ACTION Support Centre (ASC) Peacebuilders' Blog

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Volume 1 Issue 1 - July 2011

 

Editorial

Here we are again, going green! Okay, not really. We have decided to embrace the technological revolution, and have therefore gone digital like the rest of the world. A printed version of this publication will still be available for those, like me, that like to flip physical pages. But more importantly, to reach those remote areas where there is little or no access to the internet.

When I started working on this editorial, it started to sound much like the last one I wrote. With apologies for the lack of communication, and promises to keep the communication lines open. But then we fell into the hole again. This time I am not making any promises, my team and I are simply going to implement the changes that we think will benefit the Virtual Coordinating Team and anyone interested may take part. We do not want to be in the habit of forcing people to take part in the production of this newsletter. We want to get it to a place where we have enough information to publish an issue every month. There is so much work being done in each of our countries that we could report on, so many issues that need attention from a group such as ours, so many new organisations that need exposure through a forum like ours; and so many links and relationships just waiting to be created and forged if given the chance. Enough admonishing for one edition, let’s move onto the actual contents of this issue.

This year started on a revolutionary note. Revolutions of all sizes have taken place in the Arab World and they resulted in regime change in Tunisia and Egypt, a civil war in Libya, and the implementation of constitutional reforms in Morocco. This revolutionary mood has filled many people with hope, and many have renewed their commitment to the cause of democracy in their different countries. Unfortunately, in Zimbabwe and Swaziland, we still read reports of human rights violations on a massive scale. Journalists and activists have been imprisoned on wild allegations as a result of their urge to work towards democracy in their countries.

 

The crisis in Cote d’Ivoire was another big one so far this year. After months of unsuccessful negotiations, it led to what has been named the Second Ivorian Civil War. Many families were broken, lives were lost, and homes were destroyed. This led to the displacement of people and the erection of camps for the internally displaced. Irreparable damage was done. The children, women and men of Cote d’Ivoire were shaken and broken in ways that some of us can only imagine. We have a story in this edition from one of our own members whose family has gone through this in Cote d’Ivoire. He tells a heart wrenching story of the struggle to stay alive even with the uncertainty of what the next day held.

 

Some of us have not met and do not know the work that we each do. In an effort to publicize and market our group and our member organisations, it is our intention to profile at least one member organisation in to showcase the work being done in different countries. This month we hear from Angola 2000. They give us their objectives along with a brief description of the work that they are currently involved in. If you are interested in their work, contact them and get involved.

 

Also in this issue, we hear from ACTION Support Centre as they write about the project they undertook as part of the longer term response to the violent attacks on foreign nationals as well as migrant South Africans in 2008. In this overview, we have just captured the highlights of the events in each region. Because of the amount of negativity in our current world, and seeing as we are practitioners of peace and believers in development, the overview has taken a more positive form. We have tried to identify the events that will encourage us in our quest for peace and further development in Africa. And finally, as usual, we have included the decisions and resolutions from the recent African Union Summit. Please note that we do not publish all the findings and decisions and recommendations from the Summit.

We still want to hear from you, and we anticipate more contributions here on out. Readers are reminded to give us feedback so that we can better the next issue of . Please send your articles for inclusion in the next publication.

With this, I give you the first publication of for the year 2011. Enjoy your reading.

Rindai Chekerwa

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"Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth" – Oscar Wilde

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Overview

Horn of Africa
In June 2011, Somaliland’s district of Gabiley appointed its first woman mayor in the history of the self-declared republic that has been struggling to get recognition from the international community over the past few years. This is an indication of a level of development in the young state’s quest to be recognized internationally. The government of Somaliland is applauded for this move. In a bold move to further demonstrate the gravity of their wish to be recognized as an independent, sovereign state, the country has introduced its own currency. In the twenty years since they broke away from Somalia, there has been relative stability and introducing their own currency is a display of unwavering resolve to be an independent state. Mohamed Silanyo, leader of Somaliland is urging the international community to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state, and he is hoping that the success of Southern Sudan’s split from Sudan will strengthen Somaliland’s case for international recognition. So far, Israel is the only country to say she is ready to recognize Somaliland as an independent state.

