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African Conflicts Conference Report
In 2004, OSSREA organised a high profile international conference which examined one of Africa’s persistent challenges – conflict. The conference, appropriately named ‘African Conflicts: Management, Resolution, Post-Conflict Recovery and Development’, took place from 29 November to 1 December 2004 at the United Nations Conference Centre in Addis Ababa.
Over 180 participants representing scholars, researchers, policy-makers, NGOs, the donor community, ambassadors, speaker of parliament, members of parliaments, regional and international organisations, from various countries of the world came to debate pertinent conflict and peace issues that are affecting the continent.
A total of fifty-four papers under nine salient themes closely examined various aspects of African conflicts, their management, resolution, as well as post-conflict recovery and development mechanisms. The themes were:
Conflict prevention, management and resolution
Economic policies and poverty reduction
Elections, political parties and democratic consolidation
Elections, political parties and sustainable development
Ethnic conflict, policies and development
Democracy consolidation and development
Peace-building, post-conflict rehabilitation and development
Religion, health and society
Human rights, gender and human security
Day 1. Monday, 29 November 2004
Opening Ceremony
In his welcoming speech, the Executive Secretary of OSSREA, Dr. Alfred G. Nhema, thanked the participants for coming to take part in the three days of deliberations. Following this, he briefly highlighted key programmes that OSSREA undertakes and the outputs and contributions of the programmes.
He then expressed his belief that valuable lessons would be learnt, experiences shared, and important recommendations made from this conference. Finally, he invited the president of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, His Excellency Girma Woldegiorgis, to open the conference officially.
The President in his opening address appreciated OSSREA’s efforts in organising what he called an “important and timely conference.”
He then underlined the challenges Africa is facing and some of the positive steps being taken to address conflicts.
For full text of the speech, click here.
Following the opening speech, Dr. Nhema invited Professor Ali Mazrui to make a keynote speech.
In his analysis of conflicts in Africa, he explained about the root causes and some of the key ways forward to resolving them. Concluding his keynote address Professor Mazrui stressed the importance of moving with speed towards political reform in Africa.
For full text of the speech, click here.
Finally, Dr. Nhema invited the President of the Executive Committee of OSSREA, Dr. Regina G. M. Karega, to round off the opening with a vote of thanks.
Dr Karega noted the level of commitment which the presence of the President in opening the conference attached as a testimony of African states in addressing African conflicts. Finally, she thanked OSSREA for organising the conference, and the participants for attending the conference.
Following a brief photograph session with the President, the first morning session of the conference came to a close.
The first afternoon of the conference continued with two parallel sessions, with one session focusing on the theme, ‘Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution’, and the other looking at ‘Economic Policies and Poverty Reduction’.
Parallel Session 1
The following five papers were presented followed by a discussion for thirty minutes:
1. Conflict Resolution in Africa: OAU and AU Role, by Godfrey Okoth, Maseno University
2. The International Criminal Court (ICC) and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) Insurgency in Northern Uganda, by Kasaija Phillip, Makarere University
3. Managing the Process of Conflict Resolution in the Sudan, by Idris Salim Elhassan, University of Khartoum
4. Conflict and Conflict Mediation in the Horn of Africa, by Kinfe Abraham, Ethiopian International Institute for Peace and Development
5. The role of sub-regional integration in conflict prevention and management in Africa: A framework for working peace system, by Victor A. O. Adetula, University of Jose
Rapporteur of the session was France Maphosa.
The major points arising from the presentation and the discussions that followed were:
1. Negotiation rather than belligerence is a better option for preventing, managing and resolving conflicts.
2. African organizations, such as the AU should address the issue of funding and not depend on foreign funding because this creates more problems. If the AU is to be successful in conflict prevention and resolution, member states have to support by paying their dues.
3. In post-conflict situations, such as those currently happening in Sudan, management is important in the success or failure of development programmes. The role of the civil service is valuable in this transition and the creation of a civil service to manage this development often involves bringing together people with different cultural, educational and linguistic backgrounds.
4. Instead of depending on the International Court of Crime to deal with issues of crimes against humanity and war crimes, as have been perpetrated by both warring parties in the insurgency in Northern Uganda, it is time to form an African Court of Crime.
