Conflict, reconstruction, and reciprocal lessons for NGOs in Africa and Central America

Overview

This symposium, co-hosted by the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR) and the South Africa Office of Oxfam, drew together individuals and organisations working in the areas of violence, conflict and peace-building. Here, Thompson presents a comparative study of reconciliation and reconstruction processes in post-conflict Central America and Southern Africa. She identifies successes and failures, suggesting alternatives, and particularly criticises the tendency of multilateral agencies, especially the UNDP and USAID, to apply reconstruction packages irrespective of context, and, in Central America, to neglect the parallel need for reconciliatory initiatives. The demobilisation and re-integration of ex-combatants is specifically considered.

This article is hosted by our co-publisher Taylor & Francis.