The UNHCR reported that 14,400 displacements occurred in and around Mogadishu since 1 May due to the on-going conflict. Some 6,200 people have moved out of Mogadishu while another 8,200 are displaced within the city. Businessman and presidential hopeful Haji Mohammed Yassin has promised to stabilize the lawless Mogadishu within the first six months after his election. He plans to do this with a localized solution without foreign interference in national matters. He also aims to bring peace to Somalia’s coastline. In an interview with Hana news on 6 June 2011, he revealed that his plan was to “bring in a group of distinguished scholars, with no bloodstain hands and not involved in the previous government to restore Somali”. The date for elections in this war torn country is yet to be set.

West Africa
The "Open days" on Resolution 1325 (2000) of the United Nations Security Council related to Women, Peace and Security were designed to be a forum for dialogue among women activists and leaders, the civil society and the UN system on the role of women in peace-building. The purpose was to seek women’s views on means of improving implementation of UN Security Council resolution 1325. These open and inclusive forums for women peacebuilders and activists also provided the opportunity to deepen local ownership of the resolution. It aims at promoting the involvement of women and further increasing the recognition of their specific needs during the peace processes. There has been progress achieved through the commitment of both women and men in this effort. Gender mainstreaming is not only women's business. Men, however, should not relax and leave everything to the women since they are being empowered. Instead, they should also do more to make the full participation of women towards peace a reality.

The Institute for Inclusive Security has also been advocating for women’s participation in political processes all over West Africa. There are still many challenges to be overcome in this campaign. Because politics is still seen as men’s domain, aspiring female politicians face a myriad of challenges from their communities. In Liberia particularly, through advocacy, capacity building workshops, and civic education women’s organisation are striving to create a society in which the success that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has achieved in reaching the highest political office is replicated in all the political and decision making structures throughout the country. The Institute for Inclusive Security is evaluating how to best support this vision of development in Liberia and throughout the region.

Central Africa
In Central Africa, the spirit of peace and togetherness is being felt. The governments of the Republic of Sudan, Republic of Central Africa (CAR) and the Republic of Chad met in Khartoum in May 2011 to form a tripartite partnership for peace and development. The partnership was forged based on kin relations, common cultures and interests between the people of the participating countries. The governments realized that their responsibilities in seeking to achieve the consolidation of peace, stability and development, prosperity along with their commitment to the principles of good governance and sustainable democracy, human rights, and recognition of the fact that peace and stability in the region are indivisible. The belief that economic integration and interdependence between the countries is the best way to improve the lives of citizens as well as achieve the goals and principles of the African Union and the United Nations in establishing the foundations of regional peace. Click here for more on this partnership.

North Africa
In what has been dubbed “Arab Spring”, the Arab world has seen a revolutionary wave of demonstrations and protests. The methods used included strikes, marches, rallies, the use of social media, self-immolations, and protest camps among others to make themselves heard. This strategy was largely successful. The Tunisian President fled to Saudi Arabia following the protests and his Egyptian counterpart resigned in February after 18 days of massive protests. Before protests even broke out in his country, President Omar al-Bashir announced he would not seek re-election in 2015! Muamar al-Gaddafi refused to step down causing the on-going civil war that has devastated Libya. The outcomes of internationally sanctioned interventions are yet to be evaluated.

In an unusual way, these revolutions are recognized as development. The citizens of these countries grew tired of dictatorship and broken promises and took a stand for democracy, rule of the people by the people, for the people. Hopefully the rest of Africa’s children living under dictatorships will take part in this revolution when their turn comes.

Southern Africa
While addressing the 29th Plenary Assembly of SADC Parliamentary Forum, the President of Angola noted that regional integration should promote peace and security Southern Africa. This, in turn, will enable the development and consolidation of guarantees, freedom and social wellbeing of citizens. Thinking more on specific solutions for current problems in the framework of the sustainable development of the region, regional integration seems the only way to reach that goal.

In the meantime, there is still speculation about whether elections will be held in 2011 in Zimbabwe or not. And Swazi activists are still in fear for their lives. Though the revolutions in North Africa sparked something in political activists, there is still a long struggle before democracy reigns freely in the whole of Africa. The freedoms that allow activists to do their work effectively are largely suppressed, thus making it difficult to make tangible changes in the current situation.

East Africa
East Africans have banded together to try and address educational development through sport. Before the East Africa Cup kicks off, participants are workshopped on issues including Kicking Aids Out, conflict resolution and leadership skills. This effort is commendable in a society where these skills are practical and will be used on a daily basis. Click here for more information.

