CONFLICT RESOLUTION IV GARNERS MAJOR COVERAGE IN CAR

UNCLAS BANGUI 000185 SIPDIS STATE FOR AF/PD/PA, AF/C, AF/EX E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OEXC OIIP SCUL CT KWMN SUBJECT: CONFLICT RESOLUTION IV GARNERS MAJOR COVERAGE IN CAR ¶1. On August 5, IVP returnee Mrs. Catherine Samba-Panza, Senior Advisor to the National Council of Mediation in the Central African Republic (CAR) briefed the Ambassador on her participation on the IVP `Conflict Resolution.' A week later, she addressed a target audience of approximately fifty guests drawn from NGOs, educators, private sector representatives, journalists, and political leaders on the various techniques learned in dispute resolution and how they might help the CAR to resolve peacefully its social and political conflicts. ¶2. In his welcoming address, the Ambassador expressed his deep concern about the cycle of violence that has been perpetuated in the CAR for a decade, which has resulted in the destruction of economic infrastructure, humanitarian crisis, poverty and corruption, and a decline in the offering and attainment of education that jeopardizes the future of the younger generations. He pointed out that many national conferences, meetings, seminars, and political dialogues have not resolved the crisis. He urged all Central Africans to work together to put the country back on track. Referencing President Obama's recent remarks on the future of Africa, the Ambassador remarked that the destiny of the CAR is in the hands of the Central Africans, and not the donors'. He emphasized that the U.S. stands ready to support efforts in reconciliation process. ¶3. Mrs. Samba Panza expanded on the Ambassador's message by explaining to the audience how the U.S. expertise on dispute resolution can help Central Africans address local issues. She said how she was impressed during the field visit by the various organizations, centers, community groups, and educators that use conflict mediation techniques and establish tolerance education programs in the courts, schools, and communities. She gained a better understanding about conflict mediation and what programs to implement addressing capacities for crisis prevention. She expressed her desire to work with grass roots communities, government institutions, and NGOs to teach dispute mediation and implement programs on conflict prevention. ¶4. A lively discussion followed. The audience expressed their appreciation to the Embassy for organizing this follow-up conference, which provided them with useful techniques on conflicts resolution. One educator invited Mrs. Samba-Panza to visit his private school and share with pupils the program on disputes mediation. The Ambassador suggested that Mrs. Samba-Panza participate in various town-hall meetings to share the experience gained during this program. He encouraged Central Africans to explore methods and techniques of peaceful mediation and use them to solve disputes and issues raised before and after the 2010 elections. ¶5. Media coverage: Excellent. Both private and public media covered the conference and interviewed Mrs. Samba-Panza. The event was featured on evening radio and TV broadcasts, and she appeared on the front page of the newspapers. Over the weekend, she was invited to radio talk shows on two major broadcasters. Post will continue to work with her to organize outreach activities and further leverage her experience. COOK