Mid-Term Evaluation of Search for Common
Ground (Centre Lokol+) “Supporting Congo’s
Transition Towards Sustainable Peace”
programme
in
Democratic Republic of Congo
(DRC)
FINAL REPORT
22nd March 2006
Mary Myers
Judy El-Bushra
Triple Line Consulting ltd
1 Princeton Court
55 Felsham Rd
LONDON SW15 1AZ, UK
Tel: +44-20-8788-4666
Fax: +44-20-8788-5777
www.tripleline.com
[email protected]
Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Glossary of Acronyms
APEC
APEFE
CAR
CEI
CL
CONADER
DDR
DDRRR
DME
FDLR
HAM
IA
IFES
KAB
MIJAS
NGO
RCD
RDC
REPPAD
RO
RTNC
SfCG
UNHCR
Appui au Processus Electoral au Congo
Association pour l’Education et pour la Formation à
l’Etranger – an aid agency of the Belgian Government
Central African Republic
Commission Electorale Indépendante (Independent
Electoral Commission)
Centre Lokolé
Commission de désarmement, démobilisation et
réinsertion des ex-combattants
Disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration
Disarmament, demobilisation, repatriation, reinsertion
and reintegration
Design, monitoring and evaluation
Forces Démocratiques de Libération du Rwanda
Haute Autorité des Médias
International Alert
International Foundation for Election Systems
Knowledge, Attitude and Behaviour (surveys)
Mission des Jacobins Sages
Non-governmental organisation
Rassemblement Congolais pour la Démocratie
République Démocratique du Congo
Réseau de Pacification pour la Paix et le Développement
Radio Okapi
Radio Télévision Nationale Congolaise
Search for Common Ground
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
Note:
The use of the term ‘ex child-soldier’ refers to all children formerly associated
with armed groups and forces, as combatants or in other roles (porters, cooks,
sex slaves etc.) who are now demobilised.
Acknowledgements:
We would like to thank all those who gave us their time and insights, and for
making this review a very illuminating and enjoyable experience.
- Judy El Bushra and Mary Myers, March 2006
Final Report 22nd March 2006
2
Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary .................................................................... 4
1 Introduction .......................................................................... 7
2 Methodology .......................................................................... 9
3 Assessment of outputs and their contribution to the
programme’s purpose .............................................................. 10
3.1 Introduction to CL’s Programme ..................................................................10
3.2 Progress Against Outputs............................................................................10
3.3 Is the project on the right track in terms of objectives, deliverables and budget? 17
4 CL’s contribution to peace-building in the DRC transition .... 19
4.1 What has CL contributed to national processes? .............................................19
4.1.1 DDR and the creation of a unified national army .................................... 19
4.2 What has SfCG contributed to the reduction of tension in the East? ..................22
4.2.1 ‘Common ground’ journalism .............................................................. 22
4.2.2 Community reconciliation................................................................. 23
4.2.3 Creative arts and conflict transformation............................................ 24
5 CL in relation to DFID’s media and peace-building portfolios
and post-election ‘community recovery’ ................................... 26
5.1 What is Centre Lokolé’s Unique Selling Point? ................................................26
5.2 Synergies between media and peace-building ...............................................27
5.2.1. Media issues .................................................................................... 27
5.2.2. Peace building.................................................................................. 27
5.3. Centre Lokolé and community recovery .......................................................28
6 Monitoring and Evaluation Issues ........................................ 30
7. Recommendations ............................................................... 32
7.1 Recommendations for DFID: .......................................................................32
7.2 Recommendations to Centre Lokolé for enhancing current activities: ................32
7.3 Recommendations for Centre Lokolé on institutional processes and linkages: .....33
Annex
Annex
Annex
Annex
Annex
Annex
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
Part
Part
Part
Part
Part
1:
2:
3:
4:
5:
6:
Terms of Reference.................................................... 35
List of Key Documents Reviewed ............................... 38
People Consulted during Mid-Term Review................ 39
Original Logframe ...................................................... 42
PowerPoint Presentation with Preliminary Findings .. 46
Output to Purpose Review ......................................... 50
A - Project Data..................................................................................50
B - Recommendations .........................................................................51
C – Project Scoring Assessment ............................................................53
D – Risk Management .........................................................................62
E – Lessons Learned ...........................................................................63
Annex 7: Clarifications Presented by Search for Common Ground
in DRC ...................................................................................... 64
Final Report 22nd March 2006
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Executive Summary
This mid-term output-to-purpose review of Search for Common Ground’s
(Centre Lokolé - CL) “Supporting Congo’s Transition towards Sustainable
Peace” programme was undertaken to provide an objective assessment of the
programme’s progress against its aims, and its impact to date. The review
found that, in general, the programme is on the right track to achieve its
purpose (laying the foundations for sustainable peace by enhancing informative
and participative communication around the transition process and by
contributing to the reduction of tensions in the Eastern Congo) through
activities focused on conflict transformation, media training and, to a lesser
extent, community reconciliation. The next 18 months provide CL with an
opportunity to consolidate the successes for the first phase of this programme
while also allowing it to strengthen internal capacity around management and
monitoring and evaluation. DFID should have no hesitation in continuing to
provide funding for this phase.
