Initiative on capitalising on endogenous capacities for conflict prevention and governance Volume 1

Transcription

1 Initiative on capitalising on endogenous capacities for conflict prevention and governance Volume 1 Report of the Initiative s launching workshop and Working perspectives SAH/D(2005)554 October

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3 Contents CHAPTER I. REPORT ON THE INITIATIVE S LAUNCHING WORKSHOP AND PRIORITY ACTIONS FOR RATIONALE, FOCUS AND OBJECTIVES OPENING CEREMONY PRESENTATION OF THE INITIATIVE ON CAPITALISING ON ENDOGENOUS CAPACITIES The Initiative within the SWAC s Governance Programme The Initiative s Role and Substance The various stages of the Initiative SESSIONS THEMES PRESENTATIONS AND DISCUSSIONS RECOMMENDATIONS Phases I and II: assessment, studies and analyses of the Initiative Phase III: Valorisation CLOSING CEREMONY WORKING PERSPECTIVES: PRIORITY ACTIONS FOR IMPROVING KNOWLEDGE OF ENDOGENOUS CAPABILITIES, SUPPORT FOR THEIR DIFFUSION AND FOR STRENGTHENING THEIR USE INVOLVING THE REGION S YOUNG PEOPLE INVOLVING WOMEN IN THE REGION AND DEVELOPING THEIR ROLE AND POSITION WITH REGARD TO UPDATING AND IMPLEMENTING ENDOGENOUS CAPACITIES IN CONFLICT PREVENTION AND GOVERNANCE DEVELOPING DIALOGUE AND INFORMED DEBATE ON MODES OF GOVERNANCE CHAPTER II. ANNEXES AGENDA INTERVENTION OF NORMAND LAUZON, DIRECTOR, SAHEL AND WEST AFRICA CLUB (SWAC) SPEECH BY SUNHILT SCHUMACHER, DEPUTY DIRECTOR, SWAC SECRETARIAT CLOSING SPEECH BY HIS EXCELLENCY EL HADJI THIERNO HABIB DIALLO, MINISTER OF COOPERATION VOTE OF THANKS FINAL LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

4 Volume 2: Working documents of the Conakry s Workshop Session 1 «A method of prevention and regulation in West Africa: Kinship of pleasantry» 1. Kinship of pleasantry: historical origin, preventative and regulatory role in West Africa. Mr. Djibril Tamsir Niane, historian and writer Republic of Guinea. 2. The ʺMaatʺ kinship of pleasantry or the reign of the original model for social harmony; Mr. Babacar Sedikh Diouf, scholar of traditions, Union of Writers in National Languages Senegal. Session 2 «Endogenous culture, strategies and mechanisms of mediation» 1. African diplomacy and mediation culture in Africa. Mr. Seydina Oumar Sy, diplomat, former Minister for Foreign Affairs Senegal 2. Conflict Prevention and Mediation Experiences and Mechanisms in Forest Guinea. Mr. Tolo Beavogui, diplomat, historian Republic of Guinea 3. Traditional mechanisms and socio cultural strategies for resolving conflict: the story of Aguene and Diambone. Mr. Saliou Sambou, administrateur civil, governor of Dakar Senegal. Session 3 «Endogenous forms and methods of governance in West Africa» 1. African political science: a few areas of discussion. Prof. Pathé Diagne, historian, linguist Senegal. 2. African endogenous mechanisms for governance and conflict prevention. Prof. Honorat Aguessy, Anthropologist Benin. 3. African endogenous mechanisms for governance and conflict prevention. Mr. Gani Yoroms, political scientist, National War College. Abuja Nigeria. 4. African endogenous mechanisms for conflict prevention and settlement. Mr. Bakary Fofana, Director, CECIDE; Conakry Guinea. 5. Endogenous African capacities in conflict governance. Prof. Basile Guissou, former Minister, director CNRST Burkina Faso. 6. Indications from the history and culture of West African Societies on the role of women in prevention and governance. Mrs. Djibrilla Maiga, Réseau des femmes Mali. 7. Traditional power and local governance: the case of Ghana. Emmanuel Kwesi Aning & Prosper Nii Nortey Addo 8. Traditional power and local governance: the Nigerian experience. Mr. Momoh Lawani Yésufu. Sahel and West Africa Club Le Seine Saint-Germain, 4, boulevard des Îles, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France Postal Address: 2, rue André-Pascal Paris, France Tel Fax sahel.contact@oecd.org Website: 4

