Mr. Habib Mayar talking points on Rebuilding Hope- Advancing Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development in Africa – 03 July 2024

Question:

In light of the g7+ engagements and interventions, what are the successful examples of implemented programmatic approaches/interventions and partnership that can inform and support the implementation of the AU PCRD Policy and contribute to resilience-building efforts across the continent?

Suggested Answers:

1.  In the outset, I would like to emphasize that the very principles of the AU’s PCRD policy are assurance for its success given these principles are realized. They include African leadership, national and local ownership, inclusiveness, equity and non-discrimination, cooperation and cohesion, and capacity building for sustainability.

2. These are principles that the g7+ have always advocated for and indeed stands for these principles in our global discourse.

3. In addition, experiences from the g7+ countries and around the world have shown that post conflict-reconstruction and development take firmer roots on the process of national truth, reconciliation and dialogue. While I am not sure what has been the explicit policies of the AU, dialogue and reconciliation pursue national cohesion and unity which guarantees prevention of conflict that many conflict affected countries are prone to.

Successful Examples of Programmatic Approaches/Interventions and Partnerships by the g7+
Country-Led Fragility Assessments embedded in the principles of New Deal for engagement in fragile states have been effective tool to identify the root causes of fragility, involving local communities, government institutions, and international partners. It Provided a clear understanding of the country’s vulnerabilities and informed the development of targeted interventions, aligning national priorities with international support.

• Economic Empowerment and Job Creation Initiatives such as Afghanistan National Solidarity Program focused on the community-driven development projects to create jobs and build local infrastructures. This helps in empowering local communities, provided economic opportunities, and reduced the appeal of insurgent groups by addressing economic grievances.
• Partnerships envisioned on farsighted goals of self-reliance, lasting peace and sustainable development. The New Deal compacts were partnership frameworks (such as that in Somalia) were supposed to coordinate development efforts and strengthen the country leadership. It has helped in aligning and international support to the national priorities.
• Facilitating regional dialogues and cooperation among African countries to address cross-border issues and share best practices will help in regional stability and security. The continent of Africa is bestowed with natural potential that can spur regional growth and development.
• In the current geo-political and geo economic fragmentation, mobilizing international support and resources through partnerships with international organizations, donors, and the private sector are key factors to pursue resilience.
• Integrating Peacebuilding into National Development Plans. AU needs to encourage countries to incorporate peacebuilding goals into their national development strategies and plans. The HDP nexus….!
• Finally National ownership and leadership are critical for the success of peacebuilding and development initiatives. Ensuring that local actors are at the forefront of planning and implementation enhances the sustainability and effectiveness of interventions.

By leveraging these successful approaches and lessons learned, the g7+ can significantly contribute to the implementation of the AU PCRD Policy and resilience-building efforts across the African continent.