inform about the activities, is a conflict through PAR, LPI-DRC encour- round table in which all actors should complex challenge in itself. ages its partners to do in-depth context be represented. This is a very delicate Moreover, as partners have to be analyses. These analyses allow them to and time-consuming process, but re- neutral and perceived as neutral, this map all ongoing or frozen conflicts in a duces the chance of failure of the round means in principle that they will have certain area. Using this detailed conflict table in such a context. to become specialised in CT, steering mapping, LPI’s partners can identify a These earlier experiences allow LPI away from development or humanitar- specific conflict on which they will per- to continuously improve the PAR meth- ian activities (helping populations from form a much more in-depth PAR. LPI’s odology and to document this approach one certain village, for example, and not partners are currently working on con- in order to feed into the CT. from the neighbouring one, can already text analyses in Northern North Kivu cause problems), as well as from human (SOFEPADI5), Southern North Kivu Challenges and expectations rights activities (actively denouncing hu- (ASP6) and Kalehe Territory, South Kivu man rights abuses can obviously scare (Padebu/APC7). The DRC context off certain conflict actors). And even LPI has already started up ‘real’ LPI faces many challenges in the DRC. being specialised PCCTs, partners will PARs on, for example “The Rasta Phe- Working in the field of CT would most still have to think carefully when dis- nomenon in Kanyola et Nindja” and on likely be easier in a ‘classical’ post- tinguishing between awareness-raising “The Link between Armed Groups and conflict context, which is not really the and advocacy. Local Communities in the Minembwe case for Eastern Congo, as more than Highlands and Surroundings”. 15 armed groups are still active there Long term process (governmental and interna­ Transforming a conflict is a long-term tional community-driven). process. As peace and conflict are very Conflict transformation Peace processes have not yet delicate and complex matters, an en- simultaneously tackles proven very effective, and tire PAR process can easily last over 18 MONUC, the UN peace-­ months, whereas donors rarely fund “ attitudes, behaviours and keeping force, seems to be projects for more than two years. One problems. stuck in an unclear man- of the big challenges is to convince the date and is often criticised donors to fund LPI and its partners for for not being able to defend a longer period in order to not put pres- In an article (in French) by LPI’s local Congolese civilians adequately. This sure on these time-consuming activities partner UPDI8 on p 23 in this issue, you intermediary phase between ‘conflict’ and to have more time to do a proper can read more about the CT activities and ‘post-conflict’ does not always allow follow-up. ~ on the Rasta Phenomenon, FDLR9 and LPI’s work to move forward as quickly local populations in Nindja-Kanyola. and efficiently as desired. The article is compiled by different staff UPDI, a farmers’ syndicate, has become members at LPI’s field office in DRC. one of LPI-DRC’s seven partners, as Impact assessment their members are both direct victims Working in the domain of peacebuild- of the conflict as well as very useful ing, it is not always easy to assess one’s sources of information and actors for real impact on the ground. In the area 1 LPI-DRC staff can spend time in the offices of solutions. From this specific case on the of capacity-building of local partners, their partners, giving advice/training/accompani- Rasta, the PAR methodology has been LPI-DRC can quite easily assess its ment in the work environment – for example, on bookkeeping matters and report writing. fully ‘tested’ and has further evolved. It results and outcomes. The extent to 2 For example, literature on conflict transforma- is clear that LPI is still developing its which this capacity-building effective- tion and accountancy software. third phase, and its partners are also ly contributes to peace in the area is 3 Centre d’Alerte et de Prévention de Conflit (www. still looking for the most efficient entry more difficult to measure. Many indi- cenap.bi) points and methodologies within the cators on this topic cannot be seen as 4 Institut de Recherche et Dialogue pour la Paix context of Eastern DRC. “SMART14”. LPI is still in the process (www.irdp.rw) “The Link between Armed Groups of determining the right indicators and 5 Solidarité Féminine pour la Paix et le Développe- and Local Communities in the Minem- developing the right tools to assess its ment Intégral bwe Highlands and Surroundings” (im- impact more easily. 6 Action pour la Solidarité et la Paix plemented by LPI-DRC’s local partners 7 Action pour la Paix Concordante ADEPAE10, ARAL11 and RIO12) takes Neutrality 8 Union Paysanne pour le Développement Intégral into account the lessons learned from Working with CT demands the full 9 Forces Democratiques de Liberation du Rwanda the Rasta PAR and moves further on neutrality of LPI-DRC and its partners, 10 Action pour le Développement et la Paix the road to developing a more effective as well as the need to be perceived as Endogènes CT approach. While the Rasta PAR was fully neutral by all direct and indirect 11 Arche d’Alliance still a rather linear process (research – conflict actors (including the victims). 12 Reseau d’Innovation Organisationnelle round table conference – commissions This implies a delicate balancing exer- 13 See the article about UPDI in this issue of New and CPPs13), the PAR on Minembwe cise between correctly informing actors Routes tries to combine the gathering of infor- and not blowing up bridges for peace- 14 Specific, Measurable, Acceptable, Realistic, Time Sensitive mation with small restitutions towards building opportunities (which – very the conflict actors, the search for solu- often – requires compromises). How to tions by these actors, dialogue meet- make LPI’s conflict analyses public, and espoir de paix grâce à l’action de l’updi New Routes 2/2009 23 L’action de l’Union Paysanne pour le Développement Intégral (l’UPDI) en Afrique Centrale a pour objectif de contribuer à résoudre, en toute impartialité, les conflits intercommunautaires aux conséquences désastreuses de l’Union. Divers moyens d’action, juridiques, pratiques et matériels, sont mis en œuvre en fonction des besoins et des ressources. En dépit d’innombrables difficultés dues aux désaccords entre les parties adverses, et grâce à l’assistance de l’UTC et du LPI, l’UPDI a bon espoir d’atteindre ses objectifs : rétablir la paix et la sérénité en sein des communautés en conflit.

An English summary of the texts in French is found on page 29.