5 Chapter I. Report on the Initiative s launching workshop and priority actions for 2006 The OECD s Sahel and West Africa Club organised a workshop in Conakry, Guinea, from 9 to 11 March 2005 launching the INITIATIVE ON CAPITALISING ON AFRICAN ENDOGENOUS CAPACITIES FOR GOVERNANCE AND CONFLICT PREVENTION. This meeting brought together approximately sixty participants researchers, representatives of civil society, traditionalists, diplomats and State officials from thirteen West African countries and France, where OECD Headquarters is located. 1. Rationale, focus and objectives West Africa is a region endowed with significant material and cultural wealth. However, the use of this wealth is compromised by recurrent armed conflicts and crisis in governance that paralyse the functioning of West African states and undermine regional stability. West African countries and societies are, among others, characterised by the trans nationality of certain cultural values, institutions or traditional approaches to politics. In many societies, the management of social and political contradictions linked to differences is based on a cultural code, mechanisms and strategies intended to limit conflict within the margins of balance of the collective social framework and/or that of the institution. Some social actors are exclusively custodians of predictive powers, while others are vested with preventive powers. These two functions may also be merged. The power of mediation and/or interposition has been passed on to certain social actors (exclusively so or more than others). What are these powers and how can they help prevent and settle current conflicts? It is appropriate to highlight the reality of these phenomena for West African societies. However, the diversity of their preventive and mediating approaches should be taken into account. For example, between individuals and various groups there are cultural mechanisms and strategies agreed upon to simulate contradictions in order to deter potential violence that can affect their internal or neighbouring relations. The so called kinship of pleasantry addresses these socio cultural regulatory phenomena. There are several hypotheses as to its origin. One of which is documented by historiography. The work of this initiative has sought to describe this mechanism but in such a way that clarifies its function in governance and conflict prevention. 5

6 In some societies, there is also a role or an interposition of power or mediation devolved to women, or to a specified category of women and/or other social components. While not limiting the issue only to the building and strengthening of peace and democracy, the interposition of power or mediation devolved to women should be highlighted and capitalised on because of their great social value and topicality. This initiative strives to put this approach into concrete terms is set out in the orientations of the Sahel and West Africa Club s 2005/2007 Work Plan which integrates two of the key questions below: (i) What are the endogenous capacities of Africans as regards conflict prevention, sociopolitical regulation and governance? (ii) How can these capacities be emphasised within the political and cultural heritage of West Africans? How can they contribute to face the challenges and manage the risks? (iii) How can they contribute to adapting governance strategies and principles in the West African socio cultural and political contexts? (iv) What adjustments could be made to enable current governance practices to support positive dynamics of change at the local, national and regional levels? The SWAC Secretariat draws from the assumption that Heads of State, governments, party leaders and other actors in West Africa are for the most part aware of the precepts of good political and economic governance which are generally recognised. However, the effectiveness of these principles, through their appropriation and application, is often problematic. Many factors could explain this situation, of which the issue of their adaptation to the African sociocultural context is one of the most important. The reference to African cultures and societies does not always guarantee good governance practices. But it emphasises that their history, heritage and current usages still need closer examination. The participants were invited to identify enduring conflict prevention principles, rules and practices, which could also be used within a system of balanced governance. The following questions were raised to focus the workshop s discussions on these concerns: What are the strategic resources provided by the cultural heritage of West African societies with regard to conflict prevention and socio political regulation? What are the strategies needed to capitalise on the region s endogenous capacities? Four main objectives were proposed to the workshop participants: 1) Identify endogenous capacities as regards governance; 2) Bring to the forefront endogenous conflict prevention mechanisms and strategies; 3) Indicate the types of actions likely to capitalise on these mechanisms and strategies; 4) Propose strategies in order to implement them. 6

7 2. Opening ceremony The workshop was declared open on 9 March 2005 in Conakry at the Mariador Palace Hotel. The opening ceremony was presided over by the Guinean authorities, represented by Mr. Kiridi BANGOURA, Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation, and Mr. El Hadji Thierno Habib DIALLO, Minister of Cooperation. Representatives of the G8 countries and the European Union present in Conakry as well as ECOWAS member countries ambassadors also attended the opening ceremony. Representatives from thirteen countries (Burkina Faso, Benin, Cape Verde, Côte d Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal), three international institutions, six research institutes and civil society were also present. In their opening speeches, the two Guinean Ministers emphasised the following, among other issues: - The importance of conflict prevention based on the endogenous capacities of African societies; - The need to pay great attention to the analytical approach to conflict not only in its impact but also its significance; - The need to avoid isolating the local and endogenous from the global dimension; - The relevance of nation building in the region today and the challenges that this brings, notably in the importance of promoting the rule of law ; - The need for economic development to succeed by combining domestic and endogenous possibilities with an opening towards the outside world and with the support of international cooperation. Mr. Normand Lauzon, Director of the Sahel and West Africa Club/OECD thanked the Guinean authorities for their warm welcome and for their participation at the workshop and then presented the Sahel and West Africa Club (SWAC) Secretariat s work. He emphasised the Club s commitment to balanced development in the region, its role as an interface between OECD Member countries and West African States and actors. He also broached the major challenges facing the region including the vital question of where and how will the 430 million inhabitants live in 15 years. To help clarify this perspective through its analysis, provide support to actors and to the region s capacity to handle its own problems, the Club du Sahel, which in 2001 became the Sahel and West Africa Club, is organised into four units. The Governance, Conflict Dynamics, Peace and Security Unit is in charge of the development and implementation of the initiative on capitalising on endogenous capacities for Governance and Conflict Prevention. 7

