Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BANGUI185
2009-08-19 14:57:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Bangui
Cable title:  

CONFLICT RESOLUTION IV GARNERS MAJOR COVERAGE IN CAR

Tags:  OEXC OIIP SCUL CT KWMN 
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VZCZCXRO6302
RR RUEHGI
DE RUEHGI #0185 2311457
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 191457Z AUG 09
FM AMEMBASSY BANGUI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1014
INFO RUEHGI/AMEMBASSY BANGUI 1278
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

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