Negotiating a ceasefire between Mayi-mayi militias and the Congolese Rally for Democracy Steve Smith (2005) The Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCV) and Life & Peace Institute made efforts in 2002-03 to negotiate a ceasefire between government-backed fighters and an armed group in the Democratic Republic of Congo in the face of opposition from official international actors. While arguing that the interaction between tracks was fundamentally productive, Steve Smith presents dilemmas over how far track two actors might persist when track one actors oppose their efforts. The RPCV had good relations with the US State Department but the US embassy had serious reservations about local peace talks and intervened to block further funding. The team continued alone, holding conflict resolution training with the government-backed Mayi-mayi, whose ceasefire offer was accepted by the RCD. The ceasefire held for some time and the UN became involved.
Top | Engaging armed groups | Contents
|