Espoir de paix grâce à l’action de l’UPDI Urbain Bisimwa

En sa qualité de syndicat paysan, l’Union mation des conflits communautaires et ou lointain, pour sa communauté et son Paysanne pour le Développement Inté- l’arbitrage des différends entre mem- environnement. gral (l’UPDI) a depuis longtemps en son bres ou non de l’Union. Ce secteur in- Sa principale mission est la transfor- sein un secteur syndical qui s’occupe de clura aussi des non membres comme mation des conflits intercommunautai- l’arbitrage des différends survenus au gage de neutralité. res par des analyses, en assurant aux par- sein de ses collectifs (organisations pay- Malgré cela, la question centrale n’a ties ou acteurs impliqués dans ce conflit sannes à la base) : règlement des conflits pas été résolue, du fait que l’UPDI reste un maximum de vérité, de neutralité et fonciers et autres litiges entre paysans un syndicat paysan qui dispose d’une d’objectivité. par des accords à l’amiable, sans recourir Unité de Transformation des Conflits, Au sein des 33 collectifs de l’Union, une aux tribunaux classiques/juridictions of- l’UTC. Pour remédier à cette contradic- sélection de 33 chercheurs est effectuée en ficielles. Avec l’appui de ses partenaires, tion, il est impératif de renforcer les ca- interne, suivant les aptitudes définies par dont l’Institut Vie & Paix (Life & Peace pacités d’intervention de cette dernière le Conseil d’Administration. Ceux-ci sont Institute, LPI), l’UPDI est parvenu à ac- unité, pour qu’à la longue elle se détache bénévoles et ont pour mandat la collecte croître les capacités de ses para juristes et de l’unité syndicale. des données et l’analyse de contexte au de ses chambres arbitrales. niveau de leurs collectifs et de leur envi- L’unité de transformation des conflits La procédure de solution ronnement, proche ou lointain, mais avec est le résultat du Congrès extraordinaire des conflits un impact sur leur communauté. sur le positionnement stratégique de Pour les conflits ayant des répercussions Au cours de l’analyse, et selon les l’UPDI organisé pour partager la réflexion directes ou indirectes sur l’Union, les besoins et les moyens disponibles, une sur ses activités syndicales. Rappelons analyses s’effectuent à la base, c’est-à-dire sélection est effectuée parmi les 33 ana- qu’à l’issue des travaux de ce Congrès, il au sein des collectifs concernés, par des lystes issus des collectifs, pour assurer et a été démontré que l’UPDI, comme syn- chercheurs sélectionnés et réputés pour faciliter le relais entre l’analyse menée et dicat paysan, a pour mission la défense leur impartialité, leur honnêteté et leurs son champ d’étude. Ils sont semi béné- des droits et des intérêts de paysans. Par compétences dans ce milieu, et aptes à voles, c’est-à-dire qu’ils perçoivent une conséquent, elle ne peut pas avoir de maîtriser les enjeux afférant au conflit. prime leur permettant de couvrir les frais structures juridiques en son sein. Sinon, Les 33 collectifs (communautés de base relatifs à leur mission. Ils sont formés et elle serait à la fois juge et partie. qui, ensemble, constituent l’UPDI) ex- on des aptitudes d’analyse plus poussées A titre d’illustration, prenons le cas priment et transmettent, par le biais de que les chercheurs directement recrutés d’un non membre qui aurait un litige ses chercheurs, tous les besoins (conflits au sein des collectifs. Ils participent, à avec un membre de l’UPDI, et que tous identifiés) au Congrès de l’Union. Cet leur tour, à la formation des 33 analystes deux décident de le porter devant l’un des organe suprême de l’Union décide du ou chercheurs de base, en vue de les ren- tribunaux arbitraux de l’UPDI. Comment (des) conflit(s) qui nécessitent un traite- dre plus efficaces en matière d’analyse à ce non membre pourrait-il compter sur ment urgent, et transmet cette tâche au leur propre niveau. l’impartialité de ce tribunal arbitral, au Conseil d’Administration, dont le Se- Les chercheurs de l’UTC analysent cas où il perdait sa cause face à un mem- crétariat Général en instruit à son tour, le conflit dans le but de le compren- bre. En ce cas, la question de la neutralité pour étude, l’Unité de Transformation dre et surtout de le faire comprendre pourrait se poser, si le tribunal était une des Conflits, ou UTC. aux acteurs en présence, en vue d’une structure intégrée à l’UPDI. L’UTC de l’UPDI étudie des conflits transformation positive. Par des des- C’est pour cette raison que les mem- ayant un impact direct ou indirect sur centes de terrain, les chercheurs récol- bres de l’UPDI réunis en congrès ont l’Organisation. C’est-à-dire qu’elle ana- tent les données nécessaires à l’analyse. décidé de revoir la structure de l’Union lyse des conflits à l’intérieur ou à l’exté- Ils reçoivent et compilent les données en y ajoutant un sixième secteur. Ce rieur de l’Union, dans la mesure où les- des analystes de terrain, concernant le secteur aura pour mission la transfor- dits conflits présentent un intérêt, proche conflit à l’étude. Ils interrogent toutes 24 New Routes 2/2009 espoir de paix grâce à l’action de l’updi PHOTO: PAUL JEFFREY/ACT INTERNATIONAL

Ces filles, déplacées en raison de la guerre a l’est de la RDC, habitent dans un camp situé sur une coulée de lave, dans la ville de Nzulu. Un quart de million de personnes a été déplacé à cause de la violence. les sources possibles, dans le souci intérêts convergents pour les commu- servateurs ayant un rapport quelcon- de recueillir toute l’information utile nautés jadis en conflit, projets d’intérêt que avec le conflit ; à l’analyse et à la transformation du commun, manifestations socioculturel- – la recherche et la documentation dans conflit. Selon la nature et la spécificité les avec la participation et en faveur des les centres de recherche, spécialisés de chaque conflit, ils suggèrent et arrê- parties post conflit. dans la recherche et la transformation tent les mécanismes et la méthodologie L’UTC de l’UPDI dans ses activités de conflits intercommunautaires ; à mettre en œuvre en vue de sa trans- quotidiennes effectue : formation. – l’organisation de visites d’échanges – des enquêtes auprès du plus grand Ils consultent les parties impliquées et d’expérience dans d’autres centres nombre possible d’acteurs ou obser- dans le conflit, afin de déterminer en- spécialisés dans le domaine de trans- vateurs en rapport avec le conflit ; semble les moyens propices à l’issue de formation des conflits, à l’intérieur et la crise. – des analyses de contexte suivant ses à l’extérieur de la province et/ou du En tant que cellule technique spéciali- particularités (Recherche Action Par- pays ; et sée de l’Union, les chercheurs apportent ticipative, observations directes, analy- – le compte-rendu et l’évaluation à des- leur support et accompagnent les activi- ses des documents oraux ou écrits) ; tination des parties, partenaires, auto- tés en rapport avec la transformation des – des descentes de terrain pour la récolte rités politiques ou autres. conflits, organisées par le Conseil d’Ad- des données ; ministration (restitutions et autres). Ils Pour atteindre ses objectifs, l’UTC uti- veillent au respect des recommandations – la coordination et l’encadrement des lise les stratégies suivantes : ou conseils émis par les autres partenai- analystes locaux ; – la sensibilisation des acteurs ou parties res, en vue d’améliorer les approches – la tentative de recherche des solutions prenantes du conflit, à ce qui favorise relatives à la transformation des conflits. aux conflits opposant des communau- sa transformation positive en vertu du Ils organisent et supervisent diverse acti- tés ou groupes à travers des études ob- principe général gagnant ; vités collatérales et/ou transversales affé- jectives approfondies et le concours – la formation et le perfectionnement rentes à l’UTC. Pour la pérennisation et des parties en conflits ; des analystes et des chercheurs ; la consolidation de la paix à la base, l’UTC propose et accompagne des actions trans- – l’organisation de réunions, conféren- – la formation des noyaux locaux à la formatrices de conflit, telles que campa- ces, tables rondes (restitution aux par- base, au sein des collectifs, pour la gnes de sensibilisation à la cohabitation ties) avec la participation des parties transformation des conflits et les en- pacifique, travaux communautaires à en conflit et de tous les acteurs ou ob- quêtes de terrain ; espoir de paix grâce à l’action de l’updi New Routes 2/2009 25

