Peace Conferences that go to the Root of Conflict
In the midst of a civil war, where travelling is dangerous and trust is scarce, something extraordinary happened in towns across South Darfur. From March 7th to 9th 2024, a peace conference brought together 74 participants, from the Mershing, Al Malam, and East Jebel Marra localities, including community leaders and local authorities, to bridge the divide between herders and farmers from these localities.
A peace conference is like an iceberg: you only see the tip of the work that has gone into bringing conflicting parties together. Without Concordis staff taking months to build relationships, trust and desire for change, these people would not be willing to be in the same space, let alone give each other a chance to talk and listen.
Peace conference bringing communities from the localities of Mershing, Al Malam, and East Jebel Marra in South Darfur
The Journey to a Peace Conference
Traditional conflict resolution mechanisms, which relied on community leaders and peace committees to mediate compensation for crop damage, had been failing. Politicisation, corruption, and distrust had eroded their effectiveness. Conflicts, which are normal in human interactions, were getting out of hand and escalating fast and people were being killed. Recognising these shortcomings, leaders from both tribes acknowledged the need for improved mechanisms.
Our strategy as Concordis was simple yet profound: listen to the community, form Advisory Groups of locally respected individuals from across all communities, and create locally owned solutions. Some recent Advisory Group training sessions revealed a pressing need for a peace conference to address issues that had led to the complete failure of the 2023 harvest.
Conflicts arose when herders, were driven by early "talaga.” In the traditional practice of “Talaga” farmers permit herders to graze livestock on their fields after the harvest. This year climate pressure forced herders to migrate their cattle early, which brought livestock into the farmers’ fields before the harvest, causing widespread crop destruction and significant conflict.
Facilitating this gathering was no easy task. The Concordis team in South Darfur, amidst ongoing violence and instability, managed to bring together representatives from all sides for the conference. Among the key figures was the Nazir of Beni Mensour, a respected mediator known for his dedication to resolving conflicts.
At the conference, the air was thick with anticipation and hope. The diverse ethnic composition of the attendees—Arab herders and non-Arab farmers—highlighted the complexity of the conflicts – this is in the context of a war in which genocide is a very real threat. Discussions were candid and often intense, but they were necessary for healing and progress.
The Peace Agreement
A significant outcome of the conference was the agreement to formalise migration routes and enhance communication between communities. This move is seen as vital to preventing the recurrent conflicts that have historically led to crop destruction and potential failure in the harvest.
The agreement outlined mechanisms for damage compensation and addressed cattle rustling through rapid response by local peace committees. Designated migration corridors and grazing areas were established to prevent disputes during the migration season.
Challenges and Commitment
The path to peace is fraught with challenges. Past peace agreements had often been informal and lacked enforcement. This time, the agreement aimed for a more structured and enforceable framework, incorporating lessons learned from previous failures.
Community engagement and continuous monitoring are crucial. Concordis’ Advisory Group, the Peace Committee, the Women Peace Ambassadors, consisting of members from various tribes, will oversee the peace agreement's implementation. Regular assessments will identify potential flashpoints, allowing for timely interventions.
A Call to Action
The conference concluded with a call for more inclusive engagements. There is a need to bring other Arab tribes on board to ensure all herder groups know and respect the current agreements. Additional resources are required to support conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts, particularly targeting youth and women.
A Step Forward
This initial peace conference, and the four similar peace conferences facilitated by Concordis across South Darfur, marks a significant step towards addressing deep-rooted conflicts. Their success hinges on ongoing commitment and inclusivity. Future conferences will need to become even more inclusive, bringing in other nomadic pastoralist groups, to ensure comprehensive and sustainable peace.
The journey towards peace in South Darfur is a testament to the resilience and dedication of its people. Through dialogue and understanding, they are building a future where harmony in coexistence can thrive.