Whither Peace Operations?

Since the year 2000, critical trends on peace operations and crisis-response missions by both UN and non-UN organizations have shifted. Given the importance of these changes, the US Institute for Peace hosted the launching of “Peace Operations” written by Don C.F. Daniel, with Patricia Taft, and Sharon Wiharta as presenters as well the Special Report: Whither Peace Operations? The book is a much needed summary of the different trends, important progress, and future prospects of Peace Operations. Crisis-responses have taken an incremental path becoming the essential instrument to quell conflicts around the world.

The panel explained the past, present and future of Peace-Operation efforts by each region. Afterwards, a discussion on the different trends took place, touching upon donor country profiles, troop contributions, UN peacekeeping missions focusing on Africa and complex missions, and the rising trends on the use of non-UN peace operations by regional, bilateral and multilateral organizations. They compared both donor and troop contributors, usually developed and emerging countries versus non-contributors, which is often developing countries with the exception of Pakistan, India and Bangladesh who ranked as some of the top contributors. In terms of UN peacekeeping, the panel explained how the organization has become a general instrument to deal with very hazardous peace operations, or, in plain terms, where nobody wants to go or there is no particular interest to interfere, and finally, the UN’s almost permanent presence in African conflicts. The issue of non-UN missions overshadowing UN peacekeeping was brought up as well, and how these non-UN organizations are increasingly willing to participate in the operations.
The current Eastern Congo conflict was inevitably evoked at the Q&A session after the panel concluded the exposition. Attendees at the launch questioned the future and solutions of this complex situation. The panel was very willing to pin-point the different issues present in the Congo: the limited funding, limited quantity of UN blue helmets, and a lack of diplomatic will and political interference from other nations. A representative of the IRC shared her experience in the North Kivu area of the Congo and gave some insight in the situation. She expressed how the UN blue helmets are very much needed and how their presence is essential and helpful. Date: November 6, 2008
Location: U.S. Institute of Peace
Attended by: Cristina Lopez

The Situation in Somalia

The grave situation in Somalia was discussed today at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars by Ken Menkhaus, professor at Davidson College, Chris Albin-Lackey, Senior Researcher in the Africa Division of Human Rights Watch, and Harun M. Hassan, a distinguished Somali journalist. While all parties involved generally agreed on the severity and urgency of immediate action to quell the violence and minimize deterioration into further anarchy and unrest, each brought distinctive expertise and unique experience to this highly informative panel.

The panel’s remarks served to “ring the alarm”, so to speak, about the necessity of drastic overhaul regarding policy towards the Somali situation. The humanitarian crisis is severe across the country, but it is especially poor in and around Mogadishu, the capital city, where nearly two thirds of the residents have fled. Somalis are faced with indiscriminate artillery bombardment on almost a daily basis, tremendous unmet demand for humanitarian assistance, drought, decimation of the market economy, piracy, assassinations, suicide bombings, and complete lack of rule of law.

The panel also described a growing resentment and dislike of the United States, and, more broadly, the West. Clearly, this is an unintended, undesirable result of failed policy in the region, giving additional weight to the argument that a change in course regarding policy towards Somalia is beneficial and necessary.


Sponsor: Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
Date: September 3, 2008
Time: 10-11:30 am
Representative Attending: Sarah Shebby

Good News From Kosovo

In their historic visit to the United States, Kosovo’s President Fatmir Sejdiu and Prime Minister Hashim Thaci proudly detailed the benchmarks achieved by the new republic since declaring independence in February 2008. The former Yugoslav entity and UN transitional protectorate can now usher in with dignity a peaceful and prosperous century following conflict throughout the 1990’s. Although there are many challenges affronting the young nation in achieving universal recognition both leaders remain optimistic for the bright future of Kosovo. On July 22, the couple met with some of Washington’s brightest at CSIS to present their triumphs, setbacks and concerns.

President Sejdiu began the event by stressing the importance of crafting a “peaceful definition” of Kosovo to help garner international support and respect for the new nation. Its new constitution, Sejdiu insists, will push Kosovo in this direction. Just approved in June, this charter is strongly based on both the principles guiding other democratic constitutions and Athisaari’s comprehensive proposal to create a decentralized and multi-ethnic society. The new constitution strikes a balance between offering Kosovo Albanians independence and granting Bosnian Serbs extensive rights, a compromise which will further the nation’s agenda of fostering privileged relations with Serbia. Although Sejdiu speaks sanguinely of Kosovo’s progress, he is quick to list road blocks from Russian and Serb forces.

Even though many opportunities await the new nation, its future as a democratic and peaceful republic will be hugely dependent on coordinated international efforts and investments. To ensure the success of collaborations, Prime Minister Thaci stressed the importance of combating the perception that Kosovo’s government is corrupt. His proposal: accounting for all internationally pledged money to rebuild the nation, and strengthening the position of the Serb minority both in government and civil society. Only then will Kosovo receive the aide and guidance it needs to strengthen its economy and make a smoother transition into self-dependence.

There are serious obstacles facing new leaders, such as the looming fear of dissent in Northern Kosovo; but President Sejdiu assures that his presidency has the determination to settle them both peacefully and diplomatically. With heightened support from individual nations as well as membership in international bodies like the World Bank on the horizon, both Sejdiu and Thaci believe that Kosovo’s progress will surpass all initial expectations.

