ICP ACTION PLAN — GOMA, D.R. CONGO

Lingering Conflicts: The region has a long history of ethnic tensions and competition for resources, fueling violence in countries like DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi. Weak governance and unresolved issues from past conflicts like the Rwandan genocide create a tinderbox atmosphere. Instability and Weak Governance: Many countries suffer from corruption, lack of democratic institutions, and human rights abuses. This fosters an environment where grievances fester and fuel rebellions and violence.
Exploitation of Resources: The region is rich in minerals like coltan and gold, but their extraction is often unregulated and violent. Rebel groups and corrupt officials profit from this conflict mineral trade, perpetuating instability.

Displacement and Refugees: Decades of conflict have created millions of refugees and internally displaced people. These populations struggle to find basic necessities and safety, further straining regional resources.

Poverty and Lack of Infrastructure: The legacy of conflict and instability translates to widespread poverty and inadequate infrastructure. This lack of basic services like healthcare and education fuels a cycle of instability.

Environmental Degradation: The region faces environmental threats like deforestation, soil erosion, and pollution from mining. These issues threaten food security, water resources, and livelihoods, further straining regional stability.

Climate Change: The Great Lakes region is already vulnerable to climate shocks like droughts and floods. These events exacerbate existing challenges like food insecurity and displacement, creating a vicious cycle.

5. Promote environmental protection, resilience and climate adaptation and sustainable management of natural resources in the region of the Great Lakes countries through interregional programs of environmental education, sustainable management of watersheds, fight against erosions in the Lake Kivu basin and Ruzizi River, Sustainable management of plastic waste in Lake Kivu, Tanganyika and Ruzizi River.

Building Trust and Dialogue:
Track II Diplomacy: Facilitate unofficial dialogues between government representatives, civil society leaders, refugees, and former combatants. This allows open communication outside of formal channels, fostering trust and understanding.
Truth and Reconciliation Commissions: Establish these commissions to create a platform for acknowledging past wrongs and promoting healing. This can help communities move forward and build a more peaceful future.
Cross-Border Peacebuilding Initiatives: Encourage joint projects on shared issues like environmental protection or economic development. This fosters cooperation and a sense of shared identity across borders.
Addressing Root Causes of Conflict:
Resource Management Reforms: Promote transparency and accountability in the extractive industries (mining, logging) to prevent conflict mineral trade. This will involve international collaboration and certification programs.
Supporting Good Governance: Provide resources and expertise to strengthen democratic institutions and promote human rights. This can help build trust in government and address grievances peacefully.
Economic Development: Invest in infrastructure and create opportunities for sustainable economic growth that benefits all communities. This reduces competition for scarce resources and fosters a sense of shared prosperity.

Direct Participants:

Government Officials: Improved communication and trust-building exercises can foster regional cooperation and collaboration on shared challenges.
Civil Society Leaders: Enhanced capacity to advocate for peace and hold governments accountable can strengthen their role in peacebuilding efforts.
Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs): Peace initiatives can create conditions for safe return and reintegration into their communities.
Former Combatants: Programs focused on reintegration and skills development can offer a path away from violence and towards a peaceful future.
Indirect Beneficiaries:

Citizens: Increased stability and security can lead to improved living conditions, access to basic services (healthcare, education), and economic opportunities.
Women and Children: Peace initiatives that address gender-based violence and prioritize education for girls can empower women and improve child well-being.
Business Community: A stable environment fosters economic growth, attracting investment and creating jobs.
Environment: Sustainable resource management practices can protect the environment and ensure a healthy future for generations to come.
Long-Term Impact:

The ultimate goal of Great Lakes Peace Projects is to create a lasting peace that fosters regional cooperation and development. This will lead to a more prosperous and secure future for all citizens of the Great Lakes region.

Institutionalization of Peacebuilding Mechanisms:

Establish permanent regional bodies for dialogue and conflict resolution. This will involve a Great Lakes Peacebuilding Commission or a Peace Council.
Integrate peace education into school curriculums to promote tolerance and peaceful conflict resolution from a young age.
Strengthen civil society organizations and empower them to advocate for peace and hold governments accountable.
Sustainable Development and Economic Cooperation:

Implement joint economic development projects that benefit all countries in the region. This could involve cross-border infrastructure development, regional trade initiatives, or shared resource management programs.
Promote investment in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture to address environmental concerns and create new economic opportunities.
Foster regional tourism initiatives that showcase the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Great Lakes region.
Promoting Reconciliation and Healing:

Support community-based reconciliation programs that bring together former combatants and victims of violence.
Establish memorials and museums to acknowledge past atrocities and promote remembrance.
Promote cultural exchange programs and joint artistic endeavors to foster understanding and appreciation for the region’s diversity.
Ensuring Long-Term Stability:

Develop early warning systems to identify potential triggers of conflict and facilitate swift intervention to prevent violence.
Support regional security cooperation initiatives to address transnational threats like terrorism and organized crime.
Advocate for continued international support for peacebuilding efforts in the Great Lakes region.

Process-Oriented Measures:

Number of participants: Track participation in peacebuilding workshops, dialogues, and reconciliation initiatives. This indicates growing engagement with the peace process.
Frequency and quality of interactions: Monitor the frequency and quality of communication between previously conflicting groups. Increased cooperation on shared projects is a positive sign.
Shift in attitudes: Conduct surveys or focus groups to gauge public perception of peacebuilding efforts and changing attitudes towards conflict resolution.
Outcome-Oriented Measures:

Reduction in violence: Track the number of violent incidents, fatalities, and displaced people. A significant and sustained decrease indicates progress.
Strengthened institutions: Monitor the effectiveness of government institutions, rule of law, and respect for human rights. Improved governance fosters stability and reduces grievances.
Economic development: Track economic indicators like poverty rates, job creation, and foreign investment. Increased economic prosperity creates a stronger foundation for peace.expand_more
Environmental sustainability: Monitor progress on sustainable resource management practices and environmental protection efforts. A healthy environment reduces competition for resources and promotes long-term stability.exclamation
Challenges and Considerations:

Long-term perspective: Peacebuilding is a long-term process, and success may not be immediately evident. Consistent monitoring and adaptation are crucial.
Context-specific approach: Metrics should be tailored to the specific context and priorities of each project. A “one size fits all” approach won’t work.
Data collection challenges: Collecting reliable data in conflict-affected regions can be difficult.expand_more Triangulation of data from multiple sources is essential for accuracy.
Additionally:

Community feedback: Regularly seek feedback from local communities to ensure projects address their needs and concerns.
Independent evaluations: Conduct periodic independent evaluations to assess the effectiveness and impact of peacebuilding efforts.
By using a combination of these metrics and addressing the challenges, Great Lakes Peace Projects will track progress and demonstrate their contribution to a more peaceful and prosperous future for the region.