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

Iraq delegation in Washington

February 3 - 10, 2012

3P hosted a delegation of four Iraqi civil society leaders in Washington to speak with various offices across the government, policy organizations and NGOs, as well as faith communities and other public audiences about what is happening in Iraq now following the withdrawal of US troops.

To read Delegate Profiles, click here. 

To read a Policy Brief on the role of Iraqi civil society in the post-US era, click here.

Institute For Policy Studies, meeting with Peace Action Group

Widespread insecurity, fear, lack of basic services and jobs continue to weigh heavily on Iraqi families. Meanwhile, Iraq struggles to establish a government that is legitimate, capable, and accountable to the needs of Iraqi people.With the US military presence ended, it is up to Iraqis themselves to ensure the

Open Society Foundation luncheon

government does not return to authoritarian rule. After losing so many Iraqi and American lives over the last 9 years, it is critical for the US to articulate clear and unequivocal support for genuine, democratic process in Iraq that ensures accountable governance, protection of human rights, and a robust civil society sector that allows citizens to directly shape the affairs that affect their lives.

Mennonite Central Committee conducted a survey of over 100 Iraqi NGO leaders that identifies the most pressing priorities of Iraqi civil society.

Click here to read the summary.

Iraqi Delegates with Rachelle Lyndaker Schlabach, Director of Mennonite Central Committee Washington Office and John Filson, Program Manager of 3P Human Security.

DC-based peacebuilding and human rights organizations met for a conversation about Iraq's civil society sector and the key factors needed for lasting development and human security.