Sponsor: CSIS
Date: July 22, 2008
Time: 10-11 am
Representative Attending: Elizabeth Caniano

OCHA and InterAction Collaborate to Ensure Success of UN Missions

Creating the most talented and diversified pool of potential UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinators (RCs and HCs) is the task ahead for Mr. Mark Prasopa-Plaizier, Manager of the Humanitarian Coordinators Pool for OCHA. On July 28 he met with members of InterAction’s Humanitarian Partnership working group to identify the reasons fueling OCHA’s inability to attract the best potential candidates and to brainstorm solutions to ensure to ensure the success of all UN humanitarian missions.

Mr. Prasopa-Plaizier began by identifying setbacks in recruiting the most qualified candidates for HC and RC positions. At the heart of the issue is the reluctance of both UN agencies and NGOs to release their best personnel go, as they invest heavily in staff retention and management programs. Consequently, those entering the pool are neither the brightest nor most experienced. Past and current recruitment programs have found much difficulty in creating a diverse pool of applicants, as nearly all are middle-aged Scandinavian men.. He also notes obstacles rooted in the subjective evaluation process that grants much sway to the personal biases of reviewers.

So how can we ensure that the most qualified people are holding these extremely important and influential positions? And how can we assure that they are well trained before assuming them? Mr. Prasopa-Plaizier suggests the following changes:
-Increasing recruitment from NGOs.
-Heightening advertisement of HC and RC positions in UN agencies other than UNDP and UNHCR.
-Designing an inclusive application giving a full appraisal of candidates.
-Recruiting and utilizing a large, diversified candidate database.
-Making a detailed career development track for HC/ RC positions.
-Detailing the career and personal benefits of HC/ RC positions.
-Regionalizing staff to encourage local sustainability and involvement.
-Developing a program to ease the transition of former HC/RCs back into the UN and NGO systems.
-Providing hopeful applicants with mentorship and shadowing with HC/RCs.
-Structuring an inter-exchange with UN and NGOs.

HCs and RCs are key drivers in international development. If talented, they can set conflict and post-conflict areas on a sustainable path to recovery and growth; however, if only satisfactory, they can stagnate and even obstruct progress in anguished nations. To ensure that those holding these positions are among the world’s most elite leaders and negotiators, we must enforce Mr. Prasopa-Plazier’s changes.


Sponsor: InterAction
Date: July 28, 2009
Time: 9-10.30 am
Representative Attending: Elizabeth Caniano

The Future of the U.S. Military Presence in Iraq

With the political atmosphere in Washington DC charged for the upcoming election, there are few issues debated more that the future of US military presence in Iraq? On Friday, July 25th the United States Institute of Peace, USIP, decided to engage those on all sides of this debate for a panel discussion concerning this very subject: The Future of the U.S. Military Presence in Iraq. The speakers included Ms. Kimberly Kagan, Mr. Charles Knight, Mr. Colin Kahl, and Ms. Rend al-Rahim.

Ms. Kimberly Kagan, the President of the Institute for the Study of War, detailed that the surges contributed to political process although political advances lag behind those of increased security. Our objectives in Iraq are to help Iraq establish peace with neighbors, become an ally in the War on Terror, and to generate a stable, legitimate, democratic government. She suggests we retain US military presence to prevent ‘malign’ influences on the upcoming elections and any resurgence of violence. It is wise to avoid considering the upcoming election as a culmination of efforts but instead to look at them as the beginning of a political process that will continue to need social, economic, and political assistance. She believes the US should maintain ‘peacekeeping activities’ because a withdrawal would give Iranian-backed enemies a timetable to regroup and jeopardize the political process. The presence of US forces allows the Iraqi government to focus on governance, reconstruction, and reintegration of previous extremist into government to begin negotiations.

Quite contrary to Ms. Kagan’s speech, Mr. Charles Knight, Co-director of the Project on Defense Alternatives at the Commonwealth Institute, strongly expressed that the US military occupation is the central feature of “our strategic failure” in Iraq. He discussed the miscalculation of what could be accomplished by arms, the failure of the US to understand identity politics, and the failure to consider international cooperation and legitimacy of actions. He expressed that the US military presence in Iraq has “tarnished the meaning and promise of democracy.” Mr. Knight advocates for unconditional withdrawal accompanied by internationally supported reconciliation efforts under a code of non-interference. While he acknowledges that the surges have increased security, he believes it is far from sufficient and that the US- Iraqi alliance is a “shaky marriage of convenience.”

Mr. Colin Kahl, a Senior Fellow at the Center for a New American Security, believes that our future presence in Iraqi is “all about balance,” between eradicating terrorism, generating stability, and providing leadership and credibility for governance. To contend with ongoing problems of ethno-sectarian conflicts, Mr. Kahl advocates that Iraq bring extremists into the political process, improve governance and increase employment. Additionally, the US needs to help professionalize the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) to ensure that they will act as a neutral body accountable to the state. The best option for future US military involvement is that of conditional engagement to pursue withdrawal and also provide residual support. The idea of a timeline with ‘conditions’ attached is paramount because the fundamental flaw in our strategy has been US politics not involving conditionality according to Mr. Kahl.

USIP’s Iraqi Fellow, Ms. Rend al-Rahim strongly echoed Mr. Kahl’s sentiments stating that he has a good understanding on things on the ground and the failure of US policy strategy. She furthered Mr. Kahl’s argument that the surges have been successful in increasing security but their original intent to improve the political process has seen little gain. Furthermore, she cited four mistakes the U.S. made in structuring the ISF: focusing on quantity and not quality, focusing on combat instead of command or control, ignoring integration of those serving in the ISF, and ignoring issues of loyalty of the army to the state. Ms. al-Rahim supports conditional engagement in Iraq and believes that the United States’ lack of declaratory statements and sanctions against Iraq have actually hindered the development of good governance. Iraq remains fragmented and faces problems with amnesty which prevent sustainable security. She comments that is a great sense of apprehension in Iraq that the increased security can break down at any moment; therefore, the US military should continue to stress the importance of integrating the ISF. If Sunnis do not feel as though they are equal partners in the state then Iraq may face another insurgency and relapse in violence. Sunnis must see the benefits of participating in society and they must be integrated into the leadership of the country. Above all else, Ms. al-Rahim emphasized that the US has not yet used the whole range of carrots and sticks in the last 5 years in Iraq and the military should change our strategy to one of conditional engagement while we strengthen the ISF.

