A Panoramic View of Factors for Successful Peace Accord Implementation

Policy Brief No. 7 This brief focuses on influential factors for turning Comprehensive Peace Agreements (CPAs) into sustainable platforms for nonviolent social and political change following internal armed conflict. Taking an extensive look at peace processes involving CPAs, the authors recommend that accord negotiators anticipate implementation challenges and set priorities for accord provisions. In addition, negotiators and mediators should include safeguards in the text of peace agreements and specify implementation responsibilities and timeframes, as well as verification and dispute resolution mechanisms. Starting during the negotiation phase, signatory parties, pro-peace social actors, and the international community should foster dialogue among various sectors of society about key issues in the peace accord. Public participation in peace negotiations will enhance the legitimacy of future peace agreements and increase chances of its implementation.