Southern African Regional Poverty Network (SARPN) SARPN thematic photo
NEPAD and AU Last update: 2020-11-27  
leftnavspacer
Search







A workshop co-hosted by the Southern African Regional Poverty Network (SARPN) and the Centre for Civil Society

ENGAGING NEPAD: GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL SOCIETY SPEAK TO ONE ANOTHER

4th July 2002
[Workshop programme]     [Papers]

Workshop paper > Vasu Gounden


The value of the peer review mechanism for building peace in Africa

By Vasu Gounden
Executive Director and Founder of African Centre for Constructive Resolution and Disputes (ACCORD)
e-mail: vasu@accord.org.za


4th July 2002,
University of Natal, Durban
[Printer friendly version - 21Kb < 1min (4 pages)]     [ Share with a friend  ]
The current conflict environment in Africa

Shift from inter-State to intra-State conflict driven by:
  1. Growing Identity Conflicts
    • Ethnicity
    • Religion


  2. Conflicts which are a result of the failed process of integration, driven by domination of one group by the other leading to secession


  3. Conflicts which are a by-product of the Cold War, driven by drug and arms trafficking


  4. Military Conflicts
    • Driven by the proliferation of small arms


  5. Environmental Conflicts driven by:
    • Deforestation
    • Water scarcity, etc
Poor political and economic governance resulting in:
  1. Weak oppressive States


  2. Weak civil societies


  3. Absence of an organised private sector
What is the PRM?

An evolving mechanism

Central features:
  • Set of criteria for good political and economic governance
  • Independent, impartial panel
  • Not punitive but correctional
Problems
  • Different levels of development and U.S. approach
  • Independent panel-must be people driven
  • More clarity needed on punitive vs. correctional
What will lead to peace?

No substitute for :
  • Democratic governance
  • Sustainable development
What will create the climate for this?
  • Building a strong State
  • Building a strong civil society
  • Need an organised private sector
Value of the PRM for peace building on the continent
  • It will provide mutual assistance to States who have difficulties establishing peace and security and improving Governance
  • The PRM will be aimed at identifying weaknesses to correct them, not punish
  • The PRM will be addressing root causes to conflicts and not just addressing the symptoms
  • In order to transform a conflict situation, it is important that the key stakeholders are bought into the process for it to have a long term effect, which the PRM will ensure
  • It is voluntary-which means that countries who join will be committed to peace and development.
  • It will consist of an independent panel of individuals from outside government who are respected for their impartiality and credibility.
  • Findings will be made public, ensuring complete transparency in the process.
  • In this way the public will be allowed to participate in the review process and in setting the goals and targets for the next round of assessments.
  • The credibility of the PRM process will depend on the extent to which the citizens of the particular country being reviewed consider the panel independent and the process fair.
  • Involvement of civil society in this process will assist in building ownership of the process and outcome.
International value of the PRM for peace building on the continent
  • Successful implementation will ensure more investment
  • It will create respect and confidence in Africa
  • It would have succeeded where the international community failed
  • Africa would begin to play a greater role in Global affairs



Octoplus Information Solutions Top of page | Home | Contact SARPN | Disclaimer