– la collecte des données à travers les retrouve face à de nouvelles réalités. toutes ses formes est un grave handicap structures (analystes – chercheurs) au De ce fait, ce travail enrichit le cher- auquel un chercheur se trouve confron- sein des communautés de base, et les cheur. Le second aspect positif est la té, surtout en milieu rural. La méfiance compétences locales ; compréhension des faits « réels » qui et parfois l’hostilité qu’on observe sou- s’établit entre les parties prenantes vent chez des acteurs en conflit sont des – les visites d’échange et d’expériences du conflit en cours, ou vers la fin de défis majeurs que doit relever un cher- avec les autres entités spécialisées dans l’analyse. En effet, l’incompréhension cheur soucieux de vérité et de neutra- la transformation des conflits ; et entre les contestants provient souvent lité. L’environnement n’est pas des plus – les échanges et débats autour de divers d’une fausse interprétation et d’une ig- favorables pour un travail de ce genre, thèmes relatifs à la transformation des norance de la vérité, qui sont à la base dans un contexte africain : dans le mi- conflits. de plusieurs événements conflictuels, lieu où œuvre l’UTC de l’UPDI (Afrique surtout dans le contexte où évolue Centrale), il faut y ajouter l’attentisme Il est à noter qu’au cours de la recher- l’UTC de l’UPDI. Une troisième sat- qui règne au sein de la plupart des com- che, l’UTC de l’UPDI rend compte au isfaction est ressentie lors du rite de munautés. Il faut également rappeler Secrétariat Général de l’évolution et des réconciliation (issue heureuse de la les contraintes logistiques que présente résultats obtenus à tous les niveaux. Le transformation) : il est en effet très un travail de recherche en Afrique, où Secrétariat Général transmet ses résultats émouvant de retrouver des parties l’accès à plusieurs localités n’est guère au conseil d’administration qui, à son hier en conflits autour d’une activité facilité et où les conditions de travail ne tour, rend compte à l’assemblée générale, communautaire, partageant un même sont pas des meilleures. le cas échéant. La restitution auprès des repas, animant une activité culturelle L’implication des institutions éta- parties et/ou des autres acteurs du conflit commune, etc. On ne saurait trop in- tiques dans la recherche de la paix est incombe au Conseil d’Administration. sister sur la joie qu’on éprouve d’avoir encore à améliorer, afin que les organi- contribué, de manière aussi modeste sations œuvrant dans la dynamique de Bénéfices et difficultés que ce soit, au rétablissement d’un cli- paix obtiennent des résultats beaucoup Comme tout travail de recherche, le mat d’apaisement au sein de commu- plus significatifs. Le professionnalisme cycle de transformation de conflit est nautés dans lesquelles on vit. de l’UTC de l’UPDI demeure, du reste, passionnant, car l’analyste va de décou- La transformation de conflits pré- une priorité qui ne peut s’acquérir sans verte en découverte : au fur et à mesure sente aussi des exigences spécifiques en le concours d’autres intervenants en que l’on avance dans l’enquête, on se fonction du contexte. L’ignorance sous matière de transformation de conflit. Le PHOTO: PAUL JEFFREY/ACT INTERNATIONAL

Quelque type de vie quotidienne se passe dans un camp situé à Sasha à l’est de la RDC, dans laquelle des familles se sont réfugiées à cause de la violence entre les forces rebelles et le gouvernement dans l’automne 2008. Francine Innocent (à gauche) et Tantine Balume (au centre) nourrissent ses enfants, pendant des femmes marchent en direction du marché. 26 New Routes 2/2009 espoir de paix grâce à l’action de l’updi PHOTO: LPI

Tous les efforts se poursuivent pour mettre fin au conflict à l’est de la RDC et pour soutenir la construction de relations pacifiques. Des gens venant des différents secteurs de la société, et même des soldats, prennent partie à la formation pour la Transformation de Conflits, avec le soutien du LPI. renforcement de capacité de ses mem- sées les populations. Dans nos activités ment majeur susceptible de contribuer bres nécessite un accompagnement quotidiennes, nous nous sommes rendu positivement au développement humain. quantitatif et qualitatif. compte que la diversité est une richesse, Les préjugés, l’hypocrisie, l’attentisme, le si elle est positivement comprise. Il va repli sur soi, la méfiance et tant d’autres Leçons apprises sans dire que, quels que soient les méca- valeurs négatives, constituaient des freins Lors de son parcours, l’UTC de l’UPDI, nismes mis en œuvre, la recherche dans à l’implication des bénéficiaires dans la comme les para juristes des chambres le cadre de la transformation des conflits dynamique de paix. arbitrales dans le passé, a compris que ou de la dynamique de paix présente des Néanmoins, et toujours avec l’ac- le développement durable est un mythe risques et des dangers certains, dans un compagnement du LPI (technique et dans un milieu conflictuel. Les petits environnement post-conflit comme celui matériel), ils commencent petit à petit à conflits entre familles d’un même vil- dans lequel nous vivons. s’approprier cette dynamique, à telle en- lage, les conflits identitaires entre com- seigne qu’à certains endroits il existe des munautés et, à plus haut niveau, les Perception de l’approche Centres Permanents de Paix qui peuvent climats tendus ou les conflits armés L’enrichissement apporté par les parte- analyser le contexte de leur milieu. Bien entre Régions ou États est le principal naires, surtout le LPI, en matière de sûr, il faut encore les accompagner un handicap à l’épanouissement humain, transformation de conflits, a contribué certain temps avant qu’ils ne deviennent sur tous les plans. favorablement aux capacités techniques eux-mêmes bâtisseurs de paix dans leurs Aussi, la Région des Grands Lacs et matérielles de l’UPDI dans la pour- propres villages. Il est prévisible qu’avec Africains, où œuvre l’UTC de l’UPDI, suite de ses objectifs. A savoir, la pro- la Recherche Action Participative suggé- rencontrera beaucoup d’écueils sur son motion d’un climat de paix propice rée par le LPI, la perception à la base sera chemin, si les divers intervenants (gou- au développement non seulement des encore améliorée. ~ vernement, autorités coutumières et re- communautés membres de ses collec- ligieuses, organisations membres de la tifs, mais aussi, et surtout, en faveur des Société civile, etc.) ne mettent pas rapi- populations environnantes. dement sur pied des mécanismes fiables, Au départ, les communautés à la base en vue de transformer positivement les avaient des difficultés à concevoir la conflits identitaires auxquelles sont expo- transformation de conflits comme élé- espoir de paix grâce à l’action de l’updi New Routes 2/2009 27 plan de résolution des conflits et phénomène rasta

Introduction la paix dans la zone, après l’analyse ef- nés à s’approprier la problématique et à Dans sa démarche de transformation fectuée sur le phénomène Rasta. Ces s’impliquer davantage dans des actions des conflits, l’Union Paysanne pour le intervenants sont constitués des mem- pouvant aider à consolider la paix et la Développement Intégral (UPDI) a inau- bres de la Société civile locale, les ONG concorde mutuelles au sein des com- guré une série des réflexions avec tous nationales et internationales, ainsi que munautés de la région. les acteurs intervenants directement ou des autorités politico-militaires tant au Le schéma suivant a été adopté par indirectement dans la zone de Kaniola/ niveau national que provincial. l’ensemble des acteurs concernés par Nindja, en vue de mener des actions Le second objectif de ces réflexions l’analyse : susceptibles de contribuer à ramener était d’amener tous les acteurs concer-

IHEMBE 7 CPP (réunion : 2 fois par mois)

Décideurs : MODERATEURS autorités, KANIOLA + OBSERVATEURS humanitaires, 17 CPP (réunion : 2 fois par mois) UPDI modérateurs, … (réunion : 1 fois par mois) (réunion : 1 fois par mois)

LUHAGO 3 CPP (réunion : 2 fois par mois)