8 3. Presentation of the Initiative on capitalising on endogenous capacities This Initiative was introduced by Mr. Massaër DIALLO, Head of the Governance, Conflict Dynamics, Peace and Security Unit. He presented the initiative within the context of the Sahel and West Africa Club Secretariat s Work Plan and then described its structure and defined the different stages in its implementation. 3.1 The Initiative within the SWAC s Governance Programme During the period , the Governance and Conflict Prevention Programme is focusing on four areas: 1) The ECOWAS Supplementary Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, whose ratification and implementation is an important objective. 2) Work on Capitalising on African Endogenous Capacities for Governance and Conflict Prevention Initiative. 3) Network coordinated actions, dialogue and advocacy for democratic governance of the security sector in West Africa. 4) Co organising a Forum on political parties, the media and civil society in West Africa. 3.2 The Initiative s Role and Substance Mr. Diallo s presentation highlighted three key points: 1 Contextualising governance Mr. Diallo underscored that it is essential to examine concepts and principles within West African socio cultural, political and historical frameworks which for a very long time have been characterised by values, practices, institutions and various traditions. Taking into account the West African context is not an alibi for poor governance practices based on cultural and civilisation differences. It targets the need to identify the constraints and incidences among the forms and modes of governance and conflict prevention. 2 Involving African actors and notably those in West Africa Governance issues must not be perceived simply as an exogenous conditionality for financing but also an intrinsic need for societies, countries, and regional institutions which require stability, balance and performance in order to establish democracy, sustainable peace, poverty reduction and attaining social well being. The underscoring of governance stakes must facilitate the involvement of various types of actors in the (re)discovering and capitalisation on good practices and endogenous capacities. 8

9 3 The need to operationalise governance issues by: a) Promoting dialogue between what is endogenous and what is exogenous and capitalising on internal endogenous capacities while supporting the promotion of a sustainable dynamic and good governance. b) Establishing synergies between four levels of governance, i.e.: Global governance by the UN and multilateral organisations (World Bank, IMF, WTO) encouraging poverty reduction strategies and the fight against insecurity and underdevelopment; Regional governance (ECOWAS, African Union); National governance at State level; Local governance involving locally elected officials, local institutions, civil society and citizens. This coordination is needed to provide Africa and its western region all the chances and opportunities to mobilise optimally all of its governance capacities to assist the development of peace and democracy. In the context of globalisation, endogenous capacities and governance must be highlighted, strengthened and capitalised on, for these are part of Africa s institutional and political heritage, bequeathed by its history and culture. These capacities are not only reduced to traditional heritage but also incorporate the political social and cultural experiences of the last 50 years with lessons from which actors can learn. 3.3 The various stages of the Initiative The Initiative s implementation is envisaged in three phases: Assessment of the present situation Endogenous principles, rules, mechanisms and strategies enabling conflict prevention and sustainable and effective practices of good governance must be identified and highlighted. The workshop launching the initiative in Conakry constitutes an important first step. The assessment aims among others to be aware of the current level of understanding of the forms and endogenous modes of governance and conflict prevention. This must lead to recommendations concerning the types and nature of possible work needed to strengthen and broaden this understanding. The assessment must help shed more light on the degree of intensity and practicality of the identified capacities within the current West African sociopolitical contexts. A meeting of experts can contribute, if needed, to the finalisation of this first phase Studies and analyses, informed debate: Studies may be carried out on the specific and common aspects of governance and the prevention of violent conflicts among different societies in the region. These studies must help capitalise on the experience and knowledge of various actors as regards their status and function. 9

10 Consultation or restitution workshops, if needed, would also ensure or contribute to the attainment of such an objective while mobilising various complementary expertise. The kinship of pleasantry system will possibly be addressed in these workshops only with a view to endogenous governance. Informed debates which have a four fold objective: Put forward the result of the work carried out on endogenous governance capacities as a basis for strategic thinking and regional actors validation; Involve regional actors in the capitalisation activities; Develop a dialogue between endogenous and exogenous modes of governance; Provide OECD Member countries with a better understanding and an awareness of African potentials and capacities in this sector. The following issues, among others could be part of an informed debate: a) The reality and level of effectiveness of some African traditional conflict prevention mechanisms and strategies; b) The contribution of endogenous mediation capacities in seeking solutions to crises which are currently affecting West Africa; c) African traditional powers and national and local political governance. In order to build a system adapted to democratic governance, obstacles and assets within the surviving structures and mechanisms from West African traditional power must be identified; d) Democratic citizenship put to the test of cultural diversity; e) Endogenous motivating and mobilising levers of various populations in poverty reduction; f) The democratic principle of majority and the tradition of consensus: the impact of socio cultural data on the rooting of democracy in West Africa; g) Public goods, national interest and communities solidarity: governance put to the test of socio cultural facts Capitalisation strategy The forms and capitalisation strategies on African heritage must be identified as regards conflict prevention and governance which are likely to reverberate and involve actors of the region within their various positions and roles. In many of the region s endogenous political systems, Africa s social and cultural traditions are marked by the importance of participatory and consensual approaches, for instance, while dealing with community related issues. These qualities must be emphasised within the context of strengthening of democracy, the need for inclusion as regards governance and the involvement of the young in active citizenship. With adequate data made available from historical experience, various activities will be able to contribute to capitalising on endogenous achievements, notably by: 10