This idea of conditional withdrawal supported by both Mr. Kahl and Ms. al-Rahim and opposed by both Ms. Kagan and Mr. Knight adequately illustrated the strong differences in opinion presented at the panel. For example at the conclusion of the panel, while Colin was of the mindset that 2009 will be spent “managing our increasing irrelevance,” Ms. Kagan strongly believed that 2009 will be a crucial year demanding strong US military support for the upcoming Iraqi elections.

Sponsor: United States Institute of Peace
Date: July 25, 2009
Time: 10 am -12 pm
Representative Attending: Jessica Walker

Stop Rape Now! UNDP official speaks out

On July 17th, Kathleen Cravero, Director of the UN Development Program's Bureau for Crisis Prevention and Recovery spoke to the Women's Foreign Policy Group. An excerpt from Ms. Cravero's remarks is below:

The first-recorded international war crimes trial – for “conduct unbecoming a knight” – took place in 1474. The charge included rape, and the penalty was death. Yet it was just last month–over 600 years later – that the United Nations Security Council explicitly recognized war-time rape as a security issue that warrants a security response.

Thus we are meeting at a historically optimistic moment. A moment when mass rape has, at last, graduated from a humanitarian issue to a foreign policy priority. To paraphrase Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “the arc of history is long, but it bends towards justice”. And that’s what I would like to outline today: how the international community in general – and women in particular – have helped bend history. How we have navigated the long arc from advocacy to action, and where it leads us now. Because now more than ever – with women increasingly the targets of war – it is essential to take stock of the milestones and roadblocks we’ve faced, and to chart a course for the future.

Security and Development Workgroup

The Society for International Development put together a panel of experts to host an informal conversation regarding security issues in international development. Panelists included Jeff Abramson, the Managing Editor of Arms Control Today at Arms Control Association; Richard Hill, the Senior Director of Transition States at International Development Group-RTI International; and James D. Schmitt, Vice president of Center for Stabilization and Development at Creative Associates International. Each addressed their companies’ goals and initiatives towards increasing security in developing nations: arms treaties, legitimized security forces, and post conflict resolution.

According to Abramson, over the past few years the international community, along with reluctant cooperation from the US, has worked on drafting a collaborative Arms Trade Treaty. While it is unrealistic to expect countries to relinquish their independent rights to accept Arms Trade from other countries, the ultimate goal is to make the process much more transparent. That is to say, provide adequate documentation of which countries are receiving what arms.

Richard Hill applied Abramson’s briefing to the situation in Darfur. Hill stressed that as there is a need for a legitimate UN mandate regarding weapon’s trading, there is also a need for legitimate security in Darfur. However, since this is not currently a feasible option, RTI has focused on “Practical Security Solutions” addressing the health issues and violence directed towards the Internally Displaced Persons in Sudan. For example, in order to facilitate faster mobility and adaptability, RTI has provided chickens and stoves in the place of large farm animals and firewood so that Sudanese refugees are not required to leave the safety of the camps. In addition, RTI has provided donkeys for expedited transportation.

In addition to RTI’s initiatives, James D Schmitt discussed organization’s efforts to regulate post-conflict territories. Schmitt stressed that while the actions of non government organizations and for profit organizations such as RTI are crucial to the stabilization of a region, all efforts would be more effective if NGOs, for-profit organizations, and the military could collaborate their efforts. Schmitt refers to this theory as “clustering,” and brings up a valid argument that pooling the large variety of resources and funding could prove more beneficial in these post-conflict development efforts.

All three organizations are currently working for a better level of security in both developed and undeveloped regions around the globe. However, Abramson, Hill and Schmitt all recognize that, at the moment, these initiatives are very optimistic, and it may be an uphill battle.

Sponsor: Society for International Development
Date: 7/9/08
Time: 12pm-1:15pm
Representative: Daria Willis

Reconstructing Iraq and Afghanistan

In the aftermath of United States military campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan, development is an increasingly important issue. Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs), one approach to post-conflict reconstruction, are military units comprised of civilian development experts and military personnel. While PRTs are designed to assist and rebuild devastated areas of Iraq and Afghanistan, they have fallen short of initial expectations for success. Dr. Vic Snyder, Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, led a presentation and discussion evaluating the PRT system. He identified six challenges facing PRTs:

1. Lack of strategic guidance and oversight. Dr. Snyder likened implementing a PRT to “playing a pick-up game”, where teams must constantly make up policies and change their approach. This causes significant delays and reduces the effectiveness of projects.
2. Complicated chain of command. It is often unclear who is in charge of the PRTs, which significantly delays orders and clearance for action.
3. Complex funding systems. It is difficult for teams to understand the amount and source of their funding. Furthermore, those who do have clear funding sources don’t have enough flexibility to allocate that money when and where it is most needed.
4. Staffing challenges. Not enough personnel are present for the PRTs to be agile and adaptable to changing situations
5. No way to learn from previous lessons. Dr. Snyder pointed out that many of the challenges facing PRTs today were also problematic during the Vietnam War. These inadequacies could have been avoided by learning from the past.
6. Inadequate measures of outcomes of PRTs. It is very difficult to assess the progress of objectives such as “capacity building.” This ambiguity makes it difficult to monitor the overall success of a PRT.