5. The failure to resolve conflicts, such as those experienced in the Horn of Africa, is a result of a number of factors, including large spaces that are “stateless”, illicit trade, lack of resources, dictatorship and the export and support of insurgency by some countries to other countries.
6. Conflicts in Africa, even intra-state conflicts, have a regional impact. That makes the role of sub-regional organizations very important in conflict management. While developing home-grown solutions for conflict prevention, management and resolution, African countries should revisit the principle of “non-interference” which was enshrined in the OAU charter and exists in the AU charter, although with some exceptions where interference could be justified. There is need to embrace the Mandela doctrine of responsible sovereignty which questions the wisdom of countries standing aloof when there are problems in other countries.
Parallel Session 2
In this session, four papers were presented followed by a discussion for thirty minutes:
1. Conflicts and Implications for Poverty and Food Security Policies in Africa, by Fondo Sikod, University of Yaounde
2. Government Policy and Female Participation in the Labour Market in Kenya: Implications for Poverty Reduction, by Rosemary Atieno, University of Nairobi
3. An Economic Theory of Civil War in Africa, by Diery Seck, UN African Institute for Economic Development Planning
4. Revisiting Economic Agendas in African Conflicts, by Norman Mlambo, Africa Institute of South Africa
Rapporteur of the session was Tapera O. Chirawu
The key points which emerged from the presentations and the ensuing deliberations were:
1) There is an inseparable relationship between pressure on land and sustainable provision of food and other services required for human survival. Once the relationship is disequilibrated, conflicts erupt.
2) There are many genuine causes of political, social and economic conflicts that cannot be sufficiently explained by mathematical formulas alone. Therefore, there is need to fully understand all the historical variables in their proper perspectives and context in order to understand conflicts in Africa.
3) The West, as a result of its economic approach, is largely responsible for the majority of the wars in Africa .
4) There is need for a broader view on the causes of war in Africa. Single theories or limited perceptions result in failure to appreciate the whole phenomenon. The phenomenon is largely a struggle for space underlined by a multiplicity of genuine causes that are not limited to factors of economics, and at the same time heavily influenced by external forces in particular from the Western countries.
5) Absence of recognition of gender compulsions connected to policy-making based on broad consensus is one of the causes of conflicts.
Following coffee break, the second half of the afternoon continued with another round of two parallel sessions.
Parallel Session 1
This Session focused on the theme, ‘conflict prevention, management and resolution’. The following five papers were presented and discussed:
1. Conflict and Alternative Dispute Resolution among the Northern Afar, Ethiopia, by Kelemework Tafere, University of Bonn
2. The Role of Local Government for the Management of Conflict in Fragmented Societies: South Africa, Namibia and Mauritius Compared, by Christof Hartmann, Ruhr University
3. Resolving the Sudan Conflict through Self– Determination, by Thomas N. Kimaru, University of The Witwatersrand
4. Fighting Locally, Connecting Globally: Trans-national Networks in African Conflict, by Sandra J. MacLean, Simon Fraser University
5. The New Peace and Security Council: The African Union’s Peace-Keeping Tool?, by Mmammo Muchie
Rapporteur of the session was Jotham Momba.
The salient points which came out of the deliberations were:
1. Intra-conflicts heighten with change in land use system but that the involvement of neighbouring communities can assist the decline in the frequency of inter-community conflicts.
2. Self-determination through secession, if carefully handled, as opposed to a unitary approach, is a workable option to minimize and resolve conflicts.
3. Divided societies can best be governed by the restructuring of the state to ensure power-sharing. Local government institutions play an important role because many conflicts take place at the local level. A closer examination of the peculiarities of local government institutions that are suitable for each type of conflict is key to resolving conflicts.
4. Conflict prevention and management need to be treated as a process that involve local, national, regional, internal and global complexes. Local and regional solutions for conflict should be supported and supplemented by actions at the international and global level.
5. The new Peace and Security Council members’ different ideas of foreign policy and diplomacy that constitute the steering committee is a challenge for a shared purpose and opinion; The challenge lies in how they can take combined action to deal with varied security issues.
