The Great Lakes region (Rwanda, Burundi and DRC) continues to be an endemic source of conflict and persistent instability. Especially the Eastern part of DRC with its two neighbouring Kivu-Provinces has been the theatre of complex conflicts continuously challenging peace and stability in the region. Eastern DRC continues to be the hub of numerous domestic and foreign militias and armed groups which cause immense suffering to the local civil population. The complexity of the situation with multiple actors pursuing various interests results in a great deal of distrust between the three neighbouring countries which in turn has generated prejudices and stereotypes.

Contributing to reinforce social cohesion and trust between the countries of the Great Lakes region through the proposition and dissemination of concrete consensus based solutions to decision makers taking into account the concerns and recommendations of local populations.

The program directly targets so called “boundary partners”, who are the program’s direct target groups: 1. decision makers; 2. civil society organizations; 3. regional institutions and 4. community members. As outlined in chapter 4 “Overall goal and objectives”, the program envisages to directly change the behaviour of these actors. These actors will in turn influence wider circles of stakeholders, which are out of the program’s direct reach.

• Decision-makers provide opportunities for and participate in debates /dialogues with other key social actors to discuss the needs, perspectives and expectations of local populations on the basis of research results that capture the needs and priorities of local populations.
• Civil society organizations (CSOs) use advocacy and engagement skills to sensitize local populations on divisive factors as well as opportunities for social cohesion and ensure that the needs and opinions identified by local populations are reflected in their work and support local populations in expressing their own opinions and interests to be raised to decision-makers.
• Community members use debate/dialogue processes to structure and harmonize their priorities and needs and express them through consultative mechanisms to local, national and regional authorities.
• Regional organizations use participatory decision-making processes to integrate the concerns of local populations in the design of new policies and programs for peaceful conflict resolution and social cohesion in the Great Lakes Region.

Resultate von früheren Phasen:  

The results of the preliminary preparatory works can be summarized as follows:

• Strengthened institutional capacity of the local partner organizations in Rwanda, Burundi and South and North Kivu.
• The divisive factor (stereotypes and identity-based manipulations) is selected and its implications and different facets are identified in each specific area.
• Full program (action plans, results framework, budget, etc.) are jointly developed and agreed upon by Interpeace and its local partner organizations.
• A coordination mechanism gathering relevant international actors working in peace-building is agreed upon and set up.

Phase 1 01.09.2013 - 31.12.2016   (Completed)