Dr. Snyder concluded that PRTs, and development efforts in general, must increase their “strategic agility.” They must be able to adapt to constantly changing situations and respond to the needs of the communities in which they are based. Many members of the audience who worked on PRTs in either Iraq or Afghanistan echoed this sentiment as they discussed the future of PRTs. There was a general agreement that the United States should not assume that the PRT model will work in other places. Indeed, if the concept is to work in the future, the teams must be much more flexible. PRTs need a model that can be adapted to individual environments, the ability for increased mobility, and the freedom of when and how to spend money.

Sponsor: Center for Strategic and International Studies
Date: June 19, 2008
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Representative Attending: Kate Lonergan

"United Nations Emergency Peace Service: One Step Toward Effective Genocide Prevention"

The United Nations is repeatedly criticized for the inefficiency of its peacekeeping missions. In response to this problem, some experts propose the creation of a United Nations Emergency Peace Service (UNEPS). This standing force with first-response capability would fill the void between outbreaks of violence and full deployment of a traditional peacekeeping mission. At a forum sponsored by Partnerships for Effective Peacekeeping (PEP), Don Kraus of Citizens for Global Solutions presented the envisioned structure of UNEPS and argued that it is in the best interest of the United States to support this initiative. Dr. Robert Zuber, UNEPS Secretariat, and Mark Malan of Refugees International/PEP also discussed their opinions.

UNEPS would be a standing organization with the ability to deploy within 48 hours of notification. Its individually recruited personnel and staff would encompass a wide range of skills, from emergency medical relief to conflict resolution to peacekeeping. Mr. Kraus emphasized that UNEPS would compliment traditional UN missions rather than replace them.

For the United States, UNEPS will provide a means by which we can meet our goals of preventing genocide and other mass atrocities. Partnership with the UNEPS will enable the US to fulfill our commitments without assuming the full financial and military burden. Mr. Kraus argued that a U.N. mission would be more efficient and cost-effective than a U.S.-sponsored mission. At the same time, the United States has the necessary veto power within the U.N to prevent mission deployments that are not within its strategic interest. Although the cost to establish this force will be quite high, it is a preventative measure that will prevent costlier, deadlier conflicts in the future.

The forum also included updates on other UN-related issues. Among others, Erin Weir of Refugees International/PEP spoke about the possibility of a UN peace operation in Somalia. Given the lack of political will in the UN to send a strong peacekeeping force, it seems that negotiating a ceasefire is the only feasible option for peace in this country. Ms. Weir encouraged caution and reason when approaching solutions for Somalia, because many Somalis are distrustful of the United Nations and the international community as a whole. Therefore, any outside peacekeeping effort, especially military force, will spark opposition.

Mr. Kraus, Dr. Zuber, and Mr. Malan all presented convincing arguments in favor of an Emergency Peace Service. Although UNEPS is still in the proposal stage, it represents a step forward in the quest to provide effective and timely international assistance during humanitarian emergencies.

Further reading:

• A United Nations Emergency Peace Service: to Prevent Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity, published by Global Action to Prevent War, The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, and the World Federalist Movement
• United Nations Emergency Peace Service: One Step Towards Effective Genocide Prevention, published by Citizens for Global Solutions

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Sponsor: Partnership for Effective Peacekeeping
Date: May 27, 2008
Time: 3:30 – 5:30 pm
Representative Attending: Kate Lonergan

Student Luncheon at Africare

On Thursday the 12^th of June, undergraduate students were granted the opportunity to have lunch with the distinguished Mr. Julius Coles to learn about the organization Africare. Mr. Coles, a former senior official with USAID and a graduate of Princeton’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, has served as the president of Africare since 2002. Africare is the oldest and largest African-American run organization in the field of international development. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for Africans as it partners with communities and African organizations to address three principle areas:

· food security and agriculture

· health and HIV/AIDS

· emergency response

Its grassroots focus is embodied by the philosophy “There are no Africare programs, only African programs.” Currently serving in 25 countries and allocating $50 million annually, Africare has successfully completely over 2,500 development and humanitarian projects in 38 years and delivered over $710 million in aid. With an overhead cost of only 9.1%, Africare receives high ratings from non-profit watchdogs such as American Philanthropy and Charity Navigator. This organization works with all sectors of society as it receives 52% of its funding from the government, significant funding from foundations such as the Gates Foundation, and partners with the Private Sector. Africare has a partnership with Shell in Nigeria to combat Malaria and with Exxon Mobil to promote women’s education in Angola and Chad, just to name a few. Additionally, Africare is a member of the Millennium Water Alliance and works with other NGOs in promoting development and assisting the needs of Africans.

Africare was founded during the Sahelian drought in the early 1970s by Dr. Kirker and his wife as a charity. PeaceCorp Officers Dr. Joseph C. Kennedy and C. Payne Lucas, a former Chairman of UNDP-USA, helped reform the charity and had it incorporated as Africare in May of 1971. The first president of Niger, Hamani Diori, served as a Co-founder and the first Chairman of Africare. From the beginning Africare has exemplified a commitment to partnership between Africans and Americas for the well-being of Africa and her people. Whether Africare workers are engaged in combating HIV/AIDS, helping orphans in a community in Uganda, educating girls in Chad, or participating in microfinance to allow women to have their own businesses, Africare is working to improve the quality of life for Africans with Africans.