11 Advocacy and awareness raising activities supporting civil society and aimed in particular at the youth and women; The dissemination of various scientific and cultural information mediums carried out on the capacities and successful prevention experiences and endogenous governance; Collaboration with ECOWAS, the region s civil society, research institutes and the media will contribute at the regional level to the dissemination of the results and their appropriation by most of the actors including states and communities; Restitution meetings, exchanges and capitalisation involving regional, sub regional, national and local actors could be envisaged. The Conakry Workshop is the first activity in the launching of this Initiative and is one of the first phases of an assessment to be carried out. 4. Sessions themes The workshop was divided into four sessions at which documents were presented for each theme. A discussion followed the presentation of each document; the sessions examined the following themes: First session: Conflict prevention and regulation method in West Africa: Pleasantry; Kinship of Second session: Endogenous culture, strategies and mechanisms of mediation; Third session: Endogenous forms and methods of governance in West Africa; Fourth session: Synthesis discussion and development of a strategy capitalising on endogenous capacities for conflict prevention and governance. These themes served as a framework to develop presentations focusing on the following issues: 1) Origin and roles of kinship of pleasantry; 2) Specificity of African diplomacy; 3) Capitalising on Africa s culture of mediation including at the diplomatic level; 4) Women s roles in conflict prevention and governance through history; 5) Managing political power: a few indications from history; 6) Traditional governance and conflict prevention mechanisms in West Africa; 7) Endogenous types of governance in West Africa; 8) Traditional power and local governance through the examples of Nigeria and Ghana. 11

12 5. Presentations and discussions Introductory statements which were made available in advance served as the basis to introduce the various themes addressed at the meeting. Session One: Kinship of pleasantry: A prevention and regulation method in West Africa Mr. Saliou SAMBOU, civil administrator, Governor of Dakar, Senegal, provided a paper reporting on the Aguène et Diambogne association experience which was supported by Senegal. It illustrates the values and principles of the cousinship of pleasantry in order to develop a socio cultural mediation and how it can contribute to finding a peaceful solution to the Casamance crisis. The other documents addressed the following issues: - Kinship of pleasantry: historical origin, preventive and regulatory function in West Africa by Mr. Djibril Tamsir NIANE, Historian and writer. - Kinship of pleasantry within the Senegambia by Mr. Babacar Sedikh DIOUF, Serere Tradition Expert. Most conflicts in Africa arise due to poor governance, social injustice, cultural frustrations and rivalries or greed linked to political power. The analysis of conflicts so as to understand their origins as well as their dynamics in order to find a solution must give great importance to the understanding and encouragement strategies for peace based on African values. These analyses can contribute, as they have in incidents in the past at various levels, to the resolution of crises which affect democracy, peace and development in the region. In the Mano River region, women played a decisive role in settling conflicts by making the most of the central role vested in them by African society. This is also the tradition that the Aguene et Diambogne association tries to perpetuate in Senegal through its annual event revitalising the values of interethnic fraternity called the festival of origins. Successive documents put forward by Messrs. NIANE and DIOUF set out that what was called kinship of pleasantry was one way of preventing and managing crises. Its origins are very difficult to determine. Some place it in ancient Egypt, while others date it to the Ghana Empire. According to Mr. NIANE, its institutionalisation dates back to 1236 and the Mali Empire after Soundjata Keita s (becoming sovereign) victory over Soumaoro Kanté. Kinship of Pleasantry can be found in all African languages in the region: it is called Kal in Wolof, Dendiraagal in Pular and Sanankuya in Bambara. Indeed, given the diverse names by which it is known, kinship of pleasantry has an almost regional dimension in West Africa. 12

