Sharing responsibility: governance in the midst of conflict

Governance that fails to respond to people’s needs or is detrimental to social cohesion can be both a root cause and a consequence of conflict. Violent conflict can arise from a lack of adequate means and channels for individuals and groups to voice their needs and interests and a lack of government responsiveness to their demands. At a global level, those seeking to eradicate extreme poverty now recognise the centrality of peace and governance to development. The challenge, as ever, is making such aspirations a reality.

This report shares lessons learned from a five-year project: Increasing government accountability in conflict zones through public participation in policymaking, funded by the Governance and Transparency Fund, which took place in four conflict areas where governance issues are key factors in the persistence of instability and conflict: Sierra Leone, Guinea, Liberia (Mano River Union sub-region); northern Uganda and Southern Sudan; the Georgian-Abkhaz context and Fiji. 

The project worked with a range of women, men and youth in order to help them voice their needs on issues that impact their everyday lives and to hold governments to account on their commitments and actions.

The main messages to come from the project are:

1. Transforming governance is a long-term endeavour, and primarily political
2. A peacebuilding approach to governance builds relationships and trust been local communities, local authorities and national institutions 
3. External support based on a partnership approach can maintain local ownership 
4. Building confidence in public participation can be a catalyst for peaceful change 

Find out more:

• Read this analysis of the Fiji Government Constitution by our partners the Citizens' Constitutional Forum
• Read about empowering local communities in northern Uganda
• Read up on issues of border security in the Mano River Union region
• Read about our work with displaced Georgians