Liberia and Sierra Leone: New Publication from Conciliation Resources

March 27, 2012

Consolidating Peace: Liberia and Sierra Leone

Almost ten years on from the official end of wars in Sierra Leone (2002) and Liberia (2003), attention is shifting from post-war peacebuilding to longer-term development. What headway has been made? What challenges lie ahead? And what lessons that can be learned?

This latest issue in the Accord series draws on experiences and perspectives from across societies in both countries to explore comparative lessons and examine progress. It builds on analysis and recommendations from previous Accord publications on Liberia (Issue 1: 1996) and Sierra Leone (Issue 9: 2000).

Alliance for Peacebuilding (AfP) along with 3P hosted London-based Conciliation Resources for a discussion titled Consolidating Peace: Liberia and Sierra Leone.  This event was held at Interaction on Tuesday March 27. 

Experts from Conciliation Resources included Ms. Janet Adama Mohammed, West Africa Program Director and Mr. David Newton, Director of Policy, Practice and Communications. Ms. Mohammed and Mr. Newton shared their analysis on the current state of both Sierra Leone and Liberia's transitions from war to peace, the key challenges that threaten these transitions, and initiatives, both local and international, which respond to these threats. The discussion focused on themes of formal/informal justice and reconciliation mechanisms, extending access and services beyond the cities, security sector reform (SSR), better governance of resource sectors, and creating opportunities for alienated youth. The Accord publication argues that an improved social contract between the state and society is central to continued peacebuilding progress in both countries.  

Click here for Conciliation Resources speaker profiles and for details about this event.  

Event: Somalia - Fresh Approaches to Peacebuilding

March 13, 2012

This months Conflict Prevention & Resolution Forum (CPRF) was organized by 3P and the Life & Peace Institute and took place on Tuesday, March 13 from 9:30 - 11:30am at Johns Hopkins SAIS.  The forum addressed the impact of current policies isolating blacklisted groups in Somalia and proposals for alternative perspectives that could encourage the design of an inclusive peace process in Somalia.

Scholar-practitioners from the Life and Peace Institute in Nairobi and the University of Notre Dame's Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies discussed a recent report: “Somalia: Creating Space for Fresh Approaches to Peacebuilding” that illustrates why the dominant strategy of isolating proscribed terrorist groups like al-Shabaab has a counter-productive effect on reducing violent extremism and building lasting stability in Somalia.

An afternoon roundtable discussion echoed the talking points of the morning forum.  Kay Guinane of Charity and Security Nework (CSN) joined the group in the afternoon to provide an update on proposals in the works for possible licensing mechanisms for track II peacebuiding and development. 

Click here for speaker bio's and a brief background on Somalia.

Laura Weis, Kroc Institute; Shamsia W. Ramadhan, Life&Peace Institute (LPI);  Kristen Wall, Kroc Institute; John Filson, 3P Human Security; and Michele Cesari, LPI

     LPI and Kroc speakers participate in a rountable discussion on Somalia and the options for legalizing peacebuilding and development

Kay Guinane, Charity and Security Network and Michele Cesari, Resident Representative for the Life & Peace Institute

(L to R): Shamsia W. Ramadhan, Programmes and Communications Advisor, Life & Peace Institute; Laura Weis, Ph.D candidate, Kroc Institute/Notre Dame and David Cortright, Director of Policy Studies, Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame

Kony 2012 & the Failed Fantasy of Fire Power

March12, 2012

Kony 2012 and the Failed Fantasy of Fire Power in Libya, Syria, Uganda...

In her most recent Huffington Post article, Lisa provides a look at how the West can work towards ending civilian suffering in Syria, Uganda, and elsewhere and why it is important to so without supporting a military intervention.

"The fantasy of firepower rests on a faulty assumption that 'evil' resides in a group of people that need to be killed in order to restore peace. A realist understands the civil wars in Libya, Syria and Uganda are far more complex than killing some 'bad guys.' Like pouring toxic chemicals into an oil spill, the solution of pouring weapons into a civil war just doubles the agony for civilians and prolongs instability."

To see the full Huffington Post article, click here.

Saferworld: China & Conflict-Affected States

March 7, 2012

On Tuesday March 6, 3P hosted Robert Parker and Larry Attree from Saferworld, along with Chin-Hao Huang from the University of Southern California and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

Click here for a the event announcement

(L to R): Amanda Jantzi-Robinson, 3P Program Assistant; Rob Parker, Saferworld;
Larry Attree, Saferworld, John Filson, 3P Program Manager

Roundtable Discussion
Mr. Attree, Mr. Parker and Mr. Huang presented during a roundtable discussion at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, discussing the implications for peace and stability of China's increasing engagement in conflict-affected states.  This discussion was moderated by 3P Director Lisa Schirch and hosted by the Wilson Center's Steve McDonald, Consulting Director of the Africa Program and the Project on Leadership and Building State Capacity.

Click on the pictures to the left to view the brief or report by Saferworld

Mr. Attree and Mr. Parker presented a report completed by Saferworld which is based upon research completed in four conflict-affected states: Sri Lanka, Nepal, Sudan and South Sudan.  Mr. Huang presented on his area of expertise: Chinese foreign and security policy, conventional arms control, peacekeeping operations and multilateral security institutions with regards China, Asia and Africa. 

In all four countries described in the Saferworld report, China has significantly increased its engagement in the last five years; it is now a major investor and has significant influence over reconstruction and development in these regions.  China itself is going through a period of policy development and adaptation as it engages more on issues of peace and conflict. China's new-found influence and the and the responsibilities that come with it provides a strategic opportunity for the West to engage with China.

 Public Panel Discussion

The afternoon event was hosted by 3P Human Security, Alliance for Peacebuilding and SAIS.  Mr. Attree, Mr. Parker, Mr. Huang were joined by a  respondent from USAID's Office of Conflict Management & Mitigation, Joseph Hewitt.  Lisa Schirch, Director of 3P moderated this event.

Panel presentation at SAIS on China and conflict-affected states
(L to R): Lisa Schirch, Director 3P; Rob Parker, Saferworld; Larry Attree, Saferworld;
Chin-Hao Huang, USC & SIPRI; Joseph Hewitt, USAID

Mr. Attree and Mr. Parker presented Saferworld research (see reports above) highlighting the implications for peace and stability of China's growing diplomatic, military, economic and aid engagement in conflict-affected states.  Mr Huang discussed his expertise on Chinese foreign and security policy and Mr. Hewitt offered his comments on what it means for the U.S approach in conflict-affected states and with China.