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Organisation Profile: Angola 2000

Angola 2000 is an independent, non-profit organization that promotes Peace and Security in Angolan society through the strengthening of institutions, conflict prevention and contributions towards the stability of the country. The Organization was founded on 23 November 1999.

Angola 2000 is registered in the Republic of Angola under the Law of Association as published in the Government Gazette III Series No.74 of 16 September 2002. The Head Office is based in Luanda the capital city of Angola, with two offices: one in Benguela province and the other in Bié province.

In pursuit and fulfilment of our vision and mission, Angola 2000 seeks to achieve the following objectives:

• To promote a culture of peace within and between communities;
• Undertake the planning, monitoring and evaluation of national initiatives with regards to arms management and disarmament; demobilization; violence and peace building;
• Provide capacity to community organizations by strengthening the sense of ownership and sustainability in all areas of interest;
• Promote democracy, good governance and respect for the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on People's and Human Rights;
• To strive for the establishment of a strong civil society movement with the necessary capacity to act pro-actively for a better society.

Current Activities
Angola has been at war since the inception of independence in 1975. The struggle for power catapulted the country into one of the most brutal conflicts in African history. This state of affairs resulted in the inculcation of a culture of violence, the collapse of the rule of law, the breakdown of community structures, and the rise of internally displaced persons, large number of Angolan refugees in neighbouring countries, and the destruction of the essential means of economic production. This situation ended with the signing of the Luena Peace Memorandum of Understanding in April 04, 2002 and a new dawn has risen with new challenges and opportunities for Angolans.

Nevertheless, peace is elusive in the country. There is still easy access to and availability of arms and ammunition. The direct results of this challenge include casualties caused by conflicts, homicide, suicide, robbery, domestic violence and random violence. Indirectly, it is a great burden to the economy. Resources that could otherwise be dedicated to health, education and social services to better ensure human security, are instead diverted to deal with the trauma generated by gun violence. This state of affairs builds a great sense of insecurity amongst the ordinary people and increases the responsibility of Angola 2000 to respond.

As a result, Angola 2000 is implementing a project financed by the European Union and Bread of World Organisation. The project is being implemented in Benguela province in the municipalities of Baia Farta, Balombo, Bocio and Bié province in the municipalities of Chinguar, Cunhinga and Andulo. The project seeks to promote peace building, conflict prevention, security, democracy, disarmament and Human Rights.

The activities encourage the civilian population to surrender voluntarily illicit small arms and light weapons to the authorities. The purpose of the intervention is to assist communities to understand, develop positive perceptions and empower civil society in order to build a strong and developed community.

We are undertaking activities such as workshops, seminars and focus groups discussions. The public awareness campaign includes the distribution of leaflets, brochures and posters, sports, events.

By Cirilo Calisto Mbonge
Angola 2000, Director

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Putting a face to IDPs

If you had to flee from home to save your life, not knowing your destination, or whether you will see your house again, what would you take along?

You will never be able to give a correct answer to this simple question until you experience a real war situation where you and your family have to carry bundles and walk through bushes and narrow muddy streets so you can hide to avoid being caught and killed.

This is the experience my family went through on April 27, while I was away in Dakar. Initially, our residential area was the most secure and peaceful while Abidjan was under fire. The reason was simple: the Forces Republicaines de Côte d’Ivoire miserably failed on their first attempt to cast out President Gbagbo’s strongly armed militias and mercenaries. They quickly learnt that they first had to get President Gbagbo out, and then control all the nine districts of Abidjan before venturing again into Yopougon. A week after President Gbagbo’s fall, Yopougon started to speak the language of shells and other heavy weapons and there was no electricity, water and finally no telephone.

I could no longer contact my family for more than ten days. Soon afterwards, they ran out of food. The only way left to survive was to collect the remaining strength they had and leave Yopougon… but where to? The important thing was to get out of the fighting zone. The rest could come later. They walked 7 miles south to connect to Adjamé. Fortunately, a missionary family who returned from Dakar offered to welcome them in Cocody for 5 days! That was beyond expectation!

