Exploring genocide in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) (http://www.pambazuka.org/index.php?id=29835) and an examination of security and resource issues fuelling conflict in the Great Lakes region (http://www.pambazuka.org/index.php?id=30071) have been the subjects of two recent articles in Pambazuka News. In the third contribution to the discussion of the region, Ndung'u Wainaina examines the challenge of post-conflict reconstruction in the Great Lakes region: “Immediate concerns can be identified as ending existing ongoing conflicts, putting in place measures to prevent new ones, laying the ground for building sustainable peace and planning on post conflict reconstructions,” he writes.

Many people have argued that countries in the Great Lakes region are in perpetual conflict and disintegration by virtue of their ethnic composition. But in some cases, ethnic diversity is actually a blessing in disguise depending on the political ideology and level of societal socialisation, although this does not in any way mean that ethnicity has not caused havoc. Many countries in West Africa and the Great Lakes are however driven to war not due to their ethnic diversity. Other critical factors have contributed to the conflicts in the Great lakes region.

Conflict is inextricably related to poverty and human development. When a whole segment of society is excluded from socio-economic and political activities, there is every reason for that section to group and wage a war for recognition. Secondly, inequitable sharing of valuable natural resources fuels conflicts. It is self-evident that wherever in Africa there are minerals or such other lucrative resources, conflicts are ignited. Conflicts have turned into cover-ups for looting, corruption and supporting local dictatorships by both local and international actors.

Thirdly, a sustainable democracy is about functioning, independent and democratic institutions. People are able to vent their concerns through these institutions. Finally, as argued above ethnic diversity in itself provides little impetus to conflict. However, a polarized society based on other factors is more likely to break into a civil war. Such issues as historical discrimination and grievances, sharing of national wealth, social exclusion in decision-making processes, widespread atrocities against a group at the hands of another etc. can easily spark conflict.

In an attempt to address conflicts in the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa, immediate concerns can be identified as ending existing ongoing conflicts, putting in place measures to prevent new ones, laying the ground for building sustainable peace and planning on post conflict reconstructions. Here the focus should take both national and sub-regional dimensions since as much as the conflict may be internal; it has tremendous cross border effects. Moreover, future political stability and democracy is achieveable via sustainable capacity building of personnel and leadership, institutional transformations, developing progressive post-conflict rehabilitation, a reconstruction and development agenda and the adoption of good governance practices.

A desire for justice and accountability is crucial for the processes of restoring peace, security and post conflict reconstruction in the Great Lakes. Civil society has a great role to play in this process. Addressing atrocities in a time of transition poses a fundamental challenge and yet it is extremely significant in avoiding future conflicts and autocratic dictatorships. Due to the cross border nature of some of the conflicts in this sub-region, the possibility of establishing accountability mechanisms that transcend borders may be an option in the future.

It is important for any justice and accountability mechanisms to be open and democratic through wide consultations with the relevant stakeholders and for decisions to be made in a transparent manner. Further these mechanisms have to be designed in a comprehensive and holistic way. These issues are crucial in avoiding discontent and thwarting any attempts to create an impunity gap. Civil society participation in the pre-transition consultations is fundamental in ensuring that final transitional decisions are not determined and conditioned by parties to the conflict.

Local and regional civil society initiatives in partnership with the international civil society community are very critical in providing technical assistance and expertise to countries emerging from such conflicts. One such role may involve bringing together stakeholders in each country, in consultation with neighbouring expertise for input, to develop an appropriate national strategy of pursuing justice and reconciliation policies as a way of cementing the move to democracy. However, such initiatives should be mutually reinforcing. For practical proposes such initiatives could explore mechanisms for establishing truth about the conflict in a non-judicial fora, crafting reparation policy for victims, transforming institutions, initiating vetting processes and formulating progressive socio-economic programs that guarantee equality and inclusion.

Collaboration initiatives in advancing post conflict accountability and securing lasting peace are an essential component in achieving the implementation of emerging international justice and accountability mechanisms as well as charting national policies and institutional responses. Further, signed peace agreement frameworks have created openings for further negotiations and consultations in stabilizing and institutionalizing the rule of law.

International intervention across the Great lakes region in post conflict situations is critical in providing basic information on experiences and lessons learned elsewhere; capacity building; technical expertise, especially in legal matters; information and database construction; and the mobilization of human and financial resources. In devising post conflict reconstruction programs, international obligations should be observed, particularly in relation to international human rights and humanitarian laws.

In order to avoid accusations that the international community captured the local initiatives, the intervention should be designed to strengthen local expertise and capabilities. The creation of a peace building commission and human rights council within the United Nations framework means more responsibility. For instance, the UN was requested to facilitate transitional mechanisms in the post conflict Burundi situation. As the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa region undergo transition, the civil society role in these areas is crucial, as issues of accountability and justice have become an integral part of the transition worldwide.

* Ndung'u Wainaina is a Transitional Justice Fellow and Co-founder of the International Center for Policy and Conflict, a Nairobi-based Transitional Justice Initiative.

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