Parallel Session 2
Session 2 focused on the theme, ‘Elections, Political Parties and Democratic Consolidation’
The three presentations under this theme were:
1. Conflict and Conflict Management/Prevention in Lesotho: Focus on Elections-Centered Conflict. A country Case Study, by Francis Makoa, The National University of Lesotho
2. The No-Party System of Governance in Uganda: An African Model of Democracy?, by Sallie Kayunga Simba, Makarere University
3. Multi-party Politics and Conflict in Uganda, by Elijah Dickens Mushemeza, Makarere University
Rapporteur of the session was Yared Kihore.
From the deliberations of the above papers the following main points emerged:
1. There is need for the creation of a separate conflict resolution mechanism, an adequately funded and independent electoral commission, less interference by the government in the election process and the settlement of old grievances.
2. It was noted that after the failure of one-party systems and new liberal democracies in Africa, a new form of political system known as “No-Party political system” emerged in Uganda. The workings of this new system were questioned as to whether this indeed is not a variety of the former one-party system, since, like the latter, it merges the party structure and the state structure; militarises the political system and excludes the unwanted in its ranks. As such, it still cherishes the old undemocratic elements that have plagued the African political situation.
3. The role of a hybrid relationship of cooperative and adversarial models as the most ideal was noted and that this would involve having political parties that cooperate with one another in mutual trust and in good faith to foster cordial relations and amicable consultations.
Day 1 of the conference was closed with a reception for participants. This provided ample opportunities to extend the debates as well as giving the participants some social time to appreciate the culture of Ethiopia.
The second day began with a plenary session where the following four plenary speakers gave their presentations. The session was chaired by Professor Andreas Eshete, president of Addis Ababa University.
H.E. Libere Bararunyeretse, Speaker of Burundi Senate
H.E. Alwis Azizat Murad, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia
Mr. Ilunga Ngandu, Regional Liaison Representative, AU, ECA, IGAD, UNHCR
Hon. Professor Morris Ogenga-Latigo, Member of Parliament of Uganda
H.E. Libere Bararunyeretse first expressed his deepest and sincere gratitude to OSSREA for having associated his country to the conference. The Speaker then noted the positive progress which Burundi is making in its post-conflict recovery efforts and the challenges it is facing and the steps it is taking to address the difficulties.
For full text of the speech, click here.
The next speaker, Ambassador Alwis Azizat Murad, highlighted the various functions which culture plays in the world, and noted the importance of cultural identity as a forum for discussing new security policies and strategic philosophy.
He further underlined that, “Development and culture, peace and democracy are not mere abstract entities, allegorical figures ensconced on their separate thrones in the heaven of ideas. They are not only the main stakes being played for in the new world deals, but are living constructions joined by close ties of interdependence.”
Following the Ambassador’s presentation, Mr. Ngandu first thanked OSSREA for organising the conference and said that some of the major challenges that arise in a post-conflict situation include: reestablishment of the security situation; rebuilding law enforcement institutions and reconciliation. He identified the involvement of local governments to be of paramount importance in post-conflict recovery efforts.
The final plenary speaker, Hon. Professor Morris Ogenga-Latigo, extended his appreciation to OSSREA for organising the conference and conveyed the greetings of his parliament. On the conflict situation in Uganda, he briefly gave a background on the situation in the northern part of the country. He explained why the conflict has taken so long and noted the optimism for the conflict to come to an end quickly. The conflict, he added, has inflicted suffering on Ugandans and impacted on various aspects of life in the nation. He noted that there is a wide convergence in attitude, thinking and desire to end the problem and that the country, its people and the government have embraced the conflict as a national problem rather than trying to resolve it unilaterally. He further stressed the commitment and awareness nationally to end the tragedy is firmly in place and that there is now strong support internationally.
Following the plenary presentations, participants attended the following two parallel sessions. One session dealt with the theme, ‘Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution’, while the other focused on ‘Elections, Political Parties and Sustainable Development’.