13 The concept conveys African values/references such as the recognition of others, a sense of belonging to the community, ethics of sharing and respect for the other s dignity. In the Serer language, the term that indicates the cousinship of pleasantry signifies both governance and the State itself. This close semantic equivalent highlights the socio political dimension of this phenomenon which goes beyond the simple traditional pleasantries. Humour helps maintain conviviality in social relations exposed to possible tensions. Mr. DIOUF adopted the definition of the kinship of pleasantry given by Mr. Raphaël NDIAYE, according to whom it is a set of friendly and special ties established by the Ancestors, which function on the basis of courteous humour and mockery. This type of relationship functions between members of the same family, between clans, ethnic groups and peoples. This rapprochement strategy is illustrated by an equivalent system between African surnames which are basically the same and synonymous yet spelled differently. The kinship of pleasantry is also a factor of social integration and harmonisation, whose basis is economics. It governs the succession of certain societies in the best interests of the family, reduces violence and overcomes aggressiveness. Its main role is the group s cohesion. The kinship of pleasantry is today undoubtedly at the root of a West African citizenship that allows some people, thanks to the equivalence of their surnames, to cross borders, as they have several passports which means not being excluded because of their differences. Key ideas structured the first session s discussion: The following key issues and ideas emerged from a very rich discussion by the participants, based on their personal experiences as well as on African history, ethnology, comparative anthropology, sociology and oral literature. Do we need to find a common term in African languages to define kinship of pleasantry which is proof both of the recognition of cultural diversity as well as that of shared values? There is a need for a common understanding on the contents of the concept of kinship of pleasantry, its integration in the reality of socio cultural ties while avoiding any domestication, which may divert it from its functions. Kinship of pleasantry is a mode of cohabitation, the outcome of a sacred pact between ethnic groups, and its dynamics should be envisaged at the pan African level, despite its specificities. Could new alliances or pacts be set up between ethnic groups on the same basis in order to extend or spread the scope of peaceful relations? This concept developed with the migration and displacement of people within countries and between different countries. However, we need to examine why this aspect of community life a traditional African value has faded with time. 13

14 Session Two: Why do African mediation methods seem non operational in the face of current conflicts? Kinship of pleasantry is both a social dynamic and an economic development tool. Some hypotheses attribute its origins to the emergence of a system that prevents frustration and contributes to the balanced production and management of goods in traditional society. Endogenous culture, strategies and mechanisms of mediation The following themes were addressed: Diplomacy and culture of mediation: To what extent has African diplomacy integrated the endogenous culture of mediation? How to capitalise on this heritage? by Mr. Seydina Oumar SY, diplomat. Experiences and mechanisms of conflict prevention and mediation in Guinée forestière, by Mr. Tolo BEAVOGUI, teacher, former diplomat. Indications on the role of women in conflict prevention and governance in the history of West African societies, by Mrs. Djibrila MAÏGA. According to Seydina Oumar SY, African philosophy is based on understanding each other, speaking the same language and demonstrating such understanding through alliances, games, kinships of pleasantry, respecting each other and peaceful coexistence. Most African societies are based on ethnic groups whose cohesion is sometimes maintained through alliances that enable them to reduce the risk of conflict. Thus, different traditional mechanisms are used at both community and State levels. These are palaver (long discussions) or dialogue. Africa s crisis management method involves all components of society. Women and secret societies play an important role in the conflict settlement process. As for mediation, it is only when traditional mechanisms fail that a third party, whose wisdom, neutrality and sense of balance are undeniable, is called in. Examples of successful mediation are those by Ahmed Sékou Touré between General Eyadema and Colonel Mathieu Kérékou, incorporating knowledge about their habits and customs, and those by Togo, Niger, Senegal and Guinea during the territorial conflict between Mali and Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso). According to Mr. SY, African diplomacy can draw even more from the strategic approaches and resources provided by West African societal mediation culture. For Mr. Tolo BEAVOGUI, Guinée forestière is a perfect illustration of the kind of ethnic plurality, cultural diversity and linguistic community that often characterise African States. It harbours an inextricable mixture of clans and languages. Affected by destabilising conflictsin the neighbouring countries, it shares its borders with Sierra Leone to the East, Liberia to the South and Côte d Ivoire to the North. 14

15 The Liberian conflict led to its destabilisation, damaged the environment and triggered the displacement of a large number of people with a high concentration of refugees in the area. Foreign interference, rivalries between neighbouring leaders and atrocities committed by rival militia have put friendly relations between different communities under pressure. Various traditional educational mechanisms, such as the sande for women or the poro for men, have always contributed considerably to settling conflicts that emerged between communities. Furthermore, pacts were signed between the sages in order to reaffirm the communities solidarity. Mrs. Djibrilla MAÏGA draws examples from the sub region s history needed to illustrate the existence of a long tradition involving women in conflict resolution and prevention. Thus from Sogolon Konde, the mother of Soundiata Keita emperor of Mail to Aline Sitoé Diatta, and more recently in Casamance Senegal, women have played a predominant role in the family and in society. They are the guardians of tradition and hold mystical powers. The multiple roles they play make them the cement that holds society together and vital actors in the search for solutions to the crises that have shook the region. They have sometimes taken the initiative, as was the case in Casamance and the Mano River countries, thereby contributing to peacebuilding in West Africa. African diplomacy has used traditional conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms. However, these have shown their limitations in the intra State conflicts that undermine the continent, often arising due to poor governance, the crisis of the nation State and the lack of what Senghor called the collective determination to live a shared life. Such was the case in Côte d Ivoire, Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Due to the complexity of current conflicts in Africa, the international community needs to be involved in their settlement; but a constructive updating of the domestic conflict settlement capacities of societies seeking sustainable solutions is also required. Key ideas structuring the second session s discussion: It is important to draw on lessons learned from history as regards mediation in Africa; Most conflicts are different than they were in the past and often occur between the States and their citizens how can traditional mechanisms help them find a solution? The search for truth at all levels is crucial for conflict resolution (as regards causes, antecedent, and stakes); A typology of conflicts needs to be developed for mediation methods to be more effective and better adapted; Actors and strategies have to be identified and defined within their respective local, national and regional sectors; 15