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Sponsor: Africare
Date: June 12, 2008
Time: 12:30-2 pm
Representative Attending: Jessica Walker

New Study Sheds Light on the IDP Situation in Colombia

Christine Oberli spoke on April 7, 2008 at Interaction in Washington DC about the International Committee for Red Cross’s (ICRC) operations in Colombia. As head of assistance programs in Colombia, Ms. Oberli highlighted a new study that the ICRC commissioned in conjunction with the World Food Program. The research study examines internally displaced persons in Colombia and the effectiveness and necessity of humanitarian aid.

In Colombia, internally displaced persons (IDP) are a huge problem. People leave their land because of fighting between paramilitary troops, rebel groups, and even because of their own military. Many leave to escape death threats or forced recruitment into rebel groups. There are over two million people who are classified as IDPs within Colombia. ICRC is a group which provides humanitarian aid to IDPs throughout the country in the form of food and hygiene kits and with emergency services.

From the study, priority recommendations have been created for future humanitarian aid to IDPs. They are:

1. The need for literacy and adult education access- In Colombia, many adults, especially IDPs have only 2-3 years of education. It is statistically shown that to overcome poverty, one must have, on average, 10 years of education.
2. Social responsibility programs- The private sector must begin taking some of the responsibility in providing for IDPs.
3. Improvement of living conditions- There is a need to provide housing subsidies to those who are poorly ranked on the living conditions index.
4. Sexual and reproductive health education programs- One of the main reasons for girls dropping out of high school is pregnancy. There is a need to educate children and young adults on sexual and reproductive health issues.
5. Emphasis on psycho and social problems- There is a need for programs to provide psychological support programs for IDPs and those who work with IDPs daily.
6. Effective mechanism for protecting assets and land- Many in Colombia are internally displaced because they are kicked off of their land. There needs to be measures to ensure the preservation of property to owners.

The study provides international organizations with the information to more effectively distribute humanitarian aid in ways which will be most beneficial to the recipients. In doing so, ICRC moves closer to finding a solution to this crisis.

For more information visit the ICRC website on Colombia:

http://www.icrc.org/Web/Eng/siteeng0.nsf/htmlall/colombia?OpenDocument

Sponsor: Interaction
Location: 1400 16^th St. NW
Date: April 7, 2008
Time: 3:30-5pm
Approximate Number of Attendees: 12
Representative Attending: Ellen Rolfes

Kenya: Assessing the Political and Humanitarian Crisis

January 16, 2008

Opening Remarks by: Michael Ranneberger (U.S. Ambassador to Kenya)

Featured Speakers: Bukard Oberle (World Food Program Country Director, Kenya), Sam Kona (Center for Conflict Resolution, University of Cape Town, South Africa) David Throup (Senior Associate, CSIS), Mark Bellamy (Visiting Fellow, CSIS Africa Program, Former U.S. Ambassador to Kenya)

Moderated by: Jennifer Cooke (Co-Director, CSIS Africa Program)

The political and humanitarian crisis in Kenya continues since a resolution has not been made between the recently elected president, Mwai Kibaki, and his opponent in the recent elections, Raila Odinga. Today, the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), United Nations World Food Program (WFP) and Woodrow Wilson International Center (WWIC) came together to discuss and clarify the current situation in Kenya. They made projections concerning the country’s humanitarian efforts and political stability.

Kenya has been in a state of crisis since the presidential election results were released on December 30^th when Kibaki was named winner. Supporters of Odinga and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) protested these results claiming that the election was rigged to favor Kibaki and his party, Party of National Unity (PNU). Since the election, violent protests all over the country have occurred including the deaths of at least 500 Kenyans and the displacement of 250,000 people. Kibaki was formally sworn in as President of Kenya, but tension still remains. Sam Kona said that the violence and strife caused by the election reveal many other underlying problems related to the high ethnic tension among Kenyans specifically with the Kikuyus, who have disproportionately controlled much of the wealth, land, and elite positions in government in comparison to other ethnic groups.

U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Michael Ranneberger discussed the strategies of both leaders during this time of crisis. Kibaki has chosen to stand strong and hopefully by doing so, the violence will die down and he will retain his presidency for the next five years. Odinga hopes that the international community will pressure the Kenyan government to recount the vote. Both of these strategies, he said, were unconstructive. Kibaki cannot use oppression to retain his position if he wishes to be viewed as a democratic leader. In regards to finding a solution in this matter, Amb. Ranneberger emphasized that the international community would “facilitate, not mediate” dialogue between the two officials. The most accepted resolution is a power-sharing agreement between the two men with a number of possible reforms. A prime minister position or other executive position could create a more fair solution for both Odinga and Kibaki supporters Another solution might be through collaborative efforts between the two men, who could work together for constitutional and institutional reform.

Sam Zona and Amb. Bellany spoke of the situation in Kenya as hopeful. Enormous amount of pressure from outside and inside Kenya encourages the government to begin dialogue between Odinga and Kibaki. The United States sent Secretary of State Frazier early last week to meet with Kibaki to discuss power-sharing possibilities. The African Union and Ghanaian president John Kufour will also encourage dialogue to begin between the two contenders. Within Kenya, business elite, civil service organizations, and religious leaders also are stressing the importance of resolution because of the economic strain the political unrest has created. With ten billion shillings lost every day, the growth rate of Kenya’s GDP has already decreased from 6-7% percent to only 2-3%. The people of Kenya are very interested in seeing the country restored to a sense of normalcy.