Centre Lokolé has successfully undertaken a large number of activities since
the start of the programme. These have included:
! Producing ten weekly radio programmes which are distributed to a total of
84 radio stations (including the production of six weekly radio programmes
broadcast through around 35 stations in the Kiswahili zone);
! Activities aimed at reducing tensions in Eastern DRC including four
facilitated community reconciliation projects, and the establishment of two
theatre troupes specialising in participatory theatre for conflict
transformation;
! Providing partner radio stations with basic factual and official
documentation related to various national processes together with in-kind
support (basic broadcasting equipment);
! Distributing a comic strip version of one of the radio soap operas as well as
posters on elections and other transition issues;
! Training around 200 journalists and writers of radio drama in ‘common
ground’ journalism, writing for specific formats, and editing processes.
Centre Lokolé is also starting to develop activities which include elements of
both radio and on-the-ground conflict transformation work. These include:
! A radio series on army integration and a training initiative for newly
integrated brigades, focusing on human rights, communication and conflict
transformation.;
! Activities promoting the reintegration of returning refugees in South Kivu
through a combination of radio, theatre, and community development
initiatives (in collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees).
Assessment
CL is currently in the process of setting up a design, monitoring and evaluation
(DME) system. This means that, at present, evidence of impact is incomplete,
however listener feedback, some limited audience survey work, and
Final Report 22nd March 2006
4
Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
stakeholder appreciations do provide some indication of the positive outcomes
of the work to-date.
CL is the only organisation in DRC that is advocating conflict transformation to
a mass-audience. It combines practical peace-building with the power of the
mass-media (i.e. radio), to inform and encourage Congolese participation in
the ongoing peace process, as well as influencing knowledge, attitudes and
behaviour of the audience in ways that can facilitate peace. In particular,
‘Jirani ni Ndugu’ (a soap opera) and ‘Sisi Watoto’ (magazine programme on
children’s rights prepared and produced by children) both attract large
audiences owing to their entertainment value and capacity to reflect the
language and outlook of ordinary people in eastern DRC.
CL has promoted conflict transformation communication through its radio
outputs as well as through participatory theatre (in which field it has become
an important resource), and to a less evident degree through its on-the-ground
community work. There is some evidence that CL’s outputs have helped
reduce general levels of tension, as well as contributing to specific instances
where violence has been prevented, including most notably child
demobilisation resulting from ‘Sisi Watoto’.
The key achievement of CL’s radio output is that it produces informative,
relevant and stimulating material which is disseminated to mass audiences in
parts of the country where few other sources of information or discussion
reach. Programmes have contributed to transition processes by enabling
people to become better informed about the transition and better able to
assess and act on information, and by providing outlets for popular opinions
and commentary.
CL has contributed to media development through the training of professionals
– including the young ‘Sisi Watoto’ reporters - and by setting high standards in
its own programmes. It is the only organisation in DRC tackling elections from
the standpoint of covering positive stories while being alert to the potential for
conflict to result from the language or choice of stories chosen.
Moreover, when compared to other media organisations in the country CL’s
programme includes a wide range of activities which are not being attempted
by other organisations. These include developing creative radio formats,
especially drama; promoting the only production by and for children broadcast
throughout the Kiswahili zone; and developing programme formats which allow
ordinary people from all over the country to have their say. CL’s approach is
an example to other organisations on how to use a multi-media approach with
inventiveness and creativity, and, as such, is a contribution to improved media
standards throughout DRC.
