Abstract
This thesis examines the role played by local voices in the peacebuilding processes of both Lesotho and Madagascar. The peacebuilding processes concentrated on were mediation in Lesotho and reconciliation in Madagascar. Lesotho and Madagascar have been challenged by post-independence instability. The study’s scope is limited to the incidences after the 2009 coup in Madagascar, and the abandonment of the mediation by Sir Ketumile Masire in Lesotho in the same year. John Lederach’s peacebuilding theory and Johan Galtung’s peace theory informed the theoretical framework and tools of analysis for the study. The study focusses on the attributes that enable local voices to play a role in peacebuilding. The study employs a qualitative research approach - desktop research complemented by fieldwork in the respective capital cities, Maseru and Antananarivo. During the course of fieldwork, semi-structured interviews were administered with leaders of the local voices, government officials and representatives of the international community.
The study shows that in Lesotho the local voices assumed a primary role in the post 2009 mediation processes, while in Madagascar they played a supportive role to the intervention of SADC. The study concludes that local voices contribute to the sustainability of peace if they are; (1) coordinated under an umbrella organisation, (2) non-partisan, (3) have international linkages, especially with multilateral organisations such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN), and (4) have capacity to analyse conflict transformation and develop conflict management strategies. This study deepens the understanding of the role of civil society in peacebuilding by identifying key attributes needed to effectively participate in peacebuilding.
Key words: Lesotho, Madagascar, peacebuilding, mediation, local voices, reconciliation, Southern Africa Development Community, African Union, United Nations.