Bukard Oberle and Sam Kona spoke on the humanitarian efforts going on currently in Kenya. Efforts to supply food and water to the 250,000 displaced and affected have been very successful largely because of the tremendous job of the Kenya Red Cross (KRC) and the WFP. Just today, the WFP, in conjunction with KRC and the Kenya government have distributed food to 77,000 people in the slums of Nairobi, an area where many people are unable to find work due to the political unrest. Since the election, 227,000 beneficiaries have received food rations, 126,000 of which live in the Nairobi slums. Mobil health facilities have been set up and health concerns overall are under control. The main problems which humanitarians face currently are access to many areas because of the violence occurring throughout the country.

Many of the speakers emphasized, it will be a slow process to restore Kenya’s government and economy from this election. It is in restoring Kenyans’ confidence in the democracy that lasting change will occur. The crisis in Kenya signifies a turning point in the country’s history. In the coming years, hopefully there will be institutional and constitutional reform that solidifies democratic ideals. The government must aim high in order to remove the divisions of ethnic groups from politics and to reestablish legitimate democracy. Through the work of the Kenyan government, the UN community, NGO’s and the citizens of Kenya, peace can be restored.

Read the transcript or listen to a recording of this event

For more information:

"Breaking the Stalemate in Kenya"
By Joel D. Barkan, Senior Associate (Non-resident), CSIS Africa Program


The United Nations Development Program Website also has more information on development issues in Africa including democratic governance and crisis prevention and recovery.

http://www.undp.org/africa/

Here is the website for the Kenya UNDP office:

http://www.ke.undp.org/

Sponsor: Center for Strategic and International Studies, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, World Food Program

Location: Center for Strategic and International Studies

Date: January 16, 2008

Time: 10:00-12:00

Approximate Number of Attendees: 200

Intern Attending: Ellen Rolfes

UNHCR Representatives to Sudan and Chad Briefing

Featured Speakers: Chrysantos Ache, UNHCR Representative to Sudan; Serge Male, UNHCR Representative to Chad

The task of UNHCR in Sudan and Chad these days is immense. As the UNHCR Representatives to these countries detailed the progress and obstacles to protecting the vast numbers of refugees and Internally Displaced Persons in this region, they remarked upon the major initiatives that need to be achieved by both the international and development communities.

Though most people characterize the conflict in Sudan as primarily revolving around the Darfur region, Mr. Ache quickly pointed out that this vast country is comprised of 5 distinct regions dealing with their own specific refugee crises – whether it be massive populations of IDPs, camp protection management, or the challenges of refugee reintegration. In order to implement the 3 current peace agreements in Sudan, Mr. Ache argued that the international community must do its best to assist the Sudanese people by conducting a census, holding elections, and calling for a future referendum to decide on the status of Darfur.

While Mr. Male asserted that refugee camps in Chad were up to “international standards,” he stressed that it is up to the development community to assist in the next phase of refugee protection – moving refugees out of these camps and repatriating and reintegrating them back to their homelands. Because of the regionalization of this conflict in Africa, Chad struggles to absorb refugees from not only Sudan, but also the Central African Republic. Mr. Male reiterated that with more attention from the development community these refugees might still live in relative poverty, but could do so with a little more dignity.

Click here to learn more about UNHCR’s work in Sudan and Chad.

Sponsor: Migration Policy Institute

Location: Migration Policy Institute Conference Room

Date: July 18, 2007

Time: 8:30 – 10:30

Approximate Number of Attendees: 40

Intern Attending: Megan Niedermeyer

Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts? Assessing “Whole of Government” Approaches to Fragile States

Featured Speakers: Stewart Patrick, Center for Global Development; Kaysie Brown, Center for Global Development; Dr. Nora Bensahel, Senior Political Scientist, RAND Corporation; Victoria Holt, Henry L. Stimson Center

The recognition in recent years by Western governments that peace and international development are beneficial and interconnected has led to a trend of “whole of government” solutions to problems in fragile states. These solutions involve strategic cooperation among government agencies to address security, government, and development problems in the most effective way possible. Looking at the approaches of seven developed nations, Patrick and Brown’s new book analyzes and evaluates attempts at policy coherence thus far.

“The quest for coherence remains, to say the least, a work in progress,” said Patrick of the book’s general findings. Coordinated strategies are still the exception, not the rule, and even when they are implemented, hurdles still remain in coordinating purpose, action, and funding across military and civilian areas of government. The U.S., said Patrick, is particularly skewed toward military interests in its development priorities. Brown was quick to caution, however, that while many hurdles remain and it is important to take careful note of the book’s criticism, the fact that developed countries are even developing coordinated strategies is monumental. There remains, therefore, a great deal of hope and optimism for the future of comprehensive strategies of government.

Sponsor: The Henry L. Stimson Center

Location: Stimson Center, 1111 19^th Street NW

Date: July 11, 2007

Time: 2-3:30

Approximate Number of Attendees: 50

Intern Attending: Mike Heslin

Beyond Disasters: Creating Opportunities for Peace

Featured Speakers: Zoë Chafe, Worldwatch Institute; Michael Renner, Worldwatch Institute; Anita Sharma, ENOUGH

With natural disasters having doubled in the last two decades, it is more important than ever for policymakers to address disaster relief as comprehensively as possible. Using three case studies, the Aceh province of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Kashmir, Chafe and Renner explored the potential to use disaster relief as an opportunity for conflict resolution.