16 Crisis management calls for an accepted moral upright and recognised authority, whereas Africa is facing an enormous leadership crisis; Endogenous capacities should also include intelligentsia and the diaspora; Taking into account the role of women in African society, their responsibility and their place in conflicts must not be overlooked; Mothers and wives should be present during any mediation process so that their concerns are better taken into account in modalities of exit from crisis; An historical assessment of the struggle between communities is also necessary (communities established due to immigration and so called native communities, e.g. in Liberia); The knowledge of reality on the ground and conflicts history in the region must be improved consistently in order to better understand the situations and contribute to identifying possible exits from crisis; Education on citizenship and the culture of peace should be encouraged; The failure of mediation efforts is often due to lack of trust, unwillingness to compromise and insincerity between protagonists, how can endogenous approaches be capitalised upon and contribute to resolving this problem? The influence of the former colonial powers sometimes makes mediation difficult. Session Three: Endogenous forms and methods of governance in West Africa Among the themes addressed: Mechanisms and forms of inclusion in the management of political power by Mr. Pathé DIAGNE, Historian and Linguist. Endogenous capacities of conflict management, by Professor Basile GUISSOU. Endogenous types of governance and prevention. Three documents were presented on this subject by: Professor Honorat AGUESSY, Dr. Gani YOROM and Mr. Bakary FOFANA. Traditional power and Local Governance in West Africa for which two documents were presented: Dr. M.L. YESUFU introduced the case of Nigeria; Mr. Prosper Nii ADDO broached the case of Ghana. Professor DIAGNE emphasised certain distinctive traits as regards African political traditions. African diplomacy, considered to be based on contact and dialogue, favours personal relations. It advocates forgiveness and reconciliation. 16

17 Reiterating the concept of kinship of pleasantry, Mr. DIAGNE defined it as follows: The best way of managing differences and diversity in the social and political fields, it allows taboos to be broken and establishes an emotional communication relationship. The main characteristic of the African State, according to Mr. DIAGNE, is that it has provided for counter powers of metaphysical or ethical origin as regulators for governance. The traditional African political system organises the balance between power and the legality of the exercise of such power. That is why, states Mr. DIAGNE, the current constitutional framework does not really fit well within Africa s sociological space and can only be understood in the framework of the patronage system of governance tactics of certain political authorities. He suggests a clear separation between executive, legislative and judicial powers is necessary to improve the management of the African State. According to Professor Honorat AGUESSY, exogenous and endogenous forms of governance and conflict prevention exist concomitantly in African societies. The practice of Donkpe in Benin illustrates this concern. It is a traditional form of governance that governs and provides norms to the society s associative life. It also helps prevent conflicts based on the organisation of age groups and other community groups into a hierarchy. While the main function of governance is to prevent various types of injustice, whether economic, social, cultural or political, it should also include all aspects of democracy. Dr. Gani YOROMS underlines the fact that since independence, in order to meet the needs of governance, African States have implemented strategies that only aggravated the situation, as they failed to take local realities into account. Hence, it is a matter of urgency to examine how traditional levers of governance can be adapted to current day realities. Among others, these include religious rituals, matrimonial alliances, love, forgiveness, oaths of fidelity, advice from elders, etc. According to Dr. YOROMS, societies need ideology, development and security in order to establish their social system. This makes governance a social contract that enables the elite and those governed to live in a State that recognises the rule of law. Colonisation has had disastrous consequences on most African societies. In the current context of globalisation, Africans urgently need to: - Re examine existing models of democracy; - Use traditional entities, such as the Council of Elders ; - Advocate the inclusive approach, taking all components and factors into account; - Swear an oath of fidelity instead of swearing on holy books. According to Dr. YOROMS, the prerequisites are to: - Accept that current mechanisms are inadequate; - Review African constitutions and allow people to appropriate them; - Share power and accept political alternation. 17

