GPPAC CONSULTATION IN BENIN

The Role of Civil Society in the Prevention of Armed Conflicts       
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National context
Benin is one of the few countries in the sub-region that has enjoyed stability over a period of time.  This may be explained by the respect for the Constitution, general respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms and the appreciation and tolerance of ethnic and religious diversity. Furthermore, the geographical location of Benin as a transit country coupled with the climate of peace opens it up to foreign investment and trade. The active role and vibrancy of CSOs, and especially the media has ensured the participation of citizens in the decision making of the country.  This has been demonstrated in the recent elections that led to the peaceful and smooth transition of power from President Kerekou to Yayi Boni the newly elect.  That notwithstanding, there are general concerns about human security in Benin.  The high level of corruption, the impunity displayed by those in power, mass unemployment, student unrest and the abduction and assassination of judges are indicators of a society in conflict, waiting to explode into violence if not addressed.

The consultation
The National Consultation was organised in Benin from March 22 to 23 2006 at the Chante d’oiseau in Cotonou. Holding under the theme “What role can civil society play in the future development of Benin?” the consultation brought together 35 participants representing civil society organisations. There were representatives from the Government, and the German Embassy, Catholic Relief Services and other donor partners. The consultation, being organised immediately after a peaceful and successful general election in which civil society play a significant role, sought to focus on development, good governance and human security in Benin and the role of civil society in the process.

During the two-day period, participants reflected upon factors that have contributed towards maintaining peace and Benin as well as those that generate conflict with the potential of escalating into violence.  The reflections stimulated discussion on strategies to strengthen the peace generating factors as well as mitigate the conflict generating factors in order to sustain peace, and promote socio-political and economic development. Some of the peace factors identified during working group sessions included constitutional provisions that ensured the separation of powers in government; general respect for rule of law; respect for fundamental human rights, freedom of expression and association; appreciation of diversity in ethnicity and religious tolerance; and relatively functional state institutions. Conflict generating factors included bad governance which is manifested in corruption; impunity; dysfunctional judicial system; illicit acquisition of wealth, unemployment, politicisation of public institutions; and bad living conditions for students and lectures. 

Strategies and activities were recommended to mitigate the conflict generating factors in order to prevent them from exploding into overt violence.  For example under corruption, weak revenue system, excess ambitions and impunity were cited as some of the major causes.  Suggested actions to fight corruption included improved living conditions, educate people at the lower levels of administration and rural communities about the impact of corruption manifest itself and its impact on the economy; and sanctioning culprits of corrupt acts. Strategies to be used included economic recovery, recruitment and training of financial and revenue collection officers by the government, lobbying and advocacy by civil society on the different issues that contribute to corruption.   In regards to dysfunctional judicial system, causes identified included inadequate human and material resources; political as well as economic pressure on judiciary; and assassination of judges resulting in an intimidated judiciary. Recommended actions to make functional the judicial system include recruitment of judicial personnel; improvement of the conditions of the civil service; re-enforce personal security for judges both at work and at home.  The strategy identified included advocacy targeted at the National Assembly and the government, Ministry of Finance, and donor partners. Intended stakeholders in to be involved in these actions are the government, legislature and civil society.

By the end of the conference participants agreed to form themselves into a forum for conflict prevention to follow-up on the work plan developed.  Based on the discussions the forum wrote a resolution committing itself to playing an active role in promoting human security in Benin. A working committee of 17 members was set up to develop a time frame for the activity plan.  It is also expected to assign the various activities to organizations that are best suited to lead the forum on specific issues. Additionally the Forum will map out activities that require funding and initiate fund raising process/activity.

See Consultation in Pictures