Community-level
reconciliation
activities
work
through
local
peace
organisations operating in strategically important locations and contexts.
However, this work has been given limited attention to-date, owing to a
combination of human and financial resource constraints and a conscious
decision to focus resources on media work which is where CL considers it can
make most difference.
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Summary of Recommendations
1. Recommendations to Centre Lokolé for enhancing current activities:
a) CL should consider identifying a series of priority subjects for which it will
develop longer and more in-depth treatment.
b) It should also consider the possibility of extending coverage of ‘Sisi Watoto’
throughout the country, developing the scope and range of its participatory
theatre troupes, and expansion into TV.
c) The team should undertake an assessment of its experience with on-theground community reconciliation work with a view to deciding what level of
resources to invest in this work.
d) CL should look for ways to enhance synergies between community
reconciliation work and media work.
e) In the long term CL will need to consider undertaking a broader analysis of
the conflict, to include the roles of marginalised groups (e.g. women,
pygmés, and the rural poor).
2. Recommendations to Centre Lokolé on institutional processes and linkages:
a) Some revisions to the project log-frame need to be made.
b) CL should commit to paper an agreed work-plan for the remaining 18
months of the project as soon as possible.
c) CL should strengthen its plans, and internal capacity, for monitoring and
evaluation.
d) CL should continue to look for ways to collaborate with Radio Okapi, Panos
and other peace-building and development agencies.
e) CL should review and possibly reorient its programme of training for
journalists.
f) CL should start to consider themes for a post-conflict scenario.
g) CL should consider whether, and how, its community work could be
strengthened through joint programming with other peacebuilding
organisations.
3. Recommendations for DFID:
a) The outputs and the purpose of the project are largely being achieved - or
are well on the way to being so. DFID should have no hesitation in funding
the second half of the 3-year grant foreseen for Search for Common
Ground.
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
1
Introduction
1.1 Background to the Review
This report documents the mid-term output-to-purpose review of Search for
Common Ground’s1 (SfCG) “Supporting Congo’s Transition towards
Sustainable Peace” programme, funded by the Department for International
Development (DFID). Terms of reference (TORs) for this review were
finalised in January 2006 (see Annex 1) and Triple Line Consulting Ltd. was
contracted by DFID to provide two consultants, Mary Myers and Judy El
Bushra, specialists in media and peace-building respectively, to undertake
the review. The main questions for the evaluation were:
1. Is the project on the right track in terms of objectives, deliverables
and budget?
2. Are the anticipated outputs likely to be achieved by the project end,
and how will these outputs contribute to the stated purpose (Output
to Purpose Review)?
3. What is SfCG’s “Unique Selling Point” (USP), i.e. what is SfCG doing
that others are not?
4. What are the links and synergies between media and peace-building,
and what lessons can be learned?
5. What has SfCG actually contributed to national processes such as
disarmament, demobilisation and reinsertion (DDR), the creation of a
unified national army, the national peace process, preparations for
elections, repatriation of refugees and child soldiers?
6. What links exist between SfCG and other elements of DFID’s overall
programme, particularly its media and its peace-building work? How
effective are they and what lessons can be learned?
7. What lessons can be learned from SfCG’s approach, for post-elections
“community recovery” from conflict?
8. What further questions need to be asked amongst SfCG’s listeners
and other partners and audience to complete the programme-based
evaluations that Centre Lokolé has already done? And what
methodology is recommended?
Field work for this evaluation was carried out between 20 January and 5
February 2006.
1.2
Search for Common Ground and DFID Support in DRC
When it is well regulated and managed, DFID believes that the media can be
a major force for improving the quality of government in developing and
transitional countries2. DFID’s support to regulation and to some of the best
media initiatives in the DRC is premised on the media’s potential role in
facilitating a peaceful political transition, promoting free and fair elections,
the establishment of a functioning state apparatus and in tackling poverty
through education and providing a voice for the impoverished majority.
Through its media programme, DFID is supporting three media-related
1
2
Search for Common Ground is known in DRC as Centre Lokolé, the name used in this document.