Explication de la figure : Les décideurs se réunissent une fois sation des points de vue des habitants Dans le village de Ihembe, il existe sept par mois pour statuer sur ces proposi- de Kaniola et Nindja sur le phénomène Centres Permanents pour la Paix (CPP). tions. Les décisions prises au cours de Rasta, dans le but de lever la méfiance Dans le village de Kaniola, il y en a dix- cette réunion sont communiquées et engendrée par ces derniers entre les sept et dans celui de Luhago, on compte suivies à la base à travers les modéra- deux communautés, s’étendant aussi trois. Tous ces CPP tiennent leurs réu- teurs et les observateurs (d’où la ligne à aux villages avoisinant la forêt de Muga- nions deux fois par mois au sein de leurs double flèche). ba et ceux qui en sont relativement éloi- villages respectifs. Tous les éléments de la Les observateurs facilitent le fonc- gnés. Elle montrera l’intérêt qu’ont ces figure entretiennent une interaction en- tionnement et accompagnent les CPP dernières à entreprendre des réflexions tre eux (d’où les traits à double flèche). pour une période limitée. Ils vérifient, et des actions communes dans l’objec- Il faudra noter que les activités des par le biais des modérateurs, si les ac- tif d’une cohabitation dans la concorde. CPP sont coordonnées par des modé- tions et/ou les décisions prises (par la Dans cette optique, il faudra brièvement rateurs sous l’encadrement des observa- commission des décideurs) ont réelle- revenir sur la problématique et l’histoire teurs délégués par l’UPDI. Les modéra- ment contribué à la transformation des des Rastas. teurs et les observateurs se rencontrent conflits dans le milieu. Elle devra aussi s’appesantir sur la une fois par mois pour harmoniser les compréhension mutuelle qui doit exis- propositions à soumettre aux décideurs Thèmes de sensibilisation ter entre les populations vivant avec les (autorités locales, provinciales et autres, La sensibilisation des populations de la Forces Démocratiques pour la Libéra- ONG internationales). zone concernée portera sur l’harmoni- tion du Rwanda (FDLR) et les autres. Il 28 New Routes 2/2009 espoir de paix grâce à l’action de l’updi faudra insister sur la solidarité qui doit de Kaniola en Territoire de Walungu et – Les autorités politiques, militaires ou animer les habitants des zones non oc- celles d’Ihembe, Luhago et Iregabarho- coutumières ne feront pas partie des cupées par les FDLR envers leurs conci- nyi à Nindja en Territoire de Kabare. CPP à la base, qui seront composés toyens obligés à y résider, et qui souvent de personnes de même statut social. sont considérés comme complices des Objectifs spécifiques FDLR, ce qui se traduit par un climat de a) Harmoniser la compréhension de Activités méfiance, de suspicion et d’accusation la situation sécuritaire dans la zone Après cette concertation et en plus de gratuite. Cette solidarité est indispensa- (Kaniola et Nindja) deux activités qui ont déjà eu lieu (à sa- ble à une coexistence pacifique et sécu- voir : l’évaluation des commissions et b) Réduction de la tension entre les po- risante en cas de confrontation armée la réunion de la commission ad hoc), pulations qui vivent avec les FDLR et (entre les FDLR et la coalition) ou non. l’équipe technique de l’UPDI a adopté celles ne vivant pas avec eux. Compte tenu des changements ac- les activités à mener durant les trois tuels (accords intervenus entre la Ré- prochains mois et propose la planifica- Stratégies publique Démocratique du Congo et tion suivante : le Rwanda), la sensibilisation portera Les stratégies suivantes ont été arrêtées – sélection des membres des CPP et également sur l’historique succincte face à la situation nouvelle : sensibilisation de la population sur des FDLR (depuis l’arrivée des réfugiés – Mise en place des Centres Perma- le contexte actuel ; hutu jusqu’à ce jour) en passant par les nents pour la Paix (CPP) à la base, différents accords tendant à faciliter – installation des CPP selon les axes qui se réunissent deux fois par mois leur retour volontaire au Rwanda. et publication du règlement d’ordre afin d’analyser le contexte de leurs Pour mieux approcher les attentes des intérieur Fonctionnement des CPP villages et proposent des actions populations, il faudra les amener à défi- (six réunions par CPP) ; concrètes à mener. Les propositions nir et appréhender par elles-mêmes leur de chaque CPP sont centralisées au – suivi des activités des CPP par les ob- comportement par rapport aux acteurs cours d’une réunion des modéra- servateurs ; en présence vis-à-vis du contexte du teurs qui, avec les observateurs de moment (FDLR, population elle-même, – trois réunions des modérateurs à l’UPDI, se réunissent une fois par Forces Armées de la République Démo- Walungu ; mois et à leur tour réfèrent à la com- cratique du Congo), Rwandan Defense mission des décideurs, composée – trois réunions des décideurs à Bu- Forces, Mission d’Observation des Na- des autorités, des humanitaires, de kavu ; tions Unies au Congo (MONUC), grou- la MONUC et autres instances aptes – suivi des activités de la commission pes armés, classe politique, etc.). Dans le à décider des actions pratiques à me- des décideurs ; et même but, il conviendra de s’approcher ner dans la région. de leur propre perception de l’avenir. – évaluation des activités : par contrain- – En collaboration avec les observateurs, te budgétaire, la troisième réunion Objectifs les CPP procéderont à la sensibilisa- des décideurs servira en même Les objectifs à atteindre sont : tion de la population sur place (par temps de cadre pour l’évaluation des exemple, couloirs humanitaires en cas activités du trimestre concernée. Objectif global de conflits, secours aux populations a) Créer des mécanismes de solidarité déplacées, négociations auprès des entre les populations du Groupement autorités ou des humanitaires, etc). PHOTO: LPI

La formation dans les différents aspects de la vie en société est une contribution vitale à la Transformation des Conflits. Des ressortissants du Nord Kivu à l’est de la RDC, font la queue pour une formation. hope for peace New Routes 2/2009 29

To build up a new home is a physical as well as a mental effort, but also a sign of hope for the future. A man displaced by fighting in eastern DRC builds a hut in a camp in the village of Sasha. PHOTO: PAUL JEFFREY/ACT INTERNATIONAL