18 For Dr. YOROMS, the Council of Elders set up by ECOWAS and the Peer Review Mechanism is a very important step forward. Mr. Bakary FOFANA argued against the image of violence attached to Africa and remarked that it had been imposed on the continent by the vicissitudes of history through the slave trade, colonisation and the imperfections of post colonial States. In his view, African civilisation advocates the values of tolerance, non violence, dialogue, compromise and peaceful coexistence. These values flow through all its traditions and are expressed through its folk wisdom. Broaching the issue of conflict prevention, he acknowledged the existence of certain mechanisms such as secret societies as well as endogamous and exogamous alliances, which have considerably reduced the risk of conflict by creating solidarity chains. With regard to conflict management, different methods have been used, depending on the type of conflict concerned: mediation, negotiation, palaver and visits by plenipotentiaries. These mechanisms are able to settle conflicts within our modern societies they just have to be adapted to the context. But a real political will to do so is necessary for this to happen. While referring to the Mossi kingdom, Professor Basile L. GUISSOU noted that each clan, tribe or village had a place and a specific role in the search for social cohesion and peace. According to him, there are two levels of governance: - The official, state level, geared towards public opinion; - The informal, unofficial level, strictly limited to indigenous capacities, as the local people are the true possessors of local know how and knowledge with regard to conflict governance. According to Professor GUISSOU, the above endogenous African potentials of conflict management and governance are most often confined to an informal space, whereas in India and Asia, linguistic and cultural diversity and ensuing skills and traditions are considered a source of wealth. Ghana s experience in the use of endogenous knowledge in conflict prevention and the establishment of governance parameters is highly interesting. According to Mr. Prosper Nii Nortey ADDO, dyarchy between traditional power and local governance since the pre colonial period and well after it, led to a rising awareness as regards the role chiefs who were the traditional repositories of authority and power could play in local governance. Conflicts in Ghana are of low intensity. They are basically due to issues of succession, land related conflicts and conflicts between ethnic or religious groups, which call for mediation by traditional actors. Furthermore, the 1992 Constitution strengthened the chiefs power by recognising their social legitimacy and contributed to better coordination between traditional and modern structures, although the rivalries that sometimes continue to exist between the traditional structures themselves and between the State and traditional structures cannot be overlooked. 18

19 These structures have stood the test of time, although their power may have gradually been eroded. National, regional and local levels of authority needed to be established, and yet, endogenous conflict prevention skills still have to be improved. According to Dr. Momoh Lawani YESUFU, Nigeria also opted for federal, national and local levels of governance. Language and the distribution of cola nuts are some of the unification and harmony tools between Nigerian social groups. The 1979 constitution assigned areas of expertise to the local government, but the debt burden led to an increasing limitation of traditional power. A dialogue between actors is called for, to make the system more effective. Key ideas structured the third session s discussion: The absence of local leadership has accentuated the lack of reference points in our societies; There is a conflict between legitimacy and legality of governments; Efforts should not be limited solely to prevention and governance. Deterrence and repression also form part of governance s tools; Exogenous factors considerably limit traditional power; Is there an African model of democracy? There can be no development without peace; Crisis settlement should not be limited to top level actors and the holding of elections. It should be preceded by a process aimed at building trust between communities; Law and order and civil power are deteriorating; Are international laws appropriate to local African realities? Governance should also be a conflict prevention method; The nation State crisis is weakening the continent; Governance should be set in an all embracing framework. We are now facing a general state of disarray and a value crisis that will not spare Africa; The resurgence of traditional chieftainships may prove to be a hindrance to good governance. The disappearance of rituals that used to enable people to tell the king what they thought is another lost mode of governance; The existence of Presidential electors in Africa promotes corruption and should be seen as a hindrance to democracy; Why have some countries done away with traditional chieftainships? Could this also have contributed to the loss of points of reference among today s youth? What place do the youth occupy in governance mechanisms and conflict settlement? 19

20 The Fourth Session: The Initiative s work Following the three sessions, the final discussions focused on the validation and implementation of the Initiative on capitalising on African endogenous capacities for governance and conflict prevention. Mr. Massaër Diallo introduced this section on future prospects. The following questions served as the framework for the workshop: How can the concept of kinships of pleasantry in the new West African social and political contexts be operationalised given the major conflicts and problems in governance? How can the understanding and impact of certain values which promote successful and well managed coexistence between different neighbouring groups be strengthened? How can strategies and principles of good governance be adapted to West African socio cultural contexts and enrich these strategies by capitalising on endogenous contributions? What role can national languages play in the appropriation of national policies and the improvement of governance? How can endogenous governance mechanisms and strategies be extended to the greater public while being adjusted at every governance level? For each strategy, who are the actors and what are the fields and respective local, national and regional levels that could effectively benefit from the existing endogenous capital? How can citizenship be enriched by incorporating diverse ethnic groups, minorities and communities in building democracy? How can we enable African citizens to learn about their rights but also play their roles in building democracy that serves the people? How to involve the youth in learning about endogenous values and strategies? How does this fit in within the education system? How and in what way can traditional modes of management be incorporated into local governance? These questions which introduced the debate have been taken as indications relating to work orientations and actions foreseen in order to implement the various phases of the initiative. 20