Parallel Session 1
Four papers were presented and discussed. They were:
1. Cultural Policy Frameworks for peaceful diversity, by Sheila G. Cameron, De Montfort University
2. The Historical Roots of Conflict and Violence in Africa An Analysis of the Crisis in Darfur-Sudan, by Kulumba Mohammed, Makarere University
3. The Conflict Management Approach of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN): What Relevance in the African Context?, by Ramses Amer, Umea University
4. Inter and Intra-Ethnic Conflicts in Ethiopia: The Role of Access to and Control over Resources in the Ethiopian Rift Valley Area and the Surrounding Escarpment, by Kassahun Berhanu and Tegegne G/ Egziabher, Addis Ababa University
Rapporteur of this session: Solomon Hailu
The main points that arose from the presentations and discussions were:
1. Cultural heritages and peoples’ roles in the processes of policy formulations have a strong potential for putting in place strategies for conflict resolution and peace-building and that these need to be revived and re-inistitutionalised.
2. Conflicts such as those in Darfur in Sudan are deeply rooted in a historical context and any attempt to unlock these challenges must go beyond the development of specific ideologies of constituents and into an understanding the historical legacies at work.
3. A non-interference approach to conflict management as adopted member states of ASEAN might offer Africa a better potential for addressing its conflicts and challenges.
4. A strong and integrated political leadership and will that can resist outside agenda in Africa’s own conflict challenges can ensure that the continent takes charge of its own affairs within the realm of its own context. This can be realized through reconstructing of an African citizenship; through the building of an African nation (to be re-configured on the basis of a summary of the continent’s historical identity); through revising African renaissance; through a comprehensive structural transformation of the continent; and finally through the unification of Africa’s nations in education and so on.
5. Competition among ethnic groups over limited resources is a major cause of conflicts. Ethnicity, socio-cultural practices, value and belief systems, though not the major causes of conflicts, have been invoked as causes.
Parallel Session 2
This session focused on the theme: ‘Elections, Political Parties and Sustainable Development’. There were four presentations in this session:
1. Constitution, Elections, Political Parties and Democratic Consolidation, by Akashambatwa Mbikusita-Lewanika, National Economic Advisory Council
2. Towards Sustainable Solutions to Conflicts Over Land and Land Resources in Taita-Taveta District, by Julius Mwandawiro & Khamis Juma, National Assembly of Kenya
3. Sustainable Human Development: A Paradigm for Peace, Questioning the Mauritian Model, by Sheila Bunwaree, University of Mauritius
4. Elections, Political Parties and Democratic Consolidation: the Zimbabwe Case, by Eldred Masunungure, University of Zimbabwe
Rapporteur of this session: Grephas Opata
After the presentations and the deliberations, the following key points emerged:
1. Since the 1990s Africa has been going through a period of transition from dictatorships to democracy. This process has not been easy, thus resulting in conflicts. This situation, however, is not unique to Africa. Other parts of the globe that are democratizing have experienced tensions and conflicts.
2. The colonial rule was isolationist. The lack of human centeredness continues today and serves as a source of conflicts
3. The rush to hold elections does not solve the political crises that lead to conflicts. There is need for electoral reform to ensure that it is all embracing, and involving all stakeholders
4. There is need for compromise in the process of conflicts resolution. Constitutional reform provides avenues and a starting point for dialogue and compromises.
5. Land tenure systems have their origins in colonial land and agricultural practices which were fundamentally discriminatory. The ownership, use and control of land and land related agricultural resources has been a source of conflicts. The land question has several factors which include: colonial legacy, class, gender imbalances and weak land policy.
On the afternoon of 30 November, the parallel sessions continued after a lunch break.
Session 1 focused on the theme, ‘Ethnic Conflict, Policies and Development’ and Session 2 included presentations under the theme, ‘Democracy Consolidation and Development’
In Session 1, the following papers were discussed:
1. Post-Conflict Reconstruction in Uganda 1986-2000. Lessons Learnt and Challenges, by Tim Shaw & Pamela Mbabazi, University of London; Mbarara University of Science & Technology
2. Politics of Ethnicity: A Subjective Approach to Conflict Resolution Strategies, by Tom Namwambah, Kenyata University
3. The Sudanese Issue: The View from the South, by Helmi Sharawy, Arab and African Research Centre
4. Zimbabwe’s Land Reform Programme: Potential Sources of Future Conflicts, by France Maphosa, University of Zimbabwe
5. Foreign Aid, Democracy and Political Stability in Post-Conflict Societies, by Marijke Breuning and John Ishiyama
The Rapporteur was Habtamu Wondimu.