farmers’ union brings hope for peace

In its capacity as a farmers’ union, the entailing an exchange of information The objectives are: a) to establish Union Paysanne pour le Développe- among the conflicting parties. It facili- mechanisms of solidarity between the ment Intégral (UPDI) has long included tates research and documentation in peoples of the Kaniola Group within the a Conflict Transformation Unit (UTC) Research Centres specialising in the Walungu Territory and those of Ihembe, for the arbitration of conflicts within its treatment of conflicts between com- Luhago and Iregabarhonyi, Nindja, in communities. The task of this unit is the munities, and tries to make actors or the Kabare territory, b) to harmonise the transformation of community conflicts contestants aware of anything that can understanding of the security situation and the mediation of disputes between contribute to a positive transformation in the area (Kaniola and Nindja), and c) members or non-members of UPDI. of the conflict. to reduce the tension between the people The unit also includes non-members The action plan stipulates, among who live with the FDLR and those not as a pledge of neutrality. other things, the roles attributed to living with them. The purpose of this forum is to ana- the Centres for Permanent Peace, the The strategies adopted in response lyse conflicts within or outside of UPDI, moderators, the policy makers and the to the new situation are: a) the establish- insofar as they are of interest, immedi- observers, respectively. ment of permanent Centres for Peace ate or distant, to the communities con- The effort to increase the awareness (CPP) at the ground level (base), b) in- cerned and their environment. The of the people of the area includes the creased awareness of local people (for analyses are conducted by researchers harmonisation of views between the example, humanitarian corridors in at the UTC in order to understand the dwellers in Kaniola and Nindja about the event of conflict, help to displaced conflicts and, above all, to make the ac- the Rasta Phenomenon. It also insists people, negotiations with the authorities tors involved understand them in view on the mutual understanding that or humanitarian organisations, etc.), of a positive transformation. should exist between people living with and c) the absence of political, military The tasks of the UTC are manifold: the Democratic Forces for the Libera- or customary instances within the CPP It conducts surveys, including the larg- tion of Rwanda (FDLR) and others. at the base level, which should consist est possible number of actors/observers To better respond to people’s expec- of persons of the same social status. related to the conflict. It makes context tations, the UTC must help them to In the field of conflict transforma- analyses (participatory action research, understand and define their behaviour tion, enrichment provided by partners, direct observation, analyses of written towards the stakeholders related to the especially the Life & Peace Institute or oral documentation). The unit works context of the present moment: the (LPI), has contributed positively to the on site in order to collect data, and or- FDLR, the population itself, the Armed technical and material resources of the ganise and supervise the local analysts. Forces of the Democratic Republic of UPDI in pursuit of its objectives. It is Solutions to the conflicts between the Congo, the Rwandan Defence Forces, likely that, thanks to the Participatory communities are sought through ob- the United Nations Observation Mis- Action Research suggested by LPI, the jective, in-depth studies in cooperation sion in Congo, the armed groups, poli- perception at the base level will be fur- with the parties to the conflict. The ticians, etc. For the same purpose, it is ther improved. UTC organises meetings, conferences advisable to come closer to people’s own and round table participatory reviews perception of the future. Summary in English by Bertrand Ligny 30 New Routes 2/2009 conflict transformation: further reading

Conflict Transformation: Further reading

For those of you who would like to read more about conflict transformation we recommend the following resources. Please note that this list is by no means exhaustive.

