ACCORD recently published a Conference Paper titled 'Peace processes in Côte d'Ivoire: Democracy and challenges of consolidating peace after the post-electoral crisis' authored by Dr Doudou Sidibé. In this paper, Sidibé examines the reasons – other than former President Laurent Gbagbo's refusal to relinquish power – why the 2010 presidential elections led to violent conflict which resulted in the deaths of civilians.

Like many other countries ravaged by war, Liberia has experienced challenges with developing and maintaining effective security and justice systems since the end of the 14-year civil war. The African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) recently published a Policy & Practice Brief (PPB) which analyses the justice and security sector in the West African country. Co-authored by ACCORD's Abu Sherif and Independent Researcher Dr Grace Maina, the PPB titled 'Enhancing security and justice in Liberia: The regional hub model' analyses the efforts of the Government of Liberia and members of the international community post-war to ensure sustainable peacebuilding and security sector reform in Liberia.

International attention is mounting as Kenya and Zimbabwe approach their first general elections following the signing of peace agreements and subsequent implementation of transitional governance for roughly five years. Both countries became theatres of post-election violence in 2008. In the wake of the upcoming polls, ACCORD has published a Policy & Practice Brief examining the current state of affairs in the two countries, particularly the conditions under which the 2013 elections will be held, and generating recommendations towards enhancing the credibility and outcomes of these polls.

On 1 February 2013 Dr Dieter Lünse, Head of the Institute of Conflict Management and Mediation based in Hamburg, Germany, was the guest presenter at an Internal Staff Seminar held at ACCORD House in Durban. Dr Lünse's presentation focused on discussing the effectiveness of non-violent action and civic courage in bringing about social change and resolving conflict.

From 5-7 June 2012, Dr.Martha Mutisi represented ACCORD at the International Learning Exchange on Gender and Conflict Analysis in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The Learning Exchange facilitated ACCORD's ongoing contribution to global conversations on gender and conflict transformation, and confirmed the institution's concerted efforts towards promoting the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

ACCORD, in collaboration with the University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) Debating Union, has hosted a debate in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the inauguration of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), on the topic 'Since the inception of the APRM, there has been significant improvement in the standards of governance in member states'. The APRM has proposed that civil society organisations in all member states host events to significantly increase public awareness of the APRM and its contributions to the African continent.

The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), operating under the auspices of the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD), is celebrating its tenth anniversary. The APRM has consistently charted the progress, challenges and opportunities African countries face in promoting democratic consolidation, good governance and socio-economic development. In its tenth year, it is self-reflecting on the milestones it has achieved, the challenges inherent, and the opportunities ahead.

ACCORD has published a Policy & Practice Brief titled The troubled road to peace: Reflections on the complexities of resolving the political impasse in Madagascar which examines and discusses the key factors inhibiting the island nation's efforts to resolve the political impasse which has affected peace and development since 2009, and move towards peaceful elections.

The paper 'Justice and peacebuilding in post-conflict situations: An argument for including gender analysis in a new post-conflict model' examines different forms of justice employed in post-conflict situations, focussing specifically on Sierra Leone. Author Lesley Connolly outlines here how many of these approaches ultimately fail to address the concerns of some survivors, especially women.

ACCCORD senior researcher, Dr. Martha Mutisi, has delivered a paper on the role of the media in democratisation and peacebuilding at the International Studies Association's (ISA) Annual Convention on "Power, Principles and Participation in the Global Information Age." An influential and highly respected organisation, the ISA is at the forefront of bringing together scholarly thought on international affairs, and ACCORD's involvement in this platform further enhances our drive towards influencing debate and policy development on global peace, security and development issues.