Policy & Practice Brief 24

There has recently been heightened concern regarding the activities of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), one of the most deadly insurgent movements in Africa. The LRA can best be described as a quasi- religious-rebel armed group that began operating in the Acholi region of northern Uganda in 1986, but has now grown into a regional concern due to its expanded activities in the Central African Republic (CAR), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and South Sudan...

By Dr Doudou Sidibé

Abstract

The attainment of full democracy remains elusive to even some of the greatest nations in the world.

The West African country of Côte d’Ivoire, which experienced a violent post-electoral crisis (November 2010 to April 2011) within the midst of 19 years of political instability which started in 1993, also seeks to consolidate democratisation. The goal is not impossible to realise, but is dependent on the reconciliation of all stakeholders in the conflict and all sectors of society.

Cedric de Coning

On a recent visit to Mogadishu I was again confronted with the tension between local ownership and international self-interest.

By Lesley Connolly

The Beginning

Over the past twenty years, the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) has evolved into an organisation that successfully promotes reflection, education and intervention in African conflicts.

Policy & Practice Brief Issue # 020 December 2012

By John Ahere

Foreword

Jannie Malan

This is a special issue on the African Union (AU), published in the year when our continental Union is celebrating ten years of its existence. The articles included in this issue are not focused on mere birthday praises and wishes, however. They contain frank descriptions and discussions of problems, policies and procedures. They do acknowledge improvements and successes, but they also deal with challenges and failures.

Civil society delegates attending the ACCORD-hosted GPPAC Southern Africa Network Meeting, held in Midrand, South Africa, from 30-31 August 2012, have concluded the meeting by agreeing on two conflict prevention priority areas to be included in the Network’s annual plan for implementation during 2012/2013.

With the aim to strengthen partnerships and support the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)’s peacebuilding process, ACCORD’s Peacebuilding Unit has undertaken a five-day consultation with key peacebuilding stakeholders. The DRC is one of the Unit’s focus countries and the consultations not only informed the Unit about the peacebuilding process in the DRC, but also enhanced new partnerships and strengthened existing ones.