Publications along a cycle: coming together, commitment and trust, lis- tening, empathy, dialogue, and restoration. Little book on Conflict Transformation John Paul Lederach Engage Conflict Well: Transforming Conflict in the United John Paul Lederach is internationally recognised for his break- Methodist Church through thinking and action related to conflict on all levels Thomas W Porter and Mark Conrad Mancao – person-to-person, factions within communities, warring In Positive Approaches to Peacebuilding: A Resource for nations. He explores why ”conflict transformation is more Innovators. Edited by Liebler, Claudia, et al. Washington appropriate than ”conflict resolution” or ”management”. DC: Pact Publications, 2003 An excerpt can be found on ”The JUSTPEACE Center for Mediation and Conflict http://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/transformation/ Transformation believes that creating justpeace through conflict transformation involves preparing the self and Berghof’s Handbook for Conflict Transformation engaging others in processes that move in positive direc- The Berghof Handbook for Conflict Transformation is tions. ”Engage Conflict Well” is an emerging model in The a comprehensive and cumulative website resource that United Methodist Church, which explores these interrelated provides continually updated cutting-edge knowledge, phases of conflict transformation. experience and lessons learned for those working in the field of transforming violent ethno-political conflict. The State of the Art of Conflict Transformation The Handbook is published by the Berghof Research Kevin P Clements Centre for Constructive Conflict Management based in In Searching for Peace in Europe and Eurasia: An Overview Berlin, Germany. Online: http://www.berghof-handbook. of Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding Activities. Edited net/ but the Handbook is also available as hardcopy by van Tongeren, Paul, Juliette Verhoeven and Hans van de under the title ”Transforming Ethnopolitical Conflict – Veen. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 2002. The Berghof Handbook”, Alex Austin, Martina Fischer & ”The field of conflict resolution/conflict transformation Norbert Ropers (Eds.), Wiesbaden 2004, VS-Verlag für is still in a dynamic stage of evolution. It is an evolving Sozialwissenschaften (can be ordered on http://www. sphere or interdisciplinary endeavour that has both theoret- vs-verlag.de/index.php?do=list&site=w&sid=84319327549ef26c7 ical and practical implications. This chapter will begin with d393e313120695&search=Austin&product=boo) a map of the field and an assessment of the state of the art. It will then analyze and assess these schools of thought by Beyond Win-Win: The Heroic Journey of Conflict identifying trends or themes within the different perspec- Transformation Louise Diamond tives. This will be followed by a critique of the field and Peace is not a static phenomenon. ”The discovery of peace” recommendations for improving the theory and practice of is a continuous process of developing structures and relation- conflict transformation.” ships which fulfil our needs and correspond to our perception of well-being. To discover peace, a system encouraging con- The Third Side: Why We Fight and How We Can Stop flict should be transformed. Conflict transformation involves William Ury changing parties’ beliefs and behaviours, releasing the energy New York: Penguin Books, September 2000. limited by determined patterns of thought and action, to move In this book, William Ury explains that it takes two sides to toward creating new relationships. This paper presents a map fight and a third to stop it. Based on years of experience as of the journey of discovering peace and, hence, transforming a conflict resolution practitioner, Ury describes ten practical conflict. It consists of five parts including motivation (touch- roles that people can play to prevent destructive conflict. ing the ideal), quest (vision and commitment), test (causes He argues that fighting is not inevitable human behaviour and consequences), death (self-examination and letting go), and that we can transform battles into constructive con- and rebirth (reframing and action). flict and cooperation by turning to what he calls, ”the third side”. Conflict Transformation: A Spiritual Process Mark Chupp ed. People Bulding Peace II: Successful Stories of Civil Society Conciliation Quarterly, 1993 Paul Van Tongeren, Malin Brenk, Marte Hellema, and Conflict transformation is a spiritual process which brings Juliette Verhoeven eds. internal, relational and structural change. The author sees Individuals can make a difference working for peace world- seven spiritual aspects to transformation which develop wide. That is the message of People Building Peace II, an conflict transformation: further reading New Routes 2/2009 31 inspiring collection of stories of how ”ordinary” men and ”Conflict Transformation: A Multi-Dimensional Task” women have played a crucial part in conflict prevention Hugh Miall and peacebuilding. Thematic chapters, illustrated with http://www.berghof-handbook.net/articles/miall_handbook.pdf. compelling case studies, present new trends in the role of This essay identifies the key theorists and modes of prac- civil society in conflict transformation. The cases reflect the tice of conflict transformation. It attempts to distinguish variety of activities initiated and sustained by a broad range these from the theories and practices of conflict resolution of actors, including women’s groups, youth groups, and and conflict management, while at the same time arguing faith-based organisations. Such topics as reconciliation, that conflict transformation draws heavily on these earlier dialogue, networking, and traditional methods of conflict traditions. Conflict transformation as a response to the resolution are among those thoroughly explored, as are the changing nature of contemporary conflict, however, is still successful initiatives of lesser-known NGOs. The resulting an incomplete synthesis. rich tapestry, an outcome of the Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict, is an invaluable compendium Beyond intractability: http://www.beyondintractability.org/ of best practices and lessons learned, and at the same time Especially: Burgess, Heidi and Guy M. Burgess. ”Conflict a stirring call to action. Transformation and Peacemaking.”, 1997 Available at: (All chapters can also be found on http://www.peoplebuild- http://www.beyondintractability.org/articlesummary/10299/. ingpeace.org/thestories/ ) ”Conflict Transformation: From Violence to Politics” Civil Society and Peacebuilding: A Critical Assessment Diana Francis CCTS Newsletter, Number 9, Summer 2000 Thania Paffenholz ed. Forthcoming autumn 2009. Available at: http://www.c-r.org/ccts/ccts9/vipolint.htm. Boulder: Lynne Rienner Publishers. This is a paper written for a series of seminars designed to Aims to share the results of a three year international explore what is necessary to move from violent conflict to research project with the interested research and prac- something which might be described as peace. titioner audience, and to develop a standard work for research, teaching and the interested practitioner commu- ”Healing as Part of Conflict Transformation” nity. Based on a sound analytical theory framework that has Roswitha Jarman CCTS Newsletter, Number 12, Spring 2001 been developed from democracy, peace and development Available at: http://www.c-r.org/ccts/ccts12/healing.htm. research, additional thematic and case study research was This article explores how outsiders coming in to war-torn conducted by country experts during 2007. The themes regions can contribute to healing the personal and interper- of gender, media, youth and networks were dealt with as sonal hurt of individuals and groups and thereby contribute cross-cutting themes. to the process of conflict transformation. See also Thania Paffenholz’ article on p 3 in this issue. ”Reconciliation: Central Component of Conflict Transformation” Nicole Negowetti April 4, 2003 Online (web) sources Available at: http://www.skynet.ie/~peacesoc/read/reconciliation.html. Berghof Handbook for Conflict Transformation. This essay examines the concept of reconciliation as central Berghof Research Centre for Constructive Conflict to John Paul Lederach’s theory of conflict transformation. It Management (see more info above) The website content asserts that contemporary intra-state conflicts require inno- comes from two central resources: vative approaches that consider the subjective experiences 1) commissioned articles by leading experts from current of both victims and perpetrators, for their transformation. practice and scholarship, and The piece includes discussion of Lederach’s distinction 2) a Dialogue Series on key issues, in which practitioners between conflict transformation and the concepts of con- and scholars critically engage with and debate one another flict resolution and conflict management. in light of their varying experiences. Transformative Approaches to Conflict. Available at: http://www.berghof-handbook.net/. Heidi Burgess, Guy M. Burgess and Tanya Glaser Especially: ”Civilizing Conflict: Constructive Pacifism as a Conflict Research Consortium Guiding Notion for Conflict Transformation” Available at: Dieter Senghaas http://www.berghof-handbook.net/articles/ http://www.colorado.edu/conflict/transform/index.html. senghaas_handbook.pdf. This site contains information about a variety of transfor- This article presents ”causal/constructive pacifism” as mative approaches to conflict including transformative a guiding notion for conflict transformation. If civil or mediation, John Paul Lederach’s conception of transforma- international war is the effect of anarchy, a social order tive peacemaking and conflict transformation, the analyti- from which enduring peace emerges must be built at cal problem solving/human needs approach to conflict the national, regional/continental and international lev- transformation, research on the transformation of conflicts els. Correspondingly, the author develops a historically from intractable to tractable (primarily done at Syracuse informed model of a complex peace architecture (”civilisa- University), and other techniques for successfully dealing tional hexagon”), the components of which he discusses with intractable conflicts, particularly dialogue and con- at both the national and international level. Hexagonalising structive confrontation. peace is the very basis for conflict transformation, i.e., for civilising conflicts in a potentially violence-prone political, socio-economic and socio-cultural environment. 32 New Routes 2/2009 lpi news, reviews and resources LPI News Resident Representative meetings Strategic Plan workshop of Africa. Speakers included, among All heads of LPI’s field offices and key Beginning in 2010 LPI will have a new others, Ambassador Bethuel Kiplagat staff from the Uppsala office came to­ Strategic Plan. The Plan will be con- (former Intergovernmental Authority gether for a Resident Representatives cretised in three-year Implementation on Development Special Envoy to the meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in Plans and one year Action Plans. In Somalia Peace Talks Negotiations), March and in Nairobi, Kenya, in May, order to draft the new Strategic Plan, Dr. Mustafa Ali (Secretary General, respectively. Resident Representa- a workshop was arranged for the Resi- African Council of Religious Leaders), tives meetings are a way to meet and dential Representatives, board mem- Fr. Willybard Lhago (Vicar General, discuss a number of issues related bers and staff from the Uppsala office Archdiocese of Mombasa and Advisor to strategy, vision and of an everyday in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 16-20 March. to the Kenya Episcopal Conference character. Facilitating the workshop was LPI’s on Inter-faith Actions), Dr. Hassan A lot of the discussions were held board member Thania Paffenholz. Mwakimako (University of Nairobi), in regard to LPI’s impact assessment and Fred Nyabera (Executive Director, tool called PME&L, which stands for Fellowship of Christian Councils and Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Churches in the Great Lakes and the Horn of Africa, FECCLAHA). Learning (see also below). PHOTO: LPI In addition, time was devoted to A Memorandum of Understanding discussing the operationalisation of was also signed between LPI and FEC- LPI’s two new priorities in the Stra- CLAHA. LPI was represented by the tegic Plan 2010-2015: “Policy work President of the LPI Board, Rev. Gustaf and awareness raising” and “Cross- Ödquist, and Michele Cesari, LPI’s fertilisation of conflict transformation Resident Representative in Nairobi. theory and practice”. Issues relating FECCLAHA was represented by its to the new implementation plan, as Executive Director, Fred Nyabera. well as finance and security were also examined. Seminar with Fred Nyabera from FECCLAHA Thania Paffenholz Workshop on LPI working tool At the beginning of April Fred Nyabera, In 2007, LPI initiated a research The Strategic Plan for 2010-2015 Executive Director of FECCLAHA, gave project on impact assessment in focuses on three strategic priorities a lecture entitled Transforming Armed peacebuilding. In time this project for LPI within the coming six years: Conflict in the Great Lakes and the inspired LPI to develop its own tool civil society support and engage- Horn of Africa – the Role of Faith Com- for Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation ment through capacity building, joint munities at the LPI Uppsala office. and Learning (PME&L) within conflict engagements and research, policy Besides LPI staff, the President of LPI’s transformation and capacity building. work and awareness raising, and, board as well as representatives from, A draft version of the tool was tested finally, the cross fertilisation of conflict among others, the Swedish Ministry in 2008 by the field offices. LPI’s transformation theory and practice for Foreign Affairs and the Swedish Nairobi office, Kenya, for example through the sharing of experiences, Mission Council participated in the held one to two two-hour sessions per networking, and research and strategic seminar. week on PME&L throughout the au- partnerships. Mr Nyabera identified the specific tumn of 2008, and has now incorpo- role and comparative advantages of rated the tool into its everyday working faith communities in transforming con- routines. flict. He acknowledged their key areas The tool has also to a certain extent Board meeting and seminar on peace of involvement as well as their most begun to be socialised among LPI’s in the Horn of Africa significant lessons learnt, which, among partners. In order to exchange dif- Between 11 and 13 May, the Life & other things, are to promote African ferent experiences and envision the Peace Institute held its 25th Annual peace methods, engage elders, religious future working process for the contin- Board Meeting in Nairobi, Kenya. The leaders, local authorities and actively ued development of the PME&L tool, main focus of the meeting was LPI’s involve women in peacebuilding. LPI arranged a workshop in Addis new Strategic Plan. Ababa, Ethiopia, in March this year. Connected to the Board Meeting a The work­shop resulted in clear recom- well-attended external seminar day was mendations for how the work with the organised, aimed at generating ideas Staff changes tool should proceed, as well as in the to strengthen the peacebuilding initia- Olivia Kibui started working with identification of strengths, weaknesses tives of LPI and its partners operating LPI-Nairobi in March as the new and remedies of the tool. in Somalia and the rest of the Horn Programme Advisor and Editor of the lpi news, reviews and resources New Routes 2/2009 33

