NIGER: U.S. INSTITUTE OF PEACE (USIP) NEGOTIATION TRAINING

UNCLAS NIAMEY 001116

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/W J Dennison, AF/RSA, AF/EX/BFO, and DRL/EA

Please pass to USAID for AFR/W

PARIS FOR AF WATCHER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV SOCI PHUM SCUL EAID NG
SUBJECT: NIGER: U.S. INSTITUTE OF PEACE (USIP) NEGOTIATION TRAINING
WORKSHOP ON PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF CONFLICT

REF: Niamey 608


1. Summary. Government of Niger (GON) High Commissioner for the
Restoration of Peace (HCRP) Mohamed Anacko made a request in June
2008 (reftel) to former U.S. Department of State Bureau of African
Affairs' Deputy Assistant Secretary Todd Moss for assistance in
securing negotiation and conflict resolution training. The USIP
facilitated an October 21-23, 2008 workshop for 30 civil society,
nongovernmental organization and government leaders in subject
training. The workshop trainees praised the USIP and USG support
for this activity and spoke of the multiplier effect the training
will have as they share lessons learned with others in their
respective institutions, as well as with counterparts in sister
institutions. This very worthwhile training activity was made
possible through a US$50,000 grant provided from Economic Support
Funds. End summary.


2. Embassy Niamey's LES FSN Pol Specialist Idi Moussa coordinated
workshop preparations between HCRP and the USIP facilitators. HCRP
Anacko assembled civil society leaders representing different
interests in advance to work collaboratively to select workshop
participants and address logistical matters. USIP Senior Program
Officers for Education and Training Jacqueline Wilson and Nina
Sughrue facilitated an intense and rich training workshop on
negotiation and conflict resolution at Park W. Embassy Niamey
Deputy Chief of Mission Whitaker delivered opening remarks (Oct 21)
and Ambassador Allen delivered closing remarks (Oct 23); HCRP Anacko
delivered opening and closing remarks on behalf of the Government of
Niger. There was wide media coverage of the event (TV, print).


3. The three-day training activity, funded by a USD $50,000 ESF
grant stemming from a request made earlier in the year by HCRP
Anacko, began with an overview on conflict analysis (such as its
inevitability and causes, the categories of conflict, the life cycle
of conflict, management of conflict, the pyramid of actors needed to
construct peace, negotiation and resolution of conflict, etc.).
Subsequently, the trainees participated in small group exercises,
discussion groups, active listening sessions, conflict style
assessments, dialogue and facilitation exercises, negotiation
simulation and role plays, mediation/third-party discussion and a
final wrap-up session to review practices and lessons learned.


4. Themes selected for the various exercises included
political/electoral conflict, management of border and/or armed
conflicts, and analysis of the Protocol with Respect to Women in the
African Charter on Human Rights.


5. Trainees praised the USIP intervention and expressed the hope to
serve as ambassadors of peace, working with the HCRP, to support a
peaceful, stable environment in the Republic of Niger, vital to
economic development and the well-being of the Nigerien people.

ALLEN