Inclusion and exclusion as problems of peace processess : the case of Burundi

In conflict resolution literature, the principle of all-inclusiveness, which calls for all warring parties to be included in a peace process for it to be successful, has become conventional wisdom and orthodoxy. This study challenges the principles of all-inclusiveness by critically analysing problems related to issues of "inclusion" and "exclusion" of warring parties, as seen from a mediator's perspective. The literature on peace processes is examined in relation to five themes: The foundation for the principle of all-inclusiveness; the relationship between participation and the use of violence; consequences of exclusion; participation in relation to parties' characteristics; and consequences of all-inclusiveness. A set of questions are raised through which the issue of all-inclusiveness can be investigated, and on this basis, the 1998 peace process in Burundi is studied. The case of Burundi challenges the principle of all-inclusiveness as the process was successful despite the exclusion of several armed groups and highlights important dimensions for the question of participation. The central argument of the thesis is that the issue of participation, in particular its relation to success, is much more complex than recognised in the literature.

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

Department of Political Studies

Year dc:date.issued

2009

Author dc:creator

• Viken, Anne Schive

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Seegers, Annette

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/11427/8998

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:open.uct.ac.za:11427/8998