iii. Peacebuilding as a process
We look at how to build a robust and lasting peace addressing power relations within the war-torn society, how to transform the conflict to set the country on a road to peace, and how to shore up the peace by delivering development. There is no blueprint to follow but a thoughtful, careful and sensitive process needs to be engaged to institutionalise desired change. Outside interveners are critical to this process, but have to be mindful to ‘do no harm’. This means interveners need to constantly check their positions and the outcomes of their interventions.
Reflection
Do you feel that the expectations of external interveners in a civil war are too demanding? What would you do to try to ensure civil war did not reoccur?