Efficacy of Local Peace Building Structures, Mechanisms and Practices: A Comparative analysis of Kenya and Rwanda
- June 23, 2022
- Posted by: rsispostadmin
- Categories: IJRISS, Social Science
International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume VI, Issue VI, June 2022 | ISSN 2454–6186
Susan Namaemba Kimokoti
Department of Peace and Conflict Studies, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
P.O Box 190-50100 Kakamega, KENYA
Abstract: The term peace building entered the international lexicon in 1992 when UN Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali defined it in an Agenda for Peace “action to identify and support structures which tend to strengthen and solidify peace to avoid a relapse into conflict.” Since then, peace building has become a catchall concept, encompassing multiple (and at times contradictory) perspectives and agendas. Studies on peacebuilding detailing their successes and limitations are abundant. Indications of substantial improvements have been made over the years, however, most scholars note that there are still considerable gaps in the development of concepts, policies and practice. Currently, peacebuilding efforts, actors, and coordination in most countries are mixed. There are various multi-stakeholder peacebuilding efforts coordinated by different groups with varying levels of membership, leadership, effectiveness, and impact. There are also varying degrees of trust, suspicion, and often competition for resources amongst the various networks and groups. This paper comparatively seeks to interrogate the practicability and efficacy of local peacebuilding practices, mechanisms as opposed to the formal negotiating table between Kenya and Rwanda. It problematizes the application of western liberal peace models at grassroots level. The aim is to illustrate specific participatory local peace building mechanisms with more attention on the role and efficacy of community led peace building within post-conflict communities.
Key Words: Gacaca, Genocide, peace building, conflict, grassroots, Rwanda, Community
I.INTRODUCTION
Violent conflict is a worldwide and ancient phenomenon. Reimann (2008) postulates that conflict generates fear and uncertainty in the society, it interferes with the quality and normalcy of life, impacts people’s livelihoods, causing displacements, as well as cause harm and kill people. These ugly results causes anxiety to everyone, including those in authorities and the community at large. As global comprehension of state formation and conflict grew, there was need for the UN and other bodies to begin to come up with peacebuilding as a component on its own.
The shift by the United Nations (UN) to expand beyond traditional peacekeeping into multidimensional peacekeeping with UN personnel actively engaging in efforts to transform conflict and bring about durable peace has aimed at achieving a level of reconstruction and reconciliation in which national
