ABSTRACT
Looking at the perspective of development agencies, this chapter points out that while traditional mandates did not include conflict situations, the role of development agencies during armed conflict and in peacemaking has become increasingly overtaken by realities on the ground as well as the evolution of development policy. The author explores how peace negotiations can initiate a process that strengthens prospects for post-conflict economic recovery and investigates the potential implications for development agencies in helping achieve quality peace. This chapter points out that peace processes are a development concern because they set out future political and economic orders that frame economic development. In peace processes, development agencies can be strategic actors by positively influencing how ex-combatants and local populations experience life after armed conflict. In the past, development agencies have facilitated dialogue between various parties to the conflict, managed expectations in the economy, and mobilized funding for post-conflict economic recovery. The chapter also discusses the role of development agencies in peace processes and makes a series of propositions about how they can strengthen economic recovery during peace processes. First, a peace process and post-conflict economic recovery are part of a continuum and not two separate phases. Second, development aid is inherently political, even if perceived as a needs-based, technical intervention. Third, rapid post-conflict economic recovery requires the involvement of development agencies during the peace negotiations. Fourth, development agencies can assist in the formulation and implementation of peace agreements. Finally, more attention and investments are needed to ensure mediation support in the aftermath of conflict.
