The ‘International Training Programme on Peace and Security in Africa’ resumed with phase four, training 27 participants selected from the various Regional Economic Communities in Africa. Following on from phase two, that took place in Uppsala Sweden in October 2011, participants once again met to further develop their change projects and expand their theoretical and practical knowledge on peace and security matters.
Hosted by ACCORD, this phase took place in Durban, South Africa, from 5-14 March 2012. Having the programme in South Africa was useful as it provided participants with deeper insight into a country that overcame an unjust political system to achieve democracy without having to resort to excessive violence. In addition, during the 12 day visit participants were mentored on the change projects that they have been currently developing within their respective organisations.
The key theme during this phase was lessons learned during South Africa’s transition from Apartheid to democracy. As such ACCORD invited key figures to present on topics that included transitional justice, reconciliation, and electoral systems. Roelf Meyer shared his experience to the group as a key negotiator in the process. Professors John Daniel and Charles Villa-Vicencio presented on reconciliation in South Africa, specifically the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Mawethu Mosery and Denis Kadima provided valuable insight into electoral processes, both within South Africa and from a regional perspective. In addition to the lectures, participants were taken on a study visit to the Albert Luthuli Museum in Groutville, KwaZulu-Natal. Participants will finalise their projects during phase 5 for submission by August 2012.
A key output of ACCORD’s institutional strategy is to continually strengthen peace and security programmes in Africa. This comprehensive programme provides ongoing theoretical and practical knowledge to participants for addressing major challenges facing African organisations involved in peace and conflict programmes. As such ACCORD, DPCR and Indevelop are planning for a second edition of PASA that will commence in April 2012.
