ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the term post-conflict reconstruction as a process initiated by a peace accord, despite full acknowledgement that the term post-conflict is unfortunately only in the minds of donors and politicians. There is a need for a review of how reconstruction is considered by different agencies, including the World Bank and United Nations (UN). The chapter focuses on key post-conflict reconstruction challenges, including preventing the resumption of violence, avoiding a solely goal-based approach, and prioritising and setting objectives according to the needs of conflict-affected societies. During the Cold War period, the UN and the broader international community paid attention to humanitarian relief, peacemaking and peacekeeping activities. It is crucial that the process of post-conflict reconstruction establishes a vision that can be shared by the majority of stakeholders. The Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) identifies three main phases in transitions from war to peace: the relief phase, the transformation and transition phase, and the phase of fostering sustainability.