What emerged from the discussions of the papers were:
Development aid, especially after some years and homogeneity of a society, has a positive impact on promoting development and stability in post-conflict situations. On the contrary, starting immediate aid assistance after post- conflict situation has its own shortcomings. Similarly, the fusion of huge amount of aid during the first years after post-conflict has also resulted in less development.
Land reform programmes can be potential sources of conflicts.
Protracted social conflict based on ethnicity head into anarchy. It is important that a chemistry of resolving the conflicts that accrue from socio-political and economic development and structures be devised and put in place.
There is recognition that the absence of integrated social development project internally as well as regionally is still the basic factor for the absence of alternative objective in the Sudan region.
Internal political factors are far more strongly linked to political stability in post-conflict societies than are external elements, such as foreign aid.
Session 2 had the following papers discussed:
1. Post-1990 Constitutional Reforms in Africa: A Preliminary Assessment of the Prospects for Constitutional Governance and Constitutionalism, by Charles Manga Fombad, University of Botswana
2. African Regional Peace-Building: Constraints and Possibilities, by Liisa Laakso, University of Jyvaskyla
3. Social Movements in Post-Apartheid South Africa, by Richard Ballard, University of KwaZulu-Natal
4. Development, Democracy and Democratic Consolidation: Trends in the Southern and Eastern African Regions, by Willie Breytenbach, Stellenbosch University
5. The Land Reform and Political Violence in Zimbabwe – Prospects for Resolution and Development, by Donald Chimanikire & Martin Rupiya, University of Zimbabwe, Institute for Security Studies
Rapporteur of the session was Charles Manga Fombad.
After coffee break, the parallel sessions continued. Session 1 focused on the theme, ‘Peace-Building, Post-Conflict Rehabilitation and Development’, and Session 2 dealt with the theme, ‘Religion, Health and Society’
In Session 1, the following six papers were discussed:
1. Where are the Canadian ‘Blue Helmets’ in Africa? Canadian Decision-Making in Peacekeeping Operations: 1956–2004, by Jean-Sébastien Rioux, Laval University
2. Conflict in Pastoral Areas of the Horn of Africa: A Survey and Implications for Peace- Building, by Abdurahman Ame, DPMF
3. The Impact of the U.S. Led “War on Terror” on Conflict and Efforts of Consolidated Democracy in Uganda, by Yazini April, Africa Institute of South Africa
4. Consolidation or Stagnation? Mozambique’s Peace and democratisation since early 90s, by Obede, Baloi; Brazão, Mazula; Guilherme, Mbilana; Eduard, Sitoe Centre for Democracy and Development Studies
5. Post Conflict Rehabilitation: An Analysis of the Economy and Livelihood of Refugees and the Internally Displaced Persons in Kenya, by Grephas P. Opata, Moi University
ACCORD’s Peace-keeping role and Post-Conflict Recovery Strategies in Africa, by Kwezi Mnqibisa, ACCORD
From the deliberations, the following points emerged:
Since 9/11, there has been a major policy decision-making change in the manner that Canada takes decisions on deploying Peace-keepers. This is a departure from its conduct since Suez in 1956. The impact of the change is that there are now more than 3,000 troops serving with NATO as opposed to less than 400 on the African continent.
Pattern of conflict between pastoralists and other communities in the Horn has now changed with characteristics reflected in increased trade in cattle, camels and other goods as evidenced in the markets in Nairobi and the near Middle East. The conduct is also manifested in the type of modern weaponry and sophistication of disposing more expensive commodities, making it difficult to be addressed by local capacity.Problems of consolidation and democratisation in post-reconstruction Mozambique being impeded in the outlying areas by entrenchment of positions of RENAMO and FRELIMO going back to the period of the war. This trend has belied developments in other areas, such as rehabilitation of infrastructure and transparent democratic practices related to elections.