Horn of Africa Bulletin. Her back- In March, Bernardin Lwamuguma a research project on Timor Leste’s ground and degree is in Communica- started as Finance and Administration internal socio-political development. tion. Assistant in the office in DRC. The study is downloadable as a pdf-file At the end of May, Déo Buuma, LPI’s free of charge. Human Resources and Administrative Kjell-Åke Nordquist is a senior re- Manager in the DRC office since seven search fellow at the Stockholm School years, left LPI to become Secretary Timor Leste research report of Theology and associate professor at General of Action pour la Paix et la A pre-study entitled Timor Leste – New the Department of Peace and Conflict Concordance, LPI-DRC’s new partner times, new issues? has been pub- Research at the Uppsala University. that originated from Padebu. He is lished on the LPI website. The study replaced by Sylvie Chakirwa. was written by Kjell-Åke Nordquist for

Reviews and resources Colonialism and genocide The volume is disturbing and provocative reading. It Empire, Colony, Genocide. Conquest, Occupation, and Subal- raises fundamental methodological and conceptual notions tern Resistance in World History. Edited by A. Dirk Moses. New related to genocide. It thereby positions genocide studies York and Oxford: Berghahn Books 2008 in their own right much independent of the hitherto largely dominant Holocaust studies, and situates the latter in a For a long time, colonial forms of mass violence were – if wider context. It is a context of a modern history of violence, at all – treated separately from other genocidal practices. which emerged in its still existing forms hand in hand The Genocide Convention adopted by the United Nations with the industrial mode of production. Frontiers were as General Assembly in 1948 was in fact a response to the in- much killing fields as organised industrial mass produc- dustrial mass killing by the Nazi regime. (See article in New tion translated into corresponding organised mass killing. Routes 4.2009, pp 3ff.) Churchill had called it the “crime By ”uncovering the colonial roots of the genocide concept without a name”, for which Raphael Lemkin coined the term itself”, as the editor’s preface notes, the authors seek to genocide. As the seven chapters to this volume’s first sec- “operationalise Raphael Lemkin’s original but ignored tion on intellectual history and conceptual questions reveal, insight that genocides are intrinsically colonial and that they this normative definition is – particularly in the understand- long precede the twentieth century”. ing of Lemkin – anything but confined to the Holocaust. It dates back to earlier forms of mass extinction as much as it Henning Melber applies to later ones leading up to today. The second section of the book provides in nine chapters the effects of empire on the local people in the processes of colonisation. Case studies include 19th century Cambodia, Tasmania, America and Australia, Canada, German extermi- Ex-combatant remobilisation nation strategies in Southwest and East Africa, the Arme- Dangerous Liaisons: Why Ex-Combatants Return to Violence. nian genocide, and the imperial Russian and Nazi German Cases from the Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone, Anders R. obsessions in Eastern Europe. Nilsson. Department of Peace and Conflict Research, Uppsala The third section is a rather cryptic effort to complete the University, 2008 variety of cases with three chapters offering examples of what is termed “subaltern genocide”. This part would have Why do some former fighters fight again and others not? benefited from additional evidence. This is the simple, basic question that Anders Nilsson “The history of genocide is the history of human society addresses in the dissertation Dangerous Liaisons: Why since antiquity”, the editor notes in his preface. The 19 Ex-Combatants Return to Violence, in which he unpacks chapters to this impressive collection of both theoretical as empirical studies of six ex-combatant remobilisations, three well as empirical studies and reflections convincingly make in the Republic of Congo and three in Sierra Leone. It is the point. They recall the inherent violence that went hand an ambitious study seeking to explain rather than merely in hand with the “civilising mission”. There were many describe, and to trace causal mechanisms rather than be different preludes to the Holocaust in all parts of the world, satisfied with correlations. resulting in the extinction of people considered unworthy of Through a tightly packaged, neatly structured presen- being treated as human beings. Settler colonialism in Aus- tation of the data and the analysis, Nilsson convincingly tralia, Canada, North America and various African countries argues that three factors are in play when former fighters practised annihilation strategies before they were applied re-engage, namely remobilisers, relationships and remar- in parts of Europe itself, when the settler colonial forms of ginalisation, in this order of importance. The ordering is of invasion and occupation in Eastern Europe resembled an some significance as it challenges many structural, aca- annihilation strategy. demic understandings of the reasons why fighters return to 34 New Routes 2/2009 lpi news, reviews and resources organised violence, which gives undue weight to experienc- tion is composed of five research studies among the people es of remarginalisation. Nilsson’s point is sharp: if margin- of Arsi Oromo, Walayta, Northern Wollo, Sidama and alisation was so important, why do so many marginalised Gurage, conducted by Yirga Gebre, Uthman Hassen, Mamo ex-combatants not remobilise? Instead, in the preliminary Hebo, Mellese Madda and Ambaye Ogato, all scholars on theory Nilsson develops, primacy is given to the necessity TMCR. of remobilisers, that is, those who utilise existing relation- The authors posit that elders’ peace making was proved ships or intermediaries to access, motivate and facilitate instrumental beyond history and local scope to solve returns to violence. present-day issues of national importance. Clearly, the Nilsson seeks to adopt an actor-centric perspective, and authors draw some hasty conclusions in this regard, which while there is a depth to the analysis and a level of detail should have been given more time to be observed and in the cases presented that belies the actual amount of analysed from various perspectives. As far as the findings of time spent in the field, there are strikingly few actor-centric the research works are concerned, they assert that Tradi- perspectives on display, and the analysis at times feels tional Conflict Resolution Methods are effective in ethni- strangely disembodied. Part of the reason lies in the fact cally, culturally or religiously homogenous societies, which that this is an academic dissertation where the tools of the normally exist at the local level. trade are supposed to be displayed, in order to be judged. The type and nature of cases that range from inter-per- And they certainly are well-displayed. However, it seems sonal to inter-ethnic in scope are discussed at length, unnecessarily abstract to think of organised violence as a addressed by these hierarchical traditional institutions. In ‘dependent variable’ and those responsible for remobilis- most of the cases the writers show the links between ing as ‘entrepreneurs of violence’. One also wonders why religion and spiritual and cultural values and these organised violence is defined in terms of ‘harm’ inflicted by institutions in finding truth and enforcing decisions. The ‘specialists in coercion’. authors tend to lean more on the side of practical meth- Without access to remobilisers, ex-combatants will not ods and applications of TMCR rather than on theoretical resort to organised violence – this is Nilsson’s key find- discussion. ing and it is important. It nuances thinking that suggests The book assesses possible conditions that favour elders ex-combatants are roaming the streets just looking for a in the research areas to be successful in their conflict fight, and it points to the importance of vertical networks resolution efforts and to help to overcome the ‘credible (command structures) established during times of conflict. commitment‘ problem, which characterises the majority of A potential next step might be to analyse the themes of the national and international mediation efforts. The cases authority and loyalty as two sides of the same coin (com- illustrate the existing relationship between formal courts plementing discussions of affinity, trust and fear) charac- and TMCR structures, and disclose the gender asymmetry terising the relations between remobilisers, intermediaries, in the traditional institutions. In assessing the qualities of and the mobilised. This would put some extra meat on the TMCR, the book stipulates advantages as well as limitations explanatory skeleton proposed. The analysis could also be in the research localities. further developed to consider the extent to which horizontal The last chapter contrasts each research case with the relations between ex-combatants affect their willingness to theoretical conditions of effective mediation. Some re-engage in violence. parallels are drawn and possible directions for further These further questions do not demonstrate holes in the research are highlighted with regard to communal level analysis, but the extent to which the reader is drawn into mediation, in order to fully attest them in view of contem- the material and empowered to think with it and through it porary theoretical models and international mediation about the issues under consideration. This is a must read experiences. for scholars and policy makers involved with post-conflict This is certainly a volume that should be on hand in reintegration and peacebuilding, and offers some intriguing peace research institutions, colleges and among practition- directions for researchers to follow. ers where it may be consulted by newcomers to the field of mediation, and to conflict resolution at large. Some Andrew M. Jefferson chapters are written in the style of an academic paper, while others offer a rather straightforward tale of issues in traditional conflict management. Nevertheless, this is essentially a practical book that describes a variety of Traditional conflict resolution models and elements of traditional mediation. Making Peace in Ethiopia: Five Cases of Traditional Mechanisms for Conflict Resolution (TMCR), eds Tarekegn Bereket Tarekegn Adebo and Hannah Tsadik. Peace and Development Committee, 2008