‘ The Media in Governance: a Guide to Assistance’ DFID 2001: London
Final Report 22nd March 2006
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
organisations in DRC: Radio Okapi, the Panos Institute and Search for
Common Ground (Centre Lokolé; CL). DFID has been supporting CL’s 3year programme, entitled ‘Supporting Congo’s Transition towards
Sustainable Peace’, since October 2004 with a total grant of £1.2 million.
The programme objectives, in summary, are to:
1. Enhance informative and participative communication around the
transition process and;
2. Contribute to the reduction of tensions and the development of sustainable
peace in Eastern Congo.
DFID’s support to CL, although administered under media support, has very
clear links to DFID’s peace-building strategy. This strategy aims to continue
support to local level peace-building and reconciliation and to promote
human rights in war affected communities. Complimentary to this on-theground peace-building are projects which aim to support the transition
process. DFID is supporting various aspects of this transition, including the
forthcoming elections, army reintegration, disarmament, demobilisation and
reintegration (DDR) of armed groups, disarmament, demobilisation,
repatriation, reinsertion and reintegration (DDRRR) of foreign belligerents,
reform of the police and judiciary, peaceful return of refugees and other
processes relating to the restoration of the rule of law and respect for human
rights. CL’s work touches on all of these national processes to a large
extent; the way in which its work supports these processes and compliments
the work of other agencies working on media and peace-building is analysed
below.
Final Report 22nd March 2006
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
2
Methodology
The methods used for this evaluation were key informant interviews,
observation and desk review of the project documents (see Annex 2). The
two evaluators, Mary Myers and Judy El-Bushra, spent 15 days in the DRC.
Both visited Uvira, Bukavu and Kinshasa although work in Bunia and Kalehe
was undertaken by Mary and Judy separately. Most of the visits were
facilitated by CL staff but the interviews were done without their presence in
an effort to ensure that interviewees felt able speak openly (a list of people
met is given in Annex 3).
To gain a full understanding of the context for the project, the evaluators
interviewed a number donor agencies, local government representatives, a
cross-section of CL’s partner organisations, as well as community groups,
and CL’s ‘competitors’ (i.e. other organisations working on media and on
peace-building). The evaluators also interviewed as many radio station
directors as possible in the time available; 14 were interviewed from all
around the country, either in person or by telephone. They also watched
three participatory theatre performances, listened to at least one example
(sometimes more) of each radio programme, listened to other songs and
spots produced, and tuned into some partner radio stations. Visits to two
marketplaces – in Uvira and Kinshasa - were undertaken in order to do some
informal interviews with ‘ordinary’ listeners. The evaluators also spent many
sessions in discussion with Centre Lokolé staff, notably the Director, Lena
Slachmuijlder.
The programme’s original logical framework (2004) was ceased being used
by SfCG in April 20053 when CL held an internal review which resulted in a
slightly revised vision for the programme. CL plans to draw up a revised
logframe during the next internal strategic review in April 2006. However as
a logframe was required for this Output-to-Purpose review, the evaluators
developed an indicative logframe based on the programme proposal,
progress reports, the strategic review report of 2005, and observations and
discussions with staff (see Annex 4 for original logframe and Annex 6 for
indicative logframe). This was done in order to help the programme get
greater, explicit clarity on objectives which were already implicit and which
were, in any case, being followed as per the programme document agreed
with DFID.
At the end of the field trip, the evaluators gave a presentation of preliminary
findings to staff from DFID, CL and the Swedish International Development
Cooperation Agency (SIDA), (see Annex 5 for Power Point presentation),
enabling staff from these agencies to provide further input to the review
process. A draft report was submitted to DFID and SfCG. Annex 6 provides
the comments received by SfCG.
