If security and accountability are critical public goods for development, and if the countries of the bottom billion are structurally unable to supply them internally, then some form of international supply is necessary.
Insisting that armed groups lay down their weapons as a precondition to negotiations over peace and democracy is often counterproductive. Armed groups can actually play a constructive role in promoting peace and democracy. Specifically, they do so when armed parties are well organised, seek power over the same body of people, and have a strong basis of social support. Under these conditions, armed parties can pose a credible challenge to regime elites, form a united front in negotiations and play an important role in constraining disparate factions in order to maintain peace. The participation of these parties may promote peace and democracy. (Survival / SWP)
Mediation is a mystery. Some peace processes are successful, some are dismal failures, and most are a bit of both. The transition of a society from war to peace is extremely complex and difficult. The aim of this study is to partially "unpack" the mystery of mediation, in order to learn about the use of mediation in African peace processes during the last decade. The study analyzes 11 cases of mediation work in diverse conflict situations, with various parties and mediators, offering insights into the nuts and bolts of mediation in African peace processes.