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Key Text Dilemmas And Definitions In Post-Conflict Rehabilitation

Author: A Higazi
Date: 2003
Size: 4 pages (82 KB)

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Summary

What are the major dilemmas of post-conflict reconstruction, and how can the European Union (EU) respond? This paper from the European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM) discusses this question in the light of an ECDPM research project on assistance to six conflict-affected African countries. It argues there needs to be a higher tolerance of risk in post-conflict programmes and that flexibility, responsiveness and high levels of co-ordination are essential.

The research project analysed the successes and shortcomings of EU rehabilitation and their implementation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, Burundi, Guinea-Bissau, Somalia and Sudan. It included interviews with field offices of the principal EU donors; members of governments, political groups and civil society groups from the countries concerned; as well as officials at the European Commission (EC), member states and the United Nations.

Two important dilemmas are when to engage, and which strategic approach is best to tackle the complexities of conflict. The research suggests:

Rehabilitation programmes should start as early as possible. This is to address both immediate humanitarian needs and support longer term political, economic and social development that tackles the underlying causes of conflict.
It is important to move away from linear conceptions of conflict and rehabilitation and to respond to situations of much greater volatility. Rehabilitation should integrate relief and development.
In terms of strategic considerations, adaptations to link relief, rehabilitation and development are particularly important. Strategic planning is best provided by a broad framework approach, rather than detailed programming, and this should be multidimensional and flexible.
A participatory approach is essential to keep track of the population’s needs, as weakened state structures cannot direct resources efficiently. This means assistance has to be directed through local actors, which in turn requires deconcentrating decision-making to delegations.
As causes and consequences of conflicts usually have regional dimensions, rehabilitation strategies need to be regional in scope.

The specific institutional qualities required for the effective implementation of rehabilitation strategies are: Flexibility, responsiveness and very high levels of co-ordination between units and policymakers at different levels. These arrangements allow for responses to changing situations on the ground, and for comprehensive regional strategies to be implemented.

The EC needs to develop more integrated institutional responses to conflict. This is most difficult to achieve in divided countries where the necessity of separate mandates has hampered integration.
There also needs to be a coherent political response at the level of the EU. Without political backing within the commission or among member states, there can be no EU response at all.
Many problems in this respect stem from the tension between foreign policy and development policy: The strategic interests of donors can diverge from the development needs of conflict-affected countries. This is further complicated by the lack of coherence between foreign policies of different member states.
Management procedures need to be adapted to accept risk and try to minimise it without compromising operational effectiveness. This can be difficult, especially in cases of media and public scrutiny where immediate and concrete results are expected. Achievements need to be seen relative to the particular situation rather than in absolute terms.

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Source: Higazi, A., 2003, Dilemmas And Definitions In Post-Conflict Rehabilitation, European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM), Maastricht
Author: European Centre for Development Policy Management (ECDPM), http://www.ecdpm.org