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This report considers the issues that led to the creation and eventual dissolution of the four main groups of insurgents that have operated in the West Nile region of Uganda, first during 1980-85 and again during 1988-2002. It draws on interviews and group discussions with members of the communities affected by the conflict, and staff of government and international agencies.

The report gives detailed accounts of the formation of the insurgent groups; early attempts to build peace; and the failures that led to renewed violence during the 1980s. It then describes the peace agreement signed in 2002 and examines the expectations of the affected communities with regard to maintenance of this agreement.

It argues that, irrespective of any shortcomings in the negotiated agreement, the West Nile peace process proved that it is possible to end conflicts peacefully in Uganda, even where there is a long history of communal hatred and violence. Summarising specific factors that made it possible to end the conflicts in the West Nile, it makes the following recommendations for future peace processes:

• traditional mechanisms and institutions of peace building in a community need to be considered and used; for instance, the authority of elders and a culture of forgiveness played important roles in the West Nile
• the creation and maintenance of an environment of trust was essential; government representatives need to refrain from demonising rebel groups; to show genuine respect for both the combatants and the community; and to ensure that messages sent out are consistent with actions
• the role of the international community was also vital in lending legitimacy to the process, validating the views and concerns of the Ugandan participants, and facilitating communication
• however, the potential negative impact of international involvement also needs to be considered, for instance in pushing for completion at the expense of the integrity of the peace process
• focussed attention must be given to reconciliation processes following peace agreements
• all actors and voices must be included in each step of the process in order to ensure long-term ownership of the peace process.

The report concludes by considering particular lessons that can be learned from the West Nile region for ongoing conflict in northern Uganda. It argues that there is a need to draw on support from community institutions, and highlights the problems caused by conflicting messages sent by government in the North and by the continued policy of keeping the population in refugee camps.

Summary originally provided by GDNet, an Eldis content partner

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