Natural disasters can provide key opportunities for conflict-riddled areas. According to Michael Renner, post-disaster goodwill often exists on all sides, but it is always short-lived and rarely manifests itself politically. In Aceh, the world’s attention after the 2004 tsunami created the political space both sides needed to resolve the separatist conflict. Speaking from personal experience, Anita Sharma described how equitable aid addressed the basic needs of housing and economic stability—and was backed by publicly transparent donor organizations—allowed the disaster and conflict relief efforts to succeed in Aceh. Conversely, in Sri Lanka and Kashmir, natural disasters were not enough to bring enemy groups together; donor groups in Sri Lanka were left helpless as control of funds already donated became a bitter political issue, and both Indian and Pakistani armies acted like occupiers, not relief forces, in Kashmir. Renner stressed the importance of using indigenous solutions that address core issues surrounding a conflict. Renner promoted the neutralization of anti-peace forces and democratic institution-building, to allow countries to create peaceful environments in which they are able to rebuild.

Sponsor: Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
Location: Wilson Center, 5th Floor Conference Room
Date: June 28, 2007
Time: 12 noon – 2 pm
Approximate Number of Attendees: 40
Intern Attending: Mike Heslin

Turning War into Peace: An Insider’s Story

Featured Speakers: Betty Bigombe, US Institute for Peace (USIP)

Betty Bigombe demonstrates the skill and nerve it takes to mediate negotiations between bitter enemies. In addition to her research on mediation strategies at USIP, Bigombe was instrumental in laying the foundation for peace negotiations between the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and the government of Uganda. Working as a government official and an independent actor Bigombe has endured gender discrimination and threats to her life in order to pursue mediation efforts between these two groups. Bigombe has demonstrated immense courage and insight in what she calls the “art of mediation.”

Currently, Bigombe is writing Turning War into Peace, a book designed as a guide for others working in the field. Bigombe is concerned that the current focus on peacekeeping strategies is limiting the use of effective diplomacy; a tool, which Bigombe argues can prevent a conflict from escalating in the first place. Even though she was unable to halt the war between the government and the LRA, she hopes that her personal account will help future mediators to pursue their mission with better insight and preparation.

Sponsor: United States Institute for Peace
Location: 1200 17th St. NW
Date: June 15, 2007
Time: 12:30- 2:00pm
Approximate Number of Attendees: 45
Intern Attending: Alexandra Martins

Post-Conflict Reconstruction: Engaging Civil Society in Reform

Featured Speakers: Rep. Alcee L. Hastings, Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe; Ambassador John Herbst; John D. Sullivan, CIPE; Hamidullah Farooqi, Afghanistan International Chamber of Commerce; Jafar Javan, UNDP; Martin Tisne, Tiery.

Moderator: Oscar DeSoto, U.S. Department of State.

In his opening remarks, Rep. Alcee Hastings stated that the “social fabric of a country has to heal” before reconstruction efforts can be fully effective. He added that future peace in post-conflict countries also depends on an active civil society. Panelists emphasized the need to engage national actors and implement local capacity building to facilitate post-conflict development. The work of diplomats, military personnel and development actors is essential, but even more important is the effective transition of countries from international assistance to local capacity.

When it comes to addressing national security issues, post-conflict reconstruction is beginning to take center stage. Ambassador John Herbst described the work of the Office of Reconstruction and Stabilization (s/CRS) in responding to the challenge of post-conflict recovery, a focus area which has thus far been underemphasized within the State Department. The main goal of this office is to build civilian capacity that can effectively operate alongside the U.S. military. The Ambassador stressed the need for ensuring that this new capacity remains out of the hands of the Pentagon, given that U.S. foreign policy has become overly militarized. He added that s/CRS is looking to cooperate with the UN Peacebuilding Commission in implementing its reconstruction programs in the field.

Sponsor: The Center for International Private Enterprise

Location: Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2255

Date: June 12, 2007

Time: 9:00am-12:00pm

Approximate Number of Attendees: 30

Intern Attending: Alexandra Martins

Peacebuilding in Iraq and Afghanistan: Building Security from the Ground Up

Featured Speakers: Samuel Rizk, Forum for Development; Hero Anwar, REACH; Jana El Horr, American Islamic Congress; Hamid Arsalan, Eastern Mennonite University.


The objective of this panel was to hear from four individuals working on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan, because of the amount of “policy buzz” around the Hill and lack of general public visibility of the situation.

Samuel Rizk from the Forum for Development started the panel by speaking about his experiences in Middle East communities. He explained that he has been working with media communication to encourage peace in Iraq. To encourage accurate media communication he has worked to relay regional experience to national and grassroots organizations, created 3-year contracts with organizations to work on conflict resolution and coordinated a network to build sustainable partnerships. The goal of these efforts has been to reintegrate people into the society that was demolished by the terrorist overhaul and dictatorial government. Some of Rizk’s efforts have included: establishment of the Dalia Center and the Youth Art Exchange program. The Dalia Center is a small project with the ultimate goal of encouraging cross-boundary (ethnic, religious and social) cooperation. The Youth Exchange program promotes peace from the group up by engaging Iraqi children in theater, art and music exchanges with Lebanese youth. Rizk concluded his presentation by suggesting foreign troops be withdrawn from Iraq because there is truly no room for political development when foreign troops are present.

Hero Anwar followed Rizk with a presentation on her organization, REACH, and its role in grassroots peacebuilding. Anwar explained that REACH programs target marginalized, poor and vulnerable groups to help them find ways to constructively discuss their needs that lead to collaboration instead of conflict. REACH also works to improve household economies for independent economic productivity and to assist in the development of civil society. Currently, Anwar has projects working with water and sanitation, microcredit, sustainable agriculture practices, development of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and building civil society institutions. One example is REACH’s CBO Network, which was created to encourage different religions to gather around common needs. This network is especially important because REACH is not associated with a political party and thus is able to maintain a neutral standing.