There is need for the reconceputalization of the fate and consideration of refugees who have become differentiated between those who are rich, and allowed to stay in the urban areas and those who are poor. These are still confined to the harsh conditions in the camps, generally located along the borders. In the light of the importance of refugees, the need for progressive refugee hosting policies was underlined.
Ugandan President support to the US war on terror policy has not been helpful and has exposed Uganda more to threats rather than an increase in its national security. There is, therefore, a conundrum in the country’s foreign policy in which the President has failed to generate popular support for his position.
There is call for a change in attitude and approach by researchers in the conflict management and resolution field. The argument being that many of us are not convinced or lack conviction in our interventions, and, as a consequence, offer inappropriate advice and options while the correct thing to do would be to maintain a neutral stance that, however, acknowledges the background and departure points of conflict systems.
Session 2
The Session focused on two themes, ‘Religion, Health and Society’ and ‘Peace-Building, Post-Conflict Rehabilitation and Development’.
Four papers were presented in Session 2.
1. Social Capital: Its Beneficial and Destructive Potential in Post-Apartheid South Africa, by Ursula Scheidegger, University of Witwatersrand
2. The escalating factors of Anyuaa-Nuer conflict in Southwestern Ethiopia, by Bayleyegn Tasew, Free University
3. African transatlantic resistance and movements, by Madeleine Andebeng L. Alingué, Universdad Externado de Colombia
4. The Hurdles of Democracy in Africa, by Tapera O. Chirawu, University of Namibia
Rapporteur was Sallie Simba.
From the discussions of the presentations the following main points emerged:
The relationships between civil society, government institutions and administration as well as political interactions and attitudes between officials and citizens are affected by the quality of social relations; the socio-economic and political context and social capital levels shape, improve, constrain and redirect politics. However, social capital is not necessarily a beneficial resource, and destructive social interactions are reflected in the mobilization of competing social groups and around particular interests or actors against the state.
One of the key factors responsible for the escalation of conflicts between ethnic groups is bad governance and support by neighbouring governments of these groups.
Since the period of slave trade, there are over forty million blacks in Latin America, who have made a significant contribution in the various countries of Latin America but, nevertheless, have been dehumanized. In order to acquire an African personality and identity, the blacks have been engaged in several social movements but recently resorted to NGOs as a mechanism for enhancing their personality
Three hurdles of democracy were identified. These include: first, the threat of the political franchise to the status quo (social inequality). Second, the link between political intransigence and critical theory. Third, the effect of material environment on the political system. It was noted that granting political franchise does not necessarily bring about democracy and that elections take place quite often; but democracy does not exist. That part of the problem African countries face lies in the mindset of the western counties about Africa.
Day 3. Wednesday, 1 December 2005
Chaired by Hon. Professor Morris Ogenga-Latigo, Member of Parliament, Parliament of Uganda, the last day of the conference started with a plenary session of four speakers:
1. Professor Ibrahim Ghandour, Member of Parliament, Sudan
2. Colonel Zephania Boniface Urio, Defence Liaison Officer, East African Community
3. Hon. Rtd (Col) A. O. Kamara, Member of Parliament, Sierra Leone Parliament
4. Professor Paul Tiyambe Zeleza, Pennsylvania State University
The first speaker, Professor Ibrahim Ghandour, gave a brief background on the conflict in Sudan. He remarked that conflict in the country has a long history which was compounded by colonial legacies and arrangements and the alternating changes of governments from multi-party to military.
For full text of the speech, click here.
The next speaker, Colonel Zephania Urio expressed his appreciation of OSSREA for “dedicating itself to the worthy cause of peace and security in our region and continent.” He outlined the work which the EAC is carrying out in supporting peace in the region.
For full text of the speech, click here.
The third speaker, Hon. Rtd (Col) A. O. Kamara, first expressed his gratitude to OSSREA for inviting the Sierra Leone Parliament and extended the greetings of the parliament and the government of Sierra Leone. Regarding the efforts taken towards post-conflict recovery development in his country, he noted the efforts which the government has taken to ensure that all national structures for reconstruction are supported and given the necessary resources to ensure post-conflict recovery. He further added that various programmes are put in place to assist ex-combatants to re-integrate into their respective communities. In this process, he stressed, are the important role played by the parliament, local and international stakeholders and the warring factions. The consolidation of a political process and security formed a viable post-war national recovery programme. He also underlined the challenges which the recovery process encountered and the measures taken to resolve these.