21 6. Recommendations 6.1 Phases I and II: assessment, studies and analyses of the Initiative Participants made the following recommendations: 1) Identify local actors who are the repositories of endogenous knowledge on issues of governance and conflict prevention; 2) Collect documents and testimonies for wider dissemination of information on endogenous capacities; 3) Emphasise the importance and roles women play in traditional systems of governance; 4) Study the most relevant forms of conceptualising and naming kinships of pleasantry, based on its endogenous names; 5) Acknowledge and report on the existing dualism between local endogenous governance and so called Western type governance; 6) Start an inventory of the achievements of endogenous governance modes; 7) Examine how traditional social regulation mechanisms can serve regional bodies such as ECOWAS? 6.2 Phase III: Valorisation Participants made the following recommendations: 1) The socio cultural and historical environment needs to be taken into account while drafting African constitutions in order to reach consensus and ensure the sustainable support of all actors and all components of society; 2) Encourage the State to rely on endogenous political values and traditions in order to have a more inclusive approach; 3) Prevent any excessive bureaucratisation of State bodies, which could widen the gap between the State and its citizens; 4) Return to participative traditions by implementing a decentralised democracy supported by populations cultural mechanisms and their rights as citizens; 5) Promote and develop multi faceted inter generational dialogue; 6) Involve the youth in formal and informal education networks and encourage them to re appropriate values favouring peace, solidarity, respect for differences and to participate in a joint effort towards development; 7) Promote a regional media network that projects a different image of Africa and which incorporates the promotion of its endogenous capacities; 21

22 8) Increase the role of civil society; 9) Examine how regional cultures can help bring international community s postconflict agendas to fruition; 10) Define priority areas and sectors for action in the implementation of the Initiative; 11) Conduct reviews at each stage of the process. 7. Closing Ceremony Mr. El Hadji Thierno Habib DIALLO, Minister of Cooperation, chaired the Closing Ceremony which took place with Mr. Michel KAMANO, President of the Economic and Social Counsel and Mrs. Hadja Aïssatou Bella DIALLO, Minister of Communication present. During their conclusion, the Sahel and West Africa Club s Director, Mr. Normand LAUZON and the Club s Deputy Director, Mrs. Sunhilt SCHUMACHER (see Annex) emphasised the two types of governance co existing in Africa: endogenous, on one hand and exogenous and modern based on that of Western countries. According to Mr. Lauzon and Mrs. Schumacher Africa needs endogenity in its development process. They also reiterated that the Club s action is based on a better understanding and dissemination of endogenous systems. As underlined by Mrs. SCHUMACHER, This can be a useful contribution to a better understanding of Africa, in particular as concerns dialogue with aid agencies. The closing speech was given by Mr. DIALLO, Minister of Cooperation, which was preceded by the reading by His Excellency, Mr. Seydina Oumar SY of the Acknowledgements by the participants to the Guinean government and people. 22

23 Working perspectives: priority actions for 2006 As regards the implementation of the Initiative on capitalising on endogenous capacities for conflict prevention and governance 1. Improving knowledge of endogenous capabilities, support for their diffusion and for strengthening their use A meeting of experts will be held so that a number of the issues that were touched on during the launching workshop can be further examined. The work undertaken will enrich the already available data. As a contribution to disseminating and transferring African cultural heritage regarding mechanisms, strategies and capabilities concerning governance and conflict prevention, an Intergenerational Forum for sharing and capitalising on endogenous capacities will enable young people in the region to come into contact with those possessing knowledge, skills and abilities. Leading figures from civil society and from the worlds of research, education, culture and politics, who are acknowledged leaders in this area in West Africa, will be involved in this Forum. Coverage by the region s media will contribute towards involving actors who will not be attending this Intergenerational Forum. 2. Involving the region s young people A meeting on citizenship and the involvement of young people in the region in building peace and democracy will be organised. It will address issues concerning a new generation taking over from the previous one and young people s involvement in a context of a crisis of sociocultural values. Coordination of young people coming from the Forum on Political Parties, the Media and Civil Society in West Africa will be associated with this activity. 3. Involving women in the region and developing their role and position with regard to updating and implementing endogenous capacities in conflict prevention and governance A workshop will be organised which will have two objectives: - Increasing the understanding and information on the position and role of women in terms of endogenous aspects of governance and conflict prevention. - Encouraging and synergising various women s initiatives in this area. 23

24 The Women s Group established at the Gorée workshop, extended to include women participants at the Conakry Workshop on Governance and those of various other SWAC meetings in West Africa will be involved with implementing this activity and in follow up actions. 4. Developing dialogue and informed debate on modes of governance In association with partners in the region who are organised or mobilised around issues of governance and the sectors of interest to the OECD, informed discussions will be organised in West Africa and at the SWAC s headquarters on the various themes covered by the initiative s launching workshop. These activities will also be opportunities for setting up a dialogue on various exogenous and endogenous modes of governance. 24