This book illustrates how ingeniously traditional mediation Protecting civilians and reconciliation in Ethiopia combines truth, justice, and Improving the safety of civilians. A protection training pack. forgiveness, and has proven successful. The role of elders Oxfam GB, 2009 and the reconciliatory element of the Traditional Mecha- nisms for Conflict Resolution (TMCR) have been at the hub We see it on the news: civilians targeted and unprotected of the discussion, which has often resulted in a pragmatic in situations of conflict or complex emergencies. The case and sustainable resolution of conflicts at the local level as of Sri Lanka, for instance, where civilians are trapped confirmed by the findings of the field research. The publica- between the two sides of the conflict, where humanitarian lpi news, reviews and resources New Routes 2/2009 35 access is restricted and Ethiopian social and political life to date civilians are used in the The Culture of Power in Contemporary Ethiopian Political Life, fighting as human Sarah Vaughan and Kjetil Tronvoll. Sida studies no.10, first shields. The protection published 2003, reprinted 2005 and safety of civilians in conflict zones and in Vaughan and Tronvoll give an in-depth and revealing emergencies has always account of the hierarchical power relations at play in been a major issue. modern Ethiopian society, particularly vis-à-vis develop- Hence, various training ments since the end of the war in 1991. With the embracing materials related to of democratic values by the Ethiopian People’s Revolution- protection issues have ary Democratic Front following the overthrow of the dictator been developed such as Mengistu, there was an emphasis on promoting the the Sphere project, the position of ethnic groups in a federal structure with the aim Inter-Agency Standing of reinforcing state unity within this culturally and religious- Committee’s “Growing ly diverse country. Although this emphasis on democratic the sheltering tree: values cannot be underestimated in a region renowned for Protecting rights through humanitarian action”, the more oppressive systems of governance, it is the approach Overseas Development Institute’s “Protection”, a guide by the government to civil society which undermines for humanitarian agencies from Active Learning Network progress. for Accountability and Performance (ALNAP) in Humani- Vaughan and Tronvoll stubbornly point to the need to tarian Action, plus additional publications from the involve all Ethiopians in decisions affecting their lives. Yet, International Committee of the Red Cross and others. despite advances in promoting democratisation, this has One of the latest is Oxfam’s Improving safety of been compromised by the curtailing of NGOs and charity civilians. A protection training pack that addresses the organisations through the passing into law of the Ethiopia needs of building up a comprehensive understanding and Charities and Societies Proclamation in early 2009. The programming on protection. The target group of the restrictive nature of this law detracts substantially from the ruling party’s expressed commitment to the “entrenchment publication is field workers at different levels. The material of ‘people’s power’”, and jeopardises efforts to establish a is hands-on and is structured as a three-day workshop for system of governance grounded on the government’s those who have little or limited knowledge of protection. stated principles of equality of access, when it came to The training is divided into four different modules: power almost twenty years ago. understanding, planning, mainstreaming and program- The recent addendum made to the law to include all ming of protection. All modules are built on relevant faith-based bodies could turn out to be a bridge too far for issues connected to the themes. the government, as it effectively entails trying to hold in The material is easily accessible and can also be used check traditionally influential institutions – particularly the as inspiration for those who already have a basic under- Ethiopian Orthodox Church – in the run-up to elections in standing and knowledge of protection issues but need to May next year. With the new civil society organisations law further strengthen the programming side in their organi- in place, the powerlessness of the donors to affect proceed- sation. There are few scenarios and case studies, but the ings and the subdued voice of the Diaspora, the coming user may well add some of their own case studies. Similar year could prove to be a significant step backward for to all training materials, the Oxfam pack provides a Ethiopia in opening up its political machinery for meaning- structure and it is up to the user/trainer to develop it ful dialogue. further according to their needs. The role played by the Diaspora, so prominent during the The resource pack is also a perfect guide for those who elections in 2005, is not even mentioned throughout the are not that experienced in holding a workshop. All book. To be fair on the authors, this could be down to a modules are commented on and every step is described, stringent focus of the book to look more into the daily although it should be pointed out that it is a prerequisite political life within the country. Yet, it effectively leaves out a for the trainer to have a good knowledge of protection significant agent of change on the Ethiopian political and issues. cultural landscape, creating rather less than convincing Given the time frame of three days, one may have to conclusions at the end. In spite of this oversight, if that is revisit and make use of the material in follow up work- what it is, it represents the most concrete analysis of shops. The material offers some guidelines for implement- Ethiopian social and political life to date, keeping in mind ing advocacy activities, but a more in-depth material the paucity of similar literature on this theme in the devel- focusing on the legal and political frameworks for protec- opment arena. tion issues is needed. Perhaps other guidelines, such as Shane Quinn ALNAP’s, would be more useful for that purpose. Other- wise the material is relevant, easy to work with and a good source of inspiration for developing one’s own modules based on the needs of a specific organisation. For those who need to get started in programming on protection, the Oxfam pack is an excellent starting point.

Malin Perhult The uplifting transformation This poem by Brian Wren, which I copied off the fence at Greenham Common once, expresses the passion I feel for the idea that peace is far more that the absence of physical violence – or indeed, than a return to civil politics. The ongoing efforts of oppressed people to uplift themselves are essential to the work of conflict transformation.

Diana Francis Chair of the Committee for Conflict Transformation Support Say no to peace If what they mean by peace Is the quiet misery of hunger The frozen stillness of fear The silence of broken spirits The unborn hopes of the oppressed.

Tell them that peace Is the shouting of children at play The babble of tongues set free The thunder of dancing feet And a father’s voice singing. …

Tell them that peace is the hauling down of flags, the forging of guns into ploughs, the giving of fields to the landless, and hunger a fading dream.

LPI PERIODICALS PHOTO: GEORG LULICH

New Routes, next issue of the quarterly journal will be out in September 2009. Horn of Africa Bulletin, a monthly online newsletter covering the African countries of the Horn. Subscriptions: Life & Peace Institute, e-mail: [email protected] tel +46 18 16 95 00. More information on www.life-peace.org