Workshop paper > Vasu Gounden
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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
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4th July 2002,
University of Natal, Durban
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The current conflict environment in Africa
Shift from inter-State to intra-State conflict driven by:
- Growing Identity Conflicts
- Conflicts which are a result of the failed process of integration, driven by domination of one group by the other leading to secession
- Conflicts which are a by-product of the Cold War, driven by drug and arms trafficking
- Military Conflicts
- Driven by the proliferation of small arms
- Environmental Conflicts driven by:
- Deforestation
- Water scarcity, etc
Poor political and economic governance resulting in:
- Weak oppressive States
- Weak civil societies
- 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
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