Partnerships needed for post-conflict reconstruction

Almost half of all African countries, and over one in three African people, are directly or indirectly affected by conflicts. Helping them put their lives back together requires more than aid, it involves a more strategic vision of reconstruction, according to a new World Bank (WB) study.

Co-author, Xavier Devictor told IRIN that the study aimed to stimulate discussion both within the region and with key partners on post-conflict issues in Africa.

"Building on years of involvement on the continent the study suggests strategies the Bank may undertake to help post-conflict countries get on the road to peace and sustainable development," he said. In fact, the study significantly departs from prior reports by suggesting that the institution re-think its ad hoc approach to post-conflict assistance.

The report pointed out that Africa did not have a monopoly on war and conflict. But a number of fault lines have contributed to the present conflicts: colonialism, religious and cultural differences, poverty and the unexpected boom in the population across the continent.

However, according to Devictor, the biggest threat to stability in some African countries was ironically its wealth. Recent research has shown a close correlation between the risk of conflict and the predation of natural resources.

"That is, the possibility for rebel groups to either exploit natural resources or to easily tax their production and transport," Devictor explained. "Conflict happens more frequently and lasts longer in countries rich in minerals resources, such as diamonds and oil, where greed may cause and fuel conflict."

The Bank has been supplying financial aid to African countries emerging from conflict since the mid-1980s. The study suggests that the Bank broaden its focus from the reconstruction of infrastructure to overall economic recovery.

"Beyond demobilisation and reintegration programmes, the Bank should increase its support for community-based reconstruction. Intervention must happen across a broad range of activities - political, military, economic, humanitarian," the study said.

At the top of the list of recommendations is the need for sustained peace and stability.

"In many cases the political and social condition remain fragile. Political disputes are not fully addressed, while warring factions are not always demilitarised. Authorities often lack the capacity and sometimes the legitimacy, to revive the economy and address the most urgent needs."

Although economic asssitance can contribute significantly to peace and stability, it cannot ensure it, the report added.

The study also re-iterated the need for early engagement in post-conflict countries.

"These may occur when a political or military agreement has just been concluded, when a new leader emerges, when conflict fatigue is setting in, or when the military balance has decisively shifted," the study read.

"Currently Angola presents the Bank the perfect opportunity to take the suggestions of early intervention seriously. There is a chance for the Bank to overhaul its image. Often political situations become extremely convoluted as time goes by, making it difficult for to remedy the problem," political analyst, Dinesh Ramnarain at the University of Durban-Westville told IRIN.

It is essential to understand the origins of the conflict, the study said.

"It's no use just jumping in early without understanding what one is jumping into. It defeats the purpose. Any post-conflict interventions need to take into consideration the legacy of the war. A certain sense of sensitivy is essential if the Bank's involvement is to be perceived as credible. Up until recently, the Bank has been seen a very rich but absent parent," Ramnarian added.

In most cases countries emerging from war do not have an economic infrastructure. The study suggests that the jump starting of the economy is crucial to the recovery process.

"Most of the frustration felt in countries just emerging from war can be traced to the long wait before the population can see any real change in their lives. This has a lot to do with the economy. People who have to surrender their guns have to be assured that there is something else waiting for them," independent political analyst, Majakhatha Mokoena, told IRIN.

The Bank warns, however, against blanket assistance that does not consider the specific needs of the country. Moreover, it advises against initiating new lending in countries already in arrears.

Most analysts agreed that the most promising recommendation of the study was the suggestion that post-conflict situations need broad and effective partnerships.

Senior political researcher at the Pretoria-based Institute for Security Studies, Haneli de Beer said: "After years of telling the World Bank that it ought to implement a broad based strategy of consultation, it finally looks as if they are listening. Non-governmental organisations and other interest groups need to be involved all the way until peace is secured."

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