Jana El Horr of the American Islamic Congress followed Anwar with suggestions about how US organizations can help. El Horr explained that the US approach to development and aid is often from a “top-down” mentality, whereas bottom-up approaches are too frequently forgotten. Working from the bottom up, we can empower Muslims to speak out against human rights violations and cultivate a sense of basic human rights in their communities. Currently, with the disconnect between NGOs and civil society, there is no collaborative approach to encourage this type of thinking. El Horr hopes that by uniting benevolent forces, we can expedite the peace process.

Hamid Arsalan emphasized several of the same ideas regarding the importance of peacebuilding from the ground up. The process needs to be initiated and carried out by the people of Afghanistan to ensure sustainable rebuilding efforts and restoration. Arsalan mentioned that UN involvement may be the only way to peace. Specialized agencies such as the United Nations High Commission on Refugees (UNHCR) are familiar with doing this type of work and are designed to allocate their budget to promote peace-building in conflict zones which consistently displacing more and more individuals. This is especially important because the international community as a whole has had trouble trying to intervene and help with peace-building because of the serious security threats in the most highly affected zones.

Arsalan made six distinct policy recommendations:

1) Implementation of community development projects
2) Build human dignity through self-reliance, a key to overcoming other issues
3) Prepare communities for women’s education through UNICEF
4) Create education projects that are tied into economic development
5) Develop strong collaboration with a USAID presence
6) Actively involve civil society leaders

He hopes that through these specific changes to current policy in Afghanistan, we can involve the Afghan people in developing their own peace and security policies.

Location & Sponsor: Friends Committee on National Legislation
Date: June 7, 2007
Time: 12:00-1:30pm
Approximate Number of Attendees: 30
Intern Attending: Elysa Severinghaus

The United Nations Peacebuilding Commission: Visions and Challenges

Featured Speakers: Carolyn McAskie, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General for Peacebuilding Support; Moderated by Howard Wolpe, Director, Africa Program and Project on Leadership and Building State Capacity, Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars.

How should the United Nations pass the torch from crisis to development actors? Speaker Carolyn McAskie’s depiction of a “UN relay race” addressed this question in describing the capacities of the newly formed UN Peacebuilding Commission (PBC). The PBC’s mission is to propose integrated strategies for post-conflict recovery, yet with 31 member states it is difficult to decide upon a clear definition of policy. There is, however, consensus on the need to bridge the gap between peacekeeping missions and post-conflict humanitarian operations.

The PBC currently has projects in Burundi and Sierra Leone, though it is looking to expand this list. These countries were referred by the Security Council at their own request, a protocol which all countries seeking assistance must follow. McAskie’s definition of success in these countries is “turning the idea of sustained attention into concrete presence,” though she acknowledged that this is difficult to measure. The fruits of the PBC’s labor are not likely to appear for 5 or more years after the conflict has ended. Lack of funding remains a challenge in this process. The initial Multi-donor Trust Fund was set at $250 million, with no continued commitment from member states. The PBC’s future goal is to secure the same resources for peacebuilding as peacekeeping. In addition, the PBC wishes to function as a knowledge repository, pooling the expertise of the donor and research communities, and eventually as a general advisory body.

More information can be found at http://www.un.org/peace/peacebuilding/.


Sponsor: Woodrow Wilson Center
Location: 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue
Date: June 11th, 2007
Time: 3:00-4:00pm
Approximate Number of Attendees: 35
Intern Attending: Alexandra Martins

The Evolving Role of Humanitarian Assistance: Case Study of Afghanistan

Featured Speakers: Rick Corsino, United Nations World Food Programme Afghanistan Eric Meissner; Former USAID Advisor to the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force Afghanistan (CJSOTF-A); John Patten, International Medical Corps; Kim Maynard, International Rescue Committee

Moderator: Rick Barton, CSIS

The panel, comprised of members with extensive experience in Afghanistan, provided an overview of humanitarian and military operations currently stationed there. The amount of red, or ‘no-go’, areas in the southern reaches of Afghanistan have expanded in recent months, making it difficult for relief agencies to provide services to those in desperate need of food, shelter and health care. Because of these conditions, Provincial Response Teams which are militarily trained stand alone in these areas and are desperate for inter-agency assistance. Because of the instability in Afghanistan these teams have been the most effective; however, stabilization is only the first step. There is a clear need for more development is needed to ensure that secure areas do not relapse once Special Forces depart.

The panelists articulated two areas of future focus: greater interagency cooperation and local-level consultative projects. The current disconnect between military and civilian operations make it difficult to achieve a holistic approach to humanitarian assistance. Greater coordination will allow specialized agencies to focus on needs they address best.

With regard to long-term impact, a consultative approach is essential to ensuring that Afghans can manage their own country once foreign actors hand over control to local authorities. The National Solidarity Program, a country-wide initiative created to increase Afghan involvement in the decision-making process, has found that local efforts are most effective. The International Rescue Committee, for example, has facilitated elections with local Community Development Councils, which give Afghans experience with democratic processes as well as local responsibilities. These interactions have shown that working with communities is the most effective way to assess needs and implement useful projects. Once these systems are operationalized, humanitarian actors should focus their work on transitioning power into local hands.

Sponsor: CSIS Post-Conflict Reconstruction Project
Location: CSIS
Date: June 7, 2007
Time: 10:00-11:30AM
Approximate Number of Attendees: 40
Intern Attending: Alexandra Martins