STEP 3
Determine a Mediation Approach and Strategy
A well-thought-out mediation strategy is essential if the procedural and substantive dimensions of a peace process are to be adequately addressed. Although DDR should not be raised as a precondition for peace talks, mediators should carefully consider when, how, and with whom to discuss the future management of fighting forces and their weapons. In addition to poor timing, mediators often make the mistake of imposing preconceived DDR approaches and programs onto negotiating parties and their fighting forces. Poorly prepared presentations about DDR are counterproductive and may engender knee-jerk rejections from negotiating parties and their armed groups. Mediators should engage representatives within the conflict parties who are authorized to speak and to make commitments on behalf of the fighting groups. A well-thought-out approach and strategy for engaging the right interlocutors will go a long way toward minimizing distrust in the peace process as well as facilitate implementation of promises made.
A considerable amount of work on DDR is informal and done well before negotiations officially begin. This section provides some guidelines on how the issue of DDR might be raised with conflict parties and the type of substantive issues that mediators can discuss with fighting forces.
Adopt an Approach of "Nothing Is Agreed until Everything Is Agreed”
In many cases, DDR issues are not detailed in prior framework agreements and are not accepted as preconditions for the peace process by negotiating parties. This omission underscores the sensitivity and importance of the issue for negotiating parties. Fighting forces, and their ability to intensify or resume their military campaigns, represent considerable leverage for parties at peace talks. Nevertheless, parties should be encouraged to deal with the issue of the future management o