ABSTRACT
This chapter covers peacebuilding in three countries in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes regions of Africa – South Sudan, Burundi, and Central Africa Republic (CAR) – characterized by fragility and protracted intra-state conflicts. The first section presents a preamble to peacebuilding in these African countries, while the second section illustrates how the warring parties have been wrestling with peace (dis)agreements in each country. The last section revisits William Zartman's “ripeness” concept to reflect on when, or at what point, parties in protracted intra-state conflicts might be more amenable to opening peace negotiations. The active role of churches and religious organizations in peacebuilding is also highlighted. The chapter emphasizes that, though each conflict is different in important respects, the distinctive characteristics of each case are crucial determinants of the propitious moments for initiating peacebuilding. It suggests that agreements signed by the various groups failed to bring about peace because commitment to ending hostilities is contingent upon a shared vision of the benefits of a peaceful resolution, in which power is the prize to be won. And because there cannot be more than one winner in a war, taking an opportunity when a ripe moment appears is often not an attractive option.