The final speaker, Professor Paul Tiyambe Zeleza noted that the challenge for Africa in the war against terror is to make sure that long-fought human rights and the culture of democracy that is being put in place in the continent are not threatened. He stressed that the American led war on terror has serious implications for human rights and democracy in the world and in Africa.
Following the plenary presentations, two parallel sessions took place. Session 1 focused on the theme, ‘Peace-building, Post-Conflict Rehabilitation and Development’ and Session 2 on ‘Human Rights, Gender and Human Security’
In Session 1, five presentations were discussed:
1. The Somali Peace Process: from Arta to Eldoret to Mbagathi: Opportunities and Challenges, by Kizito Sabala, Africa Peace Forum
2. The Renaissance of Indigenous Rule: Role of Traditional Institutions in Peace-making and Governance in Somalia, by Ahmed Abdisalam Adan, HornAfrik Media and Research
3. Collapsed State and State Reconstruction: The Role of State and Non-State Actors in Somalia, by Korwa Adar, AISA
4. The Genesis of Genocide In Africa: Looking Ahead, by Kamini Krishna, University of Zambia
5. Multiple Complexity and Prospects for Reconciliation and Unity: The Making of a New Sudan, by Abdel Ghaffar Ahmed, International Population Council
Rapporteur of the session was Idris Lalim Elhassan.
From the deliberations of the above five papers the following key points came out:
The integration of traditional and modern state structures to function at different levels of societal organization assists a better response to the diverse needs of local communities;
The dawn of independence arrived with challenges caused by different conflicts. One can say that one of the most serious challenges in Africa was the challenge of ethnicity or tribalism. Therefore, it is extremely necessary for people to understand more clearly about race from the very beginning of their education. They must understand, respect and accept different races and cultures around them;
Learning from the experience of other countries in the region, recognition of the issues that divide a country’s people and working towards resolving these differences can build the future in the dynamic global world of today.
In Session 2, five presentations were discussed:
1. Social Re-integration of Child Soldiers in Post-Conflict Societies: Sierra Leone and Liberia in Comparative Perspective, by Joe Alie, University of Sierra Leone
2. “You don’t belong here”: Citizenship, the State and Africa’s Conflicts, by John Akokpari, University of Cape Town
3. African Security Architecture: Early Warning and Civil Society, by Jakkie Cilliers and Prince Mashele, Institute for Security Studies
4. Legislative Responses to Terrorism and the Protection of Human Rights: A Survey of Selected African Practice, by Cephas Lumina, University of KwaZulu-Natal
5. Human Rights and Security in Africa, by Christof Heyns, University of Pretoria
The key points that emerged following the deliberations were:
There is need for conflict resolution measures to grasp fully the dialectic of the state and citizenship;
Shortcomings in policy and practice are the result of inadequate understanding of the problem of child soldiers, and hence the prescription of inappropriate and ill-defined solutions. National and international conflict and development interventions based on inadequate empirical evidence and sets of assumptions about children’s capacities and vulnerabilities have been found to be wanting; hence, further compounding the problem;
It is thought that important role can be played and potential contribution made by indigenous resources, traditional institutions and cultural agencies in the social re-integration of child soldiers in post-conflict societies;
African states should have, in cooperation with others and in accordance with the dictates of international law, the freedom to adopt anti-terrorist legislation that not only suits them but also helps them meet their obligations under international law, including the obligation to protect the rights of all people irrespective of race, ethnic origin and political opinions. Most importantly, there is need for the world to deal with the problem of terrorism in a holistic manner that ensures that in their quest to deal with the terrorist threat, states do not erode the rights of all persons subject to their jurisdiction.
Finally, after the end of the parallel sessions, a report back session was held to capture the key outcomes of the conference and to put forward a final statement of the conference. The session was chaired by Dr. Alfred G. Nhema, Executive Secretary of OSSREA.
