In a world continuously scarred by war, peacemakers are working harder than ever. Across the globe, mediators, diplomats, conflict resolution experts and civil society groups are all trying to reach the agreements that will end conflicts.
The process of bringing warring parties into the peace talks arena is complex and often lengthy, and requires building trust and listening to grievances in order to find creative solutions that give both sides some guarantees for the future. A well-known example of peace mediation was the 2007 agreement between the government in Cote d’Ivoire and the rebellious Forces Nouvelles, which was brokered by former Burkina Faso President Blaise Compaore. The deal ended the civil war in the country and led to peace with the West African region.
Once a peace agreement has been reached, it is crucial to support its implementation. In this phase, organizational components—which may include arrangements for implementing the agreement and oversight and guidance mechanisms to promote those efforts—are important.
The negotiating parties may also need additional assistance with the various facets of their preparation for the negotiation process, such as in the form of informal expert groups and capacity building exercises. The support of these groups can help address gaps in the technical knowledge needed to prepare for negotiations. It can also provide an additional channel for communication between negotiators and the broader community. This can be especially important for building support among local communities in a conflict area.