Rwanda, 2011

As the world continues to

deal with crises, including conflicts across the globe,

we need to examine the role of mediation in the

peaceful settlement of disputes, conflict prevention and

resolution, and the part each one of us needs to play.

The effect of decades of conflict has been an

unacceptable loss of life and a reversal of global social

and economic progress. What has also become clear is

that although most conflicts are now domestic in

nature, they continue to have a destabilizing effect on

neighbouring countries and the rest of the world.

One needs to look carefully at the dividends of

striving towards shared global prosperity, which in turn

increases capacity to deal with conflict. By tackling

development issues, for example, through the

framework of the Millennium Development Goals,

established by this body and the Secretary-General, we

create conditions conducive to the formation of a more

stable world.

Figures from the United Nations itself indicate

that about $7.1 billion will be spent in the period

2011-2012 for peacekeeping purposes. Resources such

as these that are consumed by conflicts could otherwise

be channelled through the United Nations or other

relevant institutions to improve the lives of millions of

people.

Thus, while it is appropriate to talk about how

mediation can support efforts to prevent and manage

conflicts, we should also ask ourselves why, after

decades of trying, we are not making the progress we

would like to make in this regard. We know that the likelihood of conflict is high

when citizens feel disenfranchised and marginalized,

and where Governments do not govern in the interests

of their people. If the rule of law is absent and access

to opportunity is limited or exclusive, that is a problem

which we should address as a global community,

consistently and with commitment. It makes good

economic and political sense to invest in conflict

prevention, thus reducing future outbreaks and

avoiding short-term, quick-fix solutions.

Apart from traditional interventions that we

employ with varying success, there is one major asset

that remains under-utilized, and that is our youth.

Younger generations carry less historical and political

baggage and are more inclined to get the most out of

the global village that we all find ourselves sharing.

With social and communication tools, they are key

innovators and thought leaders not only of tomorrow

but of right now. We have an important responsibility

to empower them to believe in themselves and in a

better future.

Returning to the topic of mediation and the

associated issues of negotiation and reconciliation,

these practices are not new ones in Africa, or in my

country, Rwanda. They play a useful role, and one that

should be strengthened. However, various experiences

have shown that if mediation is to succeed, national

efforts should be supported in the first place, based on

specific cultural and political contexts. In Rwanda, for

instance, we have seen national efforts produce long-

lasting solutions and tangible results on the ground

because they are homegrown.

It is also important to involve in mediation efforts

regional and subregional players who have ample

knowledge of the often complex regional dynamics of

conflicts. These organizations should be supported

expeditiously before disputes escalate into intractable

conflicts.

Additionally, we need to take a good look at the

toll that traditional diplomatic mediation can have on

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the lives of people living in conflict areas. Too often,

while resolutions are being debated and refined, people

are dying. And sometimes when those resolutions are

eventually adopted, enforcement is slow, or they only

halt the conflict for a short time but with no sustainable

solutions.

Let us also remember the limitations faced by

external mediation experts who, even when having

good intentions, are often unable to foster any lasting

change at the root level of the conflict. National

ownership remains very critical. Mediation efforts

must be based on an overriding desire to help

conflicting parties to resolve their differences. But that

should not be confused with supporting one side in the

conflict or imposing a solution that is in the interests of

the mediators.

Let me conclude by saying that the most viable

option for preventing conflict is to empower our own

citizens, especially youth, politically, economically and

socially, so that they have a stake in the management

and stability of the nation. Ultimately, long-lasting

solutions are the ones that emanate from within.