About African centre for the constructive resolution of disputes
ACCORD: Bringing Creative African Solutions to Conflict Resolution
ACCORD, or the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes, is a civil society organization that has been working tirelessly throughout Africa to bring creative African solutions to the challenges posed by conflict on the continent. Founded in 1992, ACCORD has become a leading voice in peacebuilding and conflict resolution in Africa.
At its core, ACCORD believes that sustainable peace can only be achieved through inclusive and participatory processes that involve all stakeholders. This means engaging with communities affected by conflict, as well as governments, civil society organizations, and regional bodies. By bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences, ACCORD is able to develop innovative approaches to resolving conflicts that are tailored to local contexts.
One of ACCORD's key strengths is its ability to work across different levels of conflict. Whether it's supporting grassroots initiatives or engaging with high-level political actors, ACCORD has the expertise and experience needed to make a meaningful impact. This includes providing training and capacity-building support for local peacebuilders; facilitating dialogue between conflicting parties; conducting research on key issues related to peacebuilding; and advocating for policy changes at national and regional levels.
Over the years, ACCORD has worked on a wide range of conflicts across Africa. From mediating between warring factions in Burundi and Sudan to supporting post-conflict reconstruction efforts in Liberia and Sierra Leone, ACCORD has played an important role in promoting sustainable peace across the continent.
One example of this work is ACCORD's involvement in South Sudan. Since gaining independence from Sudan in 2011, South Sudan has been plagued by violence between different ethnic groups as well as political instability. In response to this crisis, ACCORD established an office in Juba (the capital city) with the aim of supporting local efforts towards reconciliation and peacebuilding.
Through its work on-the-ground in South Sudan (as well as other countries), ACCORD has developed a deep understanding of the complex dynamics that underpin conflicts in Africa. This includes recognizing the role that historical injustices, economic inequalities, and political exclusion can play in fueling violence. By taking a holistic approach to conflict resolution that addresses these underlying issues, ACCORD is able to develop sustainable solutions that address the root causes of conflict.
In addition to its work on-the-ground, ACCORD also plays an important role in shaping policy debates around peacebuilding and conflict resolution in Africa. This includes engaging with regional bodies such as the African Union (AU) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), as well as participating in global forums such as the United Nations (UN).
Overall, ACCORD's work is guided by a commitment to promoting sustainable peace across Africa. Through its innovative approaches to conflict resolution and its deep understanding of local contexts, ACCORD has become a trusted partner for communities affected by conflict as well as governments and regional bodies seeking solutions to some of Africa's most pressing challenges.