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Centre for Mediation in Africa

Publications

CMA publishes empirical research and policy briefings on mediation case studies, thematic aspects of mediation and other issues related to peace and security. 


 

The Political Legitimacy of National Peace Committees in Journal of Peacebuilding and Development
By Andries Odendaal

A national peace committee is a multi-stakeholder body mandated to implement key peacebuilding objectives, and coordinate a multi-level network of peace committees called an infrastructure for peace. Based on 10 case studies, the article explores the importance of political legitimacy for the success of NPCs and analyses, in particular, the contribution of their mandate, role clarity, composition and competence. 


 


 
Mediation Arguments

The Mediation Arguments working paper series explores how mediation efforts can prevent, manage and resolve high intensity conflict. The most recent paper features Laurie Nathan's research entitled "
A Clash of Norms and Strategies in Madagascar: Mediation and the AU Policy on Unconstitutional Change of Government".





 
Practitioner Notes

Practitioner Notes is a non-academic working paper series. Written by mediators and other peace practitioners, these papers highlight critical insights and lessons about current mediation efforts. The latest edition sees Doc Mwale discuss local mediation in Malawi's electoral conflicts.





 

  
 

Community of Insecurity: SADC's Struggle for Peace and Security in Southern Africa
By Laurie Nathan

Exploring the formation, evolution and effectiveness of the regional security arrangements of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), Community of Insecurity examines the vital issues of why the SADC has struggled to establish a viable security regime; why it has been unable to engage in successful peacemaking; and why it has defied the optimistic prognosis of the early 1990s that it would build a security community in Southern Africa.


To read more, visit the Ashgate website.

   
 

A Revolution in Mediation Affairs?
By Laurie Nathan

Despite its importance for war termination and long-term peacebuilding and statebuilding, international mediation has not been conducted and developed in a systematic and professional manner. A Revolution in Mediation Affairs? highlights the main problems and makes recommendations for improving the mediation approach of international bodies.


 

 

No Ownership, No Peace: The Darfur Peace Agreement
By Laurie Nathan

No Ownership, No Peace: The Darfur Peace Agreement examines the factors underlying the failure of the 2006 Darfur Peace Agreement, including deadline diplomacy and the failure of the AU and its international partners to distinguish between getting the parties to the Darfur conflict to sign a peace agreement and obtaining their genuine consent to its terms and execution.