Challenges of peace building in post-conflict societies: a case study of Rwanda 1994-2008

Abstract

This is a study of challenges of peace building in post conflict societies with special focus on post genocide Rwanda. In 1994 after a four year protracted civil war, the Rwandan society experienced one of the worst genocides in modem history. The aftermath of this was more than eight hundred thousand people slaughtered, an unprecedented number of orphans and widows, over three million people displaced, a large number of killers looming in and out side the country with intentions to cause more instability, a destroyed social-economic-political system, a socially and psychologically traumatized population and sorry state of justice.

The study sought to investigate steps taken by Rwanda Government and its people to address the long historic conflict and challenges that are impediment to peace building effort currently under way in that country. Peace building is a multidimensional and all round approach to address the inherent social, political and economic maladies that are source of structural violence and to consummate reconciliation founded on sustainable conflict resolution mechanisms

The study was done through the use of both primary and secondary data to derive useful information on unquantifiable abstracts such as peace, reconciliation and justice, and on the basis of this conclusion was reached. This way, the study has established that Rwanda has steadily and systematically put in place the necessary mechanisms to address the historic structural and physical violence, and commendable progress towards lasting peace continues. This not withstanding there are still challenges on the way to lasting peace. Continued commitment to the search for peace coupled with international support in all aspects and specifically the support to bring to an end the culture of impunity, should bring Rwanda lasting peace.