Search Results

Salafi jihadi armed groups and conflict (de-)escalationThe case of Ahrar al-Sham in Syria
In the Syrian civil war, the Salafi jihadi armed group Ahrar al-Sham was one of the largest and most powerful non-state armed groups. This report outlines the development of Ahrar al-Sham and explores the conditions that led to its de-escalation and analyses as a second step the role and challenges of dialogue engagement.
- Year 2019
- Author(s) Karin Göldner-Ebenthal, Ahmed Elsayed

Conflict Assessment, Galmudug StateAn Analysis of Local Perspectives
This study investigated the nature and dynamics of conflicts in Galmudug State. The assessment examined the various conflicts that exist in the state and the key actors that play a central role in these conflicts. The assessment also examined the conflict resolution mechanisms that are used to resolve local conflicts in Galmudug State, and the actors that play an important role in conflict resolution and reconciliation processes. Furthermore, we examined opinions and attitudes on topics such as federal-ism, the 4.5 system and overall political participation in Galmudug State. Lastly, the study investigated the various challenges to conflict resolution and reconciliation processes as well as the urgent needs of the citizens of Galmudug State with regard to peace and conflict.
- Year 2019
- Author(s) Abass Kassim Sheikh, Janel B. Galvanek, Pascal Grimm

Warbixin ku saabsan Qiimeynta Khilaafka ee Dowlad Goboledka GalmudugFalanqayn Ku Saabsan Deeganka Aragtidooda
Daraasadaan waxay baaris ku sameysay nooca iyo habka is rogrogidda khilaafaadka Galmudug. Qiimeyntu waxay baartay khilaafaad kala duwan oo gobolka ka dhex jira iyo jilayaasha doorka ugu muhiimsan. Waxaa kale oo ay qiimeyntu baartay habkii horay khilaafka Galmudug loogu xallin jiray, iyo jilayaasha doorka muhiimka ah ka ciyaara xallinta khilaafka iyo geedi-socodka dib u heshiisiinta. Intaa waxaa dheer in aan baarnay fikrada iyo aragtiyo ay ka mid yihiin federaal, nidaamka 4.5 iyo guud ahaan ka qeybgalka siyaasadda Galmudug. Ugu dambeyntii, daraasadaan waxay baartay caqabada kala duwan oo ku gudban xallinta khilaafka iyo geedi-socodka dib u heshiisiinta, iyo sidoo kale, baahida deg degga ah ee uu shacabka reer Galmudug qabo markii loo eego nabad iyo khilaaf.
- Year 2019
- Author(s) Abass Kassim Sheikh, Janel B. Galvanek, Pascal Grimm

Berghof Glossar zu Konflikttransformation und Friedensförderung20 Essays zu Theorie und Praxis
Das Berghof Glossar zur Konflikttransformation und Friedensförderung stellt die wichtigsten Grundprinzipien und -ansätze unserer Arbeit vor, in der wir Menschen und Konfliktparteien auf der ganzen Welt bei ihren Bestrebungen begleiten, eine friedlichere Zukunft zu schaffen.
- Year 2020

Mapping of Local Governance in Yemeni Governorates
This mapping outlines the situation faced by the population in all 22 governorates of Yemen. We see this as a working draft and welcome any additions, corrections, or comments you might have.
The mapping highlights the economic activities and resources that remain available and introduces the local administration and the situation of the local council in each governorate. It explores the extent to which different institutions of local authority — local councils, executive offices, and governors’ offices — continue to perform their mandates, and provides an overview of the availability of basic services, especially in the health, education, and water and sanitation sectors. The mapping is based on the review and analysis of documents, statistics, and official reports by Yemeni and international organizations, published studies and research, and interviews with local leaders in the governorates.
- Year 2020

Improving Community Safety in Contested SpacesA Handbook for Syrian Civil Society Actors
The handbook is designed to help civil society actors in contested spaces and conflict settings provide safety for their communities. It outlines the key principles of the community safety approach and provides practical guidance on how to identify security challenges and how to implement strategies to counter them. The handbook was originally developed for civil society actors in Syria, but it can also be used in other contexts. The handbook is currently also available in Arabic.
- Year 2020
- Author(s) Will Bennett

Constitution Making in Contexts of ConflictPaying Attention to Process
Carl sets the background of his study as such: Behind the headlines of reformed and new constitutions lie complex and dynamic processes with prominent and less prominent actors and initiatives, all taking place in same space and time as the ongoing crisis and conflicts. When successful, their actions add up to processes of constitution building that represent a new and purposeful dynamic of accommodation and assertion of a new law-based order. This transformative change emerges out of the counter-current of powerful and self-perpetuating economic, political and social systems of conflict. Within this background, Carl addresses questions like: what do we know about how such change processes happen, and what can we learn from those deliberate, planned and implemented projects, initiatives and interventions? He sets out a series of framing issues and concepts.
- Year 2019
- Author(s) Andy Carl

From Armed Intra-State Conflict to a Functioning Constitutional OrderReconciling Principles of Third-Party Support – a Reflection
Töpperwien focuses on third party interventions in the field of mediation and constitution building in conflict contexts. Based on different practitioner-oriented literature, she looks at the different processes and sub-processes around the nexus to analyse the theories of change and the resulting intervention strategies that focus on the transition from armed intra-state conflict to a functioning constitutional order. She identifies the perceived similarities and differences, tensions and complementarities in respect to applied principles that can be encountered.
- Year 2019
- Author(s) Nicole Töpperwien

The Imperative of Constitutionalizing Peace Agreements
Nathan seeks to contribute to an understanding of the relationship between comprehensive peace agreements (CPAs) and post-conflict constitutions (PCCs). He defines a PCC as a new or revised constitution enacted as part of efforts to end a violent intra-state conflict and prevent its recurrence. This definition focuses on the purpose and not the timing of the constitutional reform. It encompasses constitutional reform that precedes, follows or takes the place of a CPA in an intended transition from intra-state conflict to sustainable peace. On this background, Nathan addresses three questions: How do conflict parties see the substantive and legal relationship between CPAs and PCCs when they are negotiating a settlement to end armed conflict? Why do the parties to a CPA frequently wish to constitutionalize their negotiated settlement in whole or in part? And what is the substantive and legal relationship between CPAs and PCCs after constitutional reform has taken place?
- Year 2019
- Author(s) Laurie Nathan

Interactions Between Peacemaking and Constitution-Making Processes in BurundiA Stabilising or a Crisis Factor?
Nindorera analyses the regional mediation process of the Arusha Accords in Burundi. The process, first chaired by president of Tanzania Nyerere and then by Nelson Mandela, lasted for over two years and led to very comprehensive and detailed peace agreements.
- Year 2019
- Author(s) Willy Peter Nindorera