1. Development in Africa: Experiences in 3 Countries Emerging from Conflict Presentation by Daniel Cohn Kwantlen University College, Richmond, BC January 30, 2008

2. Good news out of Africa… Many countries are experiencing economic growth fast and sustained enough “to put a dent on the region's high poverty rate and attract global investment” (World Bank) Increasing number of countries experiencing peaceful, democratic transitions of power

3. …for some Other countries are falling behind – mainly due to armed conflict From 1990-2005, 23 countries involved in conflict, at a cost of $18 billion/year The total of nearly $300 billion is equal to the amount of money received in aid during the same period

4. Development during & after conflict 1. The nature of armed conflict 2. Three (post-)conflict situations Rwanda Democratic Republic of Congo Côte d’Ivoire 3. The aims of post-conflict development 4. Development in practice – some examples

5. The nature of armed conflict in Africa Principally intra-state (rather than inter-state) Affects neighboring countries Africa hosts 3 million of the world’s 14 million refugees Spreads instability – Rwanda, Liberia… Arguably the greatest obstacle to development 12 million of 24.5 million conflict-related IDPs are in Africa Lost economic growth

7. Rwanda DR Congo Côte d’Ivoire

8. Rwanda The most densely populated country in Africa, with nearly 3% growth rate 90% of population reliant on subsistence agriculture Colonial divisions Organized killing, refugee diaspora Resistance to peace deal, return of diaspora by force

10. Rwanda – genocide & aftermath 1994 genocide 800,000 Tutsis & moderate Hutus killed Aftermath 2 million Hutu refugees into Congo, Burundi, Tanzania Wars in Congo (1996-97, 1998-2003) Devastation: loss of skilled personnel, infrastructure, HIV/AIDS Seeking justice: Gacaca, ICTR Stable governance & dynamic growth

13. DR Congo 3rd largest country in Africa Favored during Cold War Mineral-rich Negligible infrastructure Elections in 2006

18. DR Congo – a “forgotten” crisis “Africa’s World War” lasted from 1998-2003 Ongoing conflict and abuses in the east 1.5 million+ IDPs Pervasive sexual violence Malnutrition and preventable disease 5.4 million dead from 1998-present Up to 45,000 people continuing to die every month

20. Côte d’Ivoire A success story for 30 years Politically stable West Africa’s economic powerhouse ¼ of population is foreign-born (invited workers)

23. Côte d’Ivoire – division & displacement Civil war (2002-2007) Wealth gap between south and north “Ivoirité” and identity documents A fragile peace North under New Forces control, south under government Demobilization process is uncertain FN leader joined the government as PM Central administration redeploying 750,000 IDPs Elections slated for 2008

24. A country divided

26. Resource- stripping: another impact of conflict

27. A common sight: the checkpoint

28. The goal: durable solutions When disagreements are no longer solved through violence, basic human rights are respected, governance is settled and broadly accountable, and communities are relatively self reliant

29. The aims of assistance Humanitarian and development assistance can contribute to durable solutions by focusing on: Saving lives Strengthening institutions Building social cohesion

30. Tailoring responses: key principles Protect and promote rights Helping people realize their rights as protected by law Participation Real involvement of communities in all aspects of programs – sharing in discussion and decision making

31. Key principles (cont’d) Capacity building Empowering individuals, communities and organizations to define and act on their humanitarian and development priorities, while giving them the tools to do so themselves into the future Partnership Deliberate alliance with actors similarly motivated to help people survive, recover from and rebuild after conflict and displacement

32. Phases of work Acute emergency Protracted emergency Return and reintegration Reconstruction

33. Program areas Social Health, psychosocial, water & sanitation, shelter & infrastructure, education, child protection, gender-based violence Economic Livelihoods & economic development Governance & rights Protection, community development, rule of law, civil society, good governance

36. Promoting maternal health

39. Empowering women

43. The broader picture Humanitarian crises result from political, social and military problems Humanitarian assistance cannot solve crises alone Advocacy is a necessary complement – and spur – to action

44. What you can do 1. Raise awareness 2. Raise funds 3. Write a letter 4. Call for divestment (or: responsible investment) 5. Start an organization 6. Lobby the government - From Cheadle and Prendergast, Not on Our Watch (2007)