3
Rapport du Revue Stratégique 2005 du Centre Lokole, Search for Common Ground en RDC 18-21 avril
2005, Kinshasa
Final Report 22nd March 2006
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
3
Assessment of outputs and their contribution to the programme’s
purpose
3.1 Introduction to CL’s Programme
As discussed in section 2, this mid-term evaluation and Output-to-Purpose
Review were carried out using a partial and indicative logframe (see Annex
5) constructed by the evaluators in conjunction with CL staff during the
evaluation mission. This logframe shows the programme’s purpose as:
‘The foundations are laid for sustainable peace in the DRC by enhancing
informative and participative communication around the transition process
and by contributing to the reduction of tensions in the Eastern Congo’
The outputs were identified in the original project document as follows
(though they were not set out explicitly in the original log-frame):
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Radio broadcasts on the transition process and institutions;
Other media activities which reinforce messages on the transition;
Training of media in peace and common ground journalism techniques;
Radio programming to reduce tensions in Eastern Congo;
Promotion of cross-border dialogue;
Community awareness-raising on children’s rights and the demobilisation
process in the East;
Training and capacity-building for local peace leaders;
Cultural activities to increase social harmony.
3.2 Progress Against Outputs
3.2.1 Radio broadcasts on the transition process and institutions
Four programmes on transition-related issues are produced and
disseminated on a weekly basis through CL’s Kinshasa office. These are:
!
!
!
!
‘Arbre à palabre’(‘Discussion Tree’), a half-hour magazine programme in
French centred on round-table discussions to which politicians, civil
society activists, and decision-makers are invited, and also including vox
pop, readers’ feedback and the French version of ‘Mopila’ (see below).
‘Mopila’, a soap opera prepared in the five national languages (French,
Kiswahili, Lingala, Tshiluba, and Kikongo) and exploring similar issues in
a more popular style through the adventures of Mopila, a taxi-driver.
‘Boyoka pe biso’ (‘Listen to us too’) a 12-minute vox pop collection in
Lingala, presenting the views of the person in the street (sent in by
correspondents around the country) about the issues discussed in the
two other programmes.
‘Demain est un nouveau jour’ (‘Tomorrow is another day’), a soap opera
in Lingala and Kiswahili on the theme of adult demobilisation developed
in collaboration with the Commission de désarment, démobilisation et
réinsertion des ex-combattants (CONADER): this programme is a new
addition, having begun broadcasting only in February 2006.
Final Report 22nd March 2006
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
The Kinshasa office chooses a theme every week, to be covered by all of the
first three programmes on the above list. Overall, the transition issues dealt
with by CL are:
!
!
!
!
The constitution and the electoral process;
Demobilisation and reintegration of ex-combatants and the creation of a
unified national army;
Children’s rights and specifically the demobilisation and reintegration of
child ex-combatants;
Repatriation of Congolese refugees in neighbouring countries.
Programmes are recorded onto CD and distributed to 78 local and
community stations in DRC and six in Burundi and Tanzania. In return for
stations airing CL’s programmes, CL provides each station with a yearly inkind contribution to the station, offering a choice of a mixer, a CD player, a
microphone or a mini-disk recorder. Compilations of ‘Mopila’ have been
distributed experimentally on cassette to 3 markets and 11 public buses in
Kinshasa and Bas-Congo.
The original programme document envisaged the establishment of 15 radio
listening groups. To-date only a few have been set up; a small number are
based in children’s rehabilitation centres and some of the radio stations
which receive CL programmes. In principle, these groups are meant to
serve as mechanisms for two-way communication with listeners (reporting
back to CL on the regularity of broadcasts and on the pertinence of the
programmes to local issues).
Anecdotal evidence suggests that of the three longstanding programmes
under this heading, ‘Mopila’ is the most popular; for example, in Bunia,
‘Mopila’ has now become a standard name for all taxi-drivers, despite Bunia
being far away from the Lingala-speaking milieu where the nick-name
originated. ‘Mopila’ was also the first programme mentioned by shoppers
interviewed in Uvira’s market when asked what they knew of CL. However,
a listener survey of 20054 suggested that Mopila’s popularity may vary
significantly from one location to another, and, in places like Kinshasa,
where there is more choice, the series seems to be known by only about
20% of the public (see section 9 below). Staff reviewing the programme5
felt that the character of Mopila is too ‘intellectual’ and remote from the
ordinary person. CL’s programmes also appear to have more impact in the
provinces than in Kinshasa where they have to compete with a large array of
mass-media.