The following final statement was released:
The International Conference on African Conflicts: Management, Resolution, Post-Conflict Recovery and Development, organized by the Organisation of Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa, held from 29 November – 1 December, 2004 at the United Nations Conference Centre in Addis Ababa brought together more than 180 academics, researchers, policy makers, speakers and members of parliaments, regional and continental organization representatives, ambassadors and NGO operatives.
This statement reflects the outcome the conference and is divided into two parts. The first part highlights themes and issues that featured prominently in the presentations and deliberations. Part two identifies critical issues that were raised but require more comprehensive research and analysis.
PART I: DOMINANT THEMES DISCUSSED IN THE CONFERENCE
1. Ethnicity was identified in several papers as an important factor in generating conflicts in Africa. The nature, dynamics and constructions of ethnic identities, and the politics and the role they play in African conflicts are areas that need to be given serious analytical attention and effective policy interventions.
2. Several papers identified the role of resources, such as land, and their uneven development and unequal distribution as key to generating conflicts. Addressing them has to be central to any strategy of conflict prevention, resolution and management.
3. Discussions revolved around the role of ruling and professional post-colonial elites in promoting their parochial interests that results in undermining national issues in general and rural ones in particular thereby fomenting conflicts.
4. A number of papers pointed out that regional actors and dynamics generate many conflicts. In this context, the African Union and regional organizations should play a leading role in resolving conflicts on the continent and not to defer their responsibilities to extra-regional players. One of the mechanisms is the development of effective early warning systems.
5. It was also noted by several papers that international actors and dynamics, such as the major powers, international organizations, and the diasporas play a critical role in causing conflicts. Therefore, in preventing and resolving conflicts the international dynamics need to be taken into account.
6. Many papers discussed the challenges of post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation. They stressed the need for devising comprehensive and sustainable strategies that address the root causes of conflicts and assist victims and perpetrators to re-adjust and re-construct their societies by using mechanisms that are internationally and locally accepted in cultural, legal and moral terms in resolving conflicts.
7. Most papers emphasized that democratisation, constitutionalism, decentralization and devolution of power, respect for human rights and sustainable development are fundamental pre-requisites to preventing and resolving conflicts.
8. It is now widely recognized that most conflicts have a gender dimension that needs to be addressed in any strategy to prevent and resolve conflicts.
PART II: ISSUES THAT WERE RAISED AS NEEDING MORE RESEARCH
9. Many participants suggested that in order to deepen our understanding of current conflict situations and arrive at durable solutions there is need for serious knowledge and analyses of the historical roots and evolution of the conflicts.
10. The role of elections and electoral systems was identified as central to the construction of democratic governance, which is essential for preventing conflicts. However, not as much comparative research has been conducted on elections and electoral systems in Africa.
11. Some papers raised the issue of citizenship in national, regional, and international terms and how this contributes to generating conflicts. The question of citizenship in Africa requires more systematic and rigorous conceptualisation and research.
12. The strategies and mechanisms for post-conflict reconstruction and rehabilitation in Africa need more research to identify those that have worked and those that have failed.
13. The role of African diasporas in generating and sustaining conflicts as well as resolving them is little understood and requires more systematic research.
14. Some presenters suggested that African research and policy interventions in conflict prevention, resolution and management would benefit from comparative research with other regions in the global South, such as the Association of South-East Asian Nations.
15. OSSREA should pursue the option of developing a training “tool kit” on rehabilitation, post-conflict recovery and development mechanisms that can be utilized by the various practitioners in conflict and post-conflict societies. This effort should also be complimented through the launch of a training programme on post-conflict recovery and development targeting those dealing with conflict and post-conflict issues.
Conclusion
From the deliberations over the past two and half days what has emerged is the following:
1. The urgent need for comprehensive and systematic research and policy interface on issues of conflict prevention, resolution and management. This entails that the participants in this conference maintain active communication on the major issues of research and issues requiring policy intervention.
2. Urge OSSREA as a matter of urgency to facilitate in its research programmes specific research projects on some of the key issues that have been discussed at this conference.