Negotiating Ceasefires and Transitional Power-Sharing Training Course

Introduction

Successful transitions from armed conflict to peace often hinge on the intricate and highly sensitive processes of negotiating ceasefires and establishing transitional power-sharing arrangements. This 5-day training course on Negotiating Ceasefires and Transitional Power-Sharing provides participants with an in-depth understanding of the strategic, political, and operational complexities involved in these critical phases of a peace process. Participants will gain comprehensive insights into the technical aspects of designing, monitoring, and verifying ceasefire agreements, as well as the political art of crafting inclusive and durable power-sharing formulas that lay the groundwork for long-term stability and democratic governance.

This intensive program is designed for peacebuilding practitioners, mediators, negotiators, diplomats, military and police advisors, government officials, and civil society actors working in or preparing for roles in high-stakes peace processes. It will equip attendees with analytical tools to assess political will, understand security dynamics, identify key stakeholders, and develop practical strategies for navigating highly sensitive negotiations. By mastering the multifaceted dimensions of ceasefire and power-sharing agreements, this course aims to empower participants to contribute effectively to halting violence and building the foundations for sustainable peace in conflict-affected regions.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience:

  • Peacebuilding practitioners and program managers
  • Mediators and negotiation support teams
  • Diplomats and foreign policy officials
  • Government officials involved in peace processes
  • Military and police advisors to peace missions or negotiating parties
  • Civil Society Organization (CSO) leaders involved in advocacy around peace processes
  • UN and regional organization staff involved in mediation and political affairs
  • Researchers and academics in peace and conflict studies

Objectives: Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the conceptual framework and strategic importance of ceasefires and power-sharing in peace processes.
  • Analyze the key components and technical considerations in negotiating ceasefire agreements.
  • Identify different models and challenges of transitional power-sharing arrangements.
  • Develop strategies for effective negotiation, implementation, and verification of ceasefire provisions.
  • Articulate the importance of inclusivity, sequencing, and political will for successful power-sharing transitions.

Course Modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Ceasefires and Power-Sharing in Peace Processes

  • Defining ceasefires: types, objectives, and their role in de-escalation.
  • Defining power-sharing: purpose, models, and objectives in post-conflict transitions.
  • The critical link between security arrangements and political agreements.
  • The "interim" phase of peace processes and its challenges.
  • Overview of historical examples and lessons learned from past processes.

Module 2: Negotiating Ceasefire Agreements: Strategic Considerations

  • Assessing ripeness for a ceasefire and identifying key actors.
  • Pre-negotiation dynamics and confidence-building measures.
  • Determining the scope and geographic coverage of the ceasefire.
  • Establishing rules of engagement and permissible activities for armed groups.
  • The role of mediators and guarantors in ceasefire negotiations.

Module 3: Components and Technicalities of Ceasefire Agreements

  • Defining "cessation of hostilities" and "permanent ceasefire."
  • Withdrawal and separation of forces: cantonment, demobilization.
  • Monitoring and Verification Mechanisms (MVMs): composition, mandate, operational challenges.
  • Reporting and dispute resolution mechanisms for alleged violations.
  • The linkage to broader DDR (Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration) processes.

Module 4: Transitional Power-Sharing: Models and Objectives

  • Types of power-sharing: political, economic, security, territorial/federal.
  • Proportional power-sharing: electoral systems, cabinet formation.
  • Consociationalism and inclusive governance models.
  • Objectives of power-sharing: stability, inclusion, reconciliation, transition to democracy.
  • Challenges: elite pacts, exclusion, institutional paralysis.

Module 5: Negotiating Power-Sharing Arrangements: Key Issues

  • Defining the scope and duration of the transitional period.
  • Allocation of ministries and key positions.
  • Reform of state institutions: civil service, judiciary.
  • Constitutional reform processes during transition.
  • Sequencing power-sharing with other peace agreement components (e.g., security, justice).

Module 6: Implementation Challenges in Ceasefires and Power-Sharing

  • Maintaining political will and commitment from signatory parties.
  • Securing funding and resources for implementation.
  • Managing spoilers and addressing resistance to change.
  • Building trust and managing mistrust among former adversaries.
  • Operational challenges for monitoring and verification teams.

Module 7: The Role of External Actors in Negotiations and Implementation

  • The role of international mediators and special envoys.
  • UN peacekeeping operations: ceasefire monitoring and security support.
  • Regional organizations and their contributions to negotiation and verification.
  • Donor support for transitional institutions and reforms.
  • Leveraging international pressure and incentives for compliance.

Module 8: Gender, Inclusivity, and Lessons Learned

  • Ensuring gender-inclusive participation in ceasefire and power-sharing negotiations.
  • Addressing the specific needs and contributions of women and marginalized groups.
  • Learning from successes and failures in past ceasefire and power-sharing agreements.
  • The importance of transparency and public engagement for legitimacy.
  • Future trends and innovations in negotiating complex political settlements.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

 

Negotiating Ceasefires And Transitional Power-sharing Training Course in Kenya
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