“There is no bigger challenge facing humanity than how to build lasting peace in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite the military defeat of the rebel M23 by forces led by the Congolese army and the United Nations Intervention Brigade, the net peace and security dividends appear indiscernible at local community level. How do communities in conflict, and/or emerging from violent conflict, develop infrastructures for peace to avoid reverting to armed conflict? From a conflict-resolution viewpoint, this brief describes a six-part taxonomy of peace and suggests a three-pronged systemic approach policy makers should adopt to prevent future large-scale violence. Furthermore, the strategy should assume a multi-track approach incorporating whole-of-society vertical, middle-out and horizontal relationships.”