After that short and precious stay in Cocody, they joined a training center turned into provisional IDP camp for another day before finally ending in a long time deserted apartment in a theological seminary where I taught leadership and Church management. When I joined them on May 9, I cried as I saw my wife and children skeletal, sleeping on the bare floor with mosquitoes and cockroaches as neighbors. What did we do to deserve such a fate? Could those who were waging war and fighting over political power realize how detrimental this was on a common man like me?

It was then that I realized what it meant to be an IDP. It happens in a second and your life shifts, for good! Now, I understand the value of peace and living peacefully. I understand why we should do our best to settle our conflicts peacefully, no matter how huge and serious they may be. Peace has no alternative. As a peacemaker, I have learnt a lesson that is going to fuel my determination to fight for peace for the rest of my life.

Two days after reuniting with my family, I went to the Practical Theology Department Head with a draft project entitled: “Eglise Communauté de Guérison Artisan de Paix” (ECGAP) (The Church, a Community that Heals and Makes Peace – CHAMP). The project, now a joint initiative between the seminary and our NGO, AIDI, aimed at equipping the Church in Côte d’Ivoire with the institutional and technical capacities to contribute to the healing from war trauma and reconciling the nation. In short, the project aims to make the Church the CHAMPION of peacemaking in the country.

Why the Church? Simply because the wounds are so deep that it will take inner emotional and spiritual capacity for everyone to be first healed and then ready for genuine reconciliation. Our survival as a nation is at this cost. Nothing less.

by Edouard YAO
AIDI – Côte d’Ivoire

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Anti-Xenophobia Campaign

ACTION Support Centre (ASC) undertook an Anti-Xenophobia Campaign with school going children in 2010/2011. The project, supported by one of the mining companies in South Africa, Ponahalo Debeers, was rolled out in Gauteng and Limpopo provinces. The project activities included a Conflict Transformation Workshop, a Debate and Impromptu Speech Day, a Sports Day and a Cultural Day. There were 14 schools participating in Limpopo and 23 from Gauteng.

Conflict Transformation Workshop: The workshop commenced with an overview of the history of xenophobia. This section is particularly important as it provides both background context and subsequent developments to the 2008 xenophobic violence. This historical recap illustrates that xenophobia is not a new phenomenon and that discrimination on the basis of being foreign has targeted, and been used, by a wide range of nationalities. This workshop was valuable in giving insight into the learners’ thoughts and views. When asked for their views on the subject, some learners quoted family or friends in their answers.

One of the results of the workshop was that all participants had gained knowledge about xenophobia and its effects from a conflict transformation angle. The exercises designed and implemented by the ACTION team proved very useful as they challenged the learners’ preconceptions and prejudices, revealing the importance of not pre-judging people on the basis of inaccurate or incomplete information. Another outcome was that the learners, at the end of the workshop, appreciated the process of self-reflection.

Knowing self is an important precursor to knowing and accepting others.

Debate and Impromptu Speeches
For the Debate, the learners received a topic beforehand that they had to research and debate. They were only told which team they were on, on the day of the event. The topic for debate in Gauteng was _________________________ while in Limpopo it was Is Xenophobia in South Africa Justifiable. The way in which the learners interacted with each other was interesting to watch. The teams were made up of two representatives from each school. This meant that they had to cooperate with each other in order to make their points heard. Interaction with learners from different countries helped the learners learn more about their neighbouring countries, and many of them left with new friends.

Impromptu speeches and poems were scattered throughout the day. The point of these was to get a little more information about our participants’ perceptions and thoughts about the issue of xenophobia.

Sports Day
For some learners, this was the most exciting event in the whole duration of the project. Learners spent the day playing popular games like soccer, but also games that are indigenous to different countries. This event was aimed at letting participants learn about other cultures in a fun environment. Some games from different countries were similar, and that was something that the learners could use to generate a discussion around the fact that people are more similar than they are different.

Cultural Day
This event was the final event of the campaign. In order to make it not just a fun celebration of culture, we assigned countries to each of the participating schools. Learners then had to research the cultures in that country and the food that they eat. On the day of the event, learners came dressed in the attire of the country they researched and had prepared some food from that country. This event was fun and educational and it brought the learners even closer to each other.
At the end of both phases of the project, it was clear that the learners had learned some valuable lessons that will be useful in their lives. The most important lesson was that making conclusions on situations or people without adequate information can be detrimental to the development of self and even an entire country.

By Samantha Evans and Rindai Chekerwa

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