Based on two research studies carried out by Development Workshop between 2003 and 2005, this book examines what happens when the fighting stops after a prolonged and intense conflict.
There have been some remarkable short-term achievements in Angola since peace was achieved in 2002, but there are a number of longer-term risks. Returning refugees, displaced people and ex-combatants have great difficulty in re-establishing their livelihoods in rural areas. Population movements continue towards peri-urban areas of the main cities and small towns, more than outweighing the movement towards rural areas.
“Normality” does not return as soon as prolonged conflict ends. The book highlights the serious gap between peace agreements and demobilisation of combatants on the one hand, and longer term socio-economic development and new governance regimes on the other. Ironically, international aid to Angola has fallen sharply; humanitarian aid has not been transformed into assistance for the post-conflict transition. There has been relatively little support for post-conflict reconstruction strategies from the international community. Particularly lacking are strategies for rebuilding institutions that have been weakened by violent conflict. The book points out areas for improved targeting of interventions and investment. It underlines the need for international assistance for post-war transitions that will help to consolidate peace, rebuilding institutions and lay the foundations for effective development.
Published by: Development Workshop with support from the International Development Research Centre, Ottawa, Canada (IDRC), the Human Security Programme of Foreign Affairs Canada, Christian Aid London Uk, the Netherlands Institute for Southern Africa (NIZA) and the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Editor: Paul Robson