The 'Long Grass' of Agreements: Promise, Theory and Practice

Abstract

Peace agreements have their 'honeymoon' periods. The world’s media turn up for the congratulatory photo-shoot that marks the end of an armed conflict and the outbreak of 'peace'. The work of converting the promise and hard won compromises of a transition into reality, however, is uncertain and fraught with visible and hidden threats. When can we know that a transition is 'working'? How can we calculate the level of security threat posed to future stability by the underenforcement of what was agreed or by a failure to address issues avoided in negotiations? What role does restorative justice play in these dilemmas? What is restored and to whom in the 'long grass'?

Keywords: peace agreements