ACCORD Programme

PCR Policy Framework Initiative

The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD’s) Peace and Security Programme, in conjunction with ACCORD, has developed a policy framework for post-conflict reconstruction. The NEPAD Secretariat requested ACCORD, in August 2004, to facilitate a process for developing a strategic policy framework for post-conflict reconstruction for the African Union (AU)/NEPAD. The project commenced with the development of concept papers on elements of post-conflict reconstruction, followed by a regional workshop, and the development of a draft framework for post-conflict reconstruction in Africa.

The Process

During the first phase of the project, from August to October 2004, ACCORD facilitated a process in which concept papers were developed to form the foundation for a regional workshop. The concept papers focused on issues such as security, political transition, governance and participation, human rights, justice and reconciliation, socio-economic development, and coordination and management. These concept papers were then assessed by a select group of experts to provide an analysis of the papers and present further necessary information regarding the drafting of the framework.

Following the finalization of the concept papers, a regional workshop entitled Post-Conflict Reconstruction Workshop: Towards a Strategic Framework for Post-Conflict Reconstruction, was hosted by NEPAD in Pretoria, South Africa, from 13 to 15 October 2004. The workshop provided a platform for constructive dialogue whereby African and global partners contributed to the drafting process. The specific objectives of the workshop were to:

  • Provide a continent-wide forum for consultation and dialogue on how to approach and address post-conflict reconstruction and the associated challenges facing Africa;
  • Develop a strategic framework for the AU-NEPAD response to post-conflict reconstruction with clear achievable objectives and implementation plans; and
  • Provide a forum where developmental partners working across the continent can build and strengthen relationships and networks to enable effective post-conflict reconstruction implementation.
  • Attendees included experts drawn from Africa and other parts of the world to dialogue on post-conflict reconstruction needs and strategies in Africa. The workshop was a success and resulted in clear recommendations for developing the PCR Policy Framework.

The second phase of the project, January – April 2005, consisted of the drafting of theframework in consultation with a selected working group. The final draft of the PCR Policy Framework has been complete, following a consultation and review process. The PCR Policy Framework is available in PDF format on the NEPAD website, or can be downloaded by the link, left.

Aim of the Policy Framework

The aim of this framework is to set out an African agenda for post-conflict reconstruction. It is intended to encourage an overall state of mutual consistency among the post-conflict reconstruction policies and actions of, on the one hand the AU/NEPAD, AU Member States, African civil society, financial and private sectors, and on the other hand the various international institutions, agencies, governments, NGOs and private contractors that constitute the external actors in post-conflict reconstruction efforts in Africa. In this context, the African PCR Policy Framework can be understood as the effort to ensure that the peace, security, humanitarian and development dimensions of PCR systems in Africa are directed towards a common objective.

In general the concept of a Post-Conflict Reconstruction Policy Framework for Africa has been well received by a variety of African and other global actors. This framework is expected to have enormous consequences for post-conflict reconstruction on the African continent.

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