3.2.2 Other media activities which reinforce messages on the transition
CL has produced a number of printed materials which accompany
programmes on election topics. A comic strip version of ‘Mopila’ was
produced and distributed around the time of the referendum, as were
several posters from the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) informing
people of procedures for voting. CL’s partner in Uvira, Mission des Jacobins
Sages (MIJAS), produces a newsletter, ‘Messager du people’ with CL
4
Rapport final de l’enquête sur la série radiophonique Mopila Kinshasa, Juillet 2005
Rapport du Revue Stratégique 2005 du Centre Lokole, Search for Common Ground en RDC 18-21 avril
2005, Kinshasa
5
Final Report 22nd March 2006
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
support.
Materials produced by other civic education organisations,
including the CEI, have been sent out to partner radio stations alongside the
broadcast CDs. These documents have included the constitution itself as
well as various legal texts, information sheets produced by the International
Foundation for Election Systems (IFES) and other groups, and some copies
of the ‘Journal du Citoyen’ newsletter6. These documents were often not
available to the stations from any other source and have therefore been
indispensable in developing their programming around the elections. CL has
also given computer facilities for the production of ‘Kinshasa Today’, a daily
digest of news reports, and CL regularly includes items from it on its
website7.
CL is phasing out its support to ‘Messager du peuple’ as a result of an
internal evaluation which identified problems with its content and
distribution. Support will instead be given to MIJAS’s newly installed radio
station.
The new CL initiative in collaboration with CONADER on adult DDR consists
of conflict transformation training in demobilisation centres, as well as
comics, posters and boîtes à images, 8 in support of the radio series ‘Demain
est un nouveau jour’.
Print and web media clearly take second place to radio programmes in CL’s
output; this is suited to the context given that, at present, radio has by far
the widest reach. However, other mass media, especially television, are
gaining ground and CL will want to take a flexible approach to the use of
non-radio channels of disseminating information in future.
3.2.3 Training of media in peace and common ground journalism techniques
CL has organised and/or facilitated a number of training opportunities (three
per year) for a total of 200 journalists and writers. Training has covered
‘common ground’ journalism and conflict transformation approaches, writing
for specific formats such as talk shows, vox pop and soap operas, and
technical processes such as digital editing.
Five ‘joint reporting weeks’ were held for journalists from Burundi, Rwanda
and DRC, through a collaboration between CL and the Panos Institute. The
two organisations also collaborated in a ‘Synergy’ scheme in the East during
the referendum. This involved journalists from local and community radio
stations in many remote parts of the country reporting to a central location
on the progress of the referendum in their area. The purpose was both to
help ensure that accurate, live information was available to the public on the
conduct of the elections - to head off possible disruptions and fraud - and to
enable local reporters to take advantage of this entirely new experience.
3.2.4 Radio programming to reduce tensions in Eastern Congo
6
A weekly newsletter about the electoral process, in French, produced by an independent team supported
by HAM, Panos and APEFE (partly with DFID funding).
7
We were not able to gain a sense of the impact of ‘Kinshasa Today’ because the staff associate
responsible was on leave.
8
I.e. large-format pictures in sets, normally used for training or awareness-raising purposes with non- or
semi-literate audiences.
Final Report 22nd March 2006
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Six programmes per week are being produced by the Bukavu office under
this heading, all in Kiswahili. Programmes are disseminated through the
same national network of radio stations as the Kinshasa programmes, with
approximately 35 out of the 80 partner radio stations broadcasting the
Kiswahili programmes. They are:
! ‘Jirani ni Ndugu’ (‘My neighbour is my brother’) a drama series following
key developments in the East which have the potential to become
flashpoints, and showing how ordinary people can approach conflict with a
collaborative rather than adversarial approach.
! ‘En parler c’est agir’ (‘To talk about it is to act’), a half-hour magazine
programme, focusing mainly on tensions in the Kivus, in which CL
journalists investigate current social issues, presenting a wide variety of
opinions from both experts and persons in the street. A ‘key word’
segment highlights terms related to the transition often subject to
confusion and/or manipulation.
! ‘Bâtisseurs de la paix’ (‘Peace-builders’), a 30-minute programme in
Kiswahili which showcases individuals and groups from among the general
population who have acted to reduce tension in their own context, often in
heroic ways, such as saving lives of those outside their ethnic group.
! ‘Sisi Watoto’ (‘We the children’) a key output, described in more detail
below.
! ‘La Chronique’ (‘The chronicle’), a two-minute news update, broadcast
through CL’s Radio Isanganiro in Burundi. This is a new programme
which began broadcasting in February 2006.
! ‘Tukutane Tena’ (‘We meet again’), produced in collaboration with UNHCR,
which is specifically about repatriation and is broadcast widely in South
Kivu and in neighbouring Tanzania: by three radio stations in Bukavu, two
in Uvira, four others in south South Kivu and 5 radio stations in three
refugee camps in Tanzania, as well as Radio Kahuzi whose short-wave
broadcasts are also received in the camps.
These programmes aim to provide a platform from which popular views can
be aired in styles and formats to which the person in the street can easily
relate. Evidence from partner radio stations indicates that both ‘Jirani ni
Ndugu’ and ‘Sisi Watoto’ are hugely popular programmes that attract large
audiences owing to their entertainment value and their capacity to reflect
the language and outlook of ordinary people in Eastern DRC. Radio stations
usually choose to air them at peak listening times and report receiving
complaints if they are unable to broadcast them through electricity failure or
other technical problems. The more talk-based programmes are also well
respected but have less entertainment value.
These programmes aim to exemplify the ‘common ground’ approach to
conflict transformation, which looks for ‘win-win’ rather than ‘zero-sum’
solutions to conflicts. Both discussion and drama segments model attitudes
and behaviours in which different opinions and interests are first
acknowledged and then accommodated in mutually acceptable ways. This
approach to journalism in the current transition attracts some controversy
(discussed in more detail in section 4.2.1 below). However CL staff believe
that it has been highly influential in terms of addressing potential points of
conflict constructively and, importantly, that this has helped reduce general
levels of tension.
Staff also quote specific examples of violence being
headed off as a result of CL programmes; one example relates to
Final Report 22nd March 2006
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
programmes around student elections in Bukavu where feedback from
student listeners indicated that the programmes had helped to dispel
tensions in a volatile situation.
It is notable that CL has itself been viewed as an actor in ethnic tensions in
the East; following programmes describing the return of Banyamulenge
refugees and the assistance given to them, CL was accused by some of
favouritism.
Although this impression was counteracted by later
programmes talking about returning refugees from all communities and
neighbouring countries, the incident highlights the potential risks to those
who intervene actively to transform conflict. 9
3.2.5 Promotion of cross-border dialogue
Cross-border dialogue is promoted both through radio outputs and through
support to partner organisations which have regional communication and
reconciliation goals.
For example ‘La Chronique’ is broadcast from
neighbouring Burundi and reaches out to an audience in Burundi and in
South Kivu province of DRC. Programmes broadcast by Kinshasa radio
stations, which include regular features on repatriation, are heard in
Brazzaville. CL also receives reports from Congolese listeners living in
Angola, Burundi, Rwanda, Zambia, CAR, and Uganda who have heard CL
programmes on Congolese stations close to borders.
CL supports the Great Lakes University Forum which brings together
students from 12 Congolese, Burundian and Rwandan universities. The
initiative arose due to problems with cohabitation between students from the
three countries which were sparked by current events and violence in the
region.
The first three-country forum was held in Ngozi, Burundi in
December 2004 and was followed by separate national forums (but with
representatives from the three countries) in Burundi, Rwanda and DRC
during 2005. A second combined forum will be held during 2006. CL radio
programmes have included reports from these meetings.
Another initiative, the inter-community Youth Mediation project, held a
successful meeting in Kampala, Uganda in February 2005, bringing together
young men and women from Bukavu, including Banyamulenge youth
originating from Bukavu who had sought refuge in Rwanda following events
of 30 June 2005 (when civil unrest was expected about the delay of the
planned elections).
These two groups had previously been severely
polarised; discussion in Kampala was at times bitter, but some
rapprochement was achieved by the end.10 Since then, despite separate
meetings being held in 2005 in Burundi and in Bukavu, the initiative has lost
momentum for two main reasons. On the one hand, the groups have
themselves fallen back into mutual recrimination and have not been able to
identify a programme of activities. On the other hand, CL has had difficulty,
mainly due to staffing constraints, in providing facilitation which could
effectively manage the youth groups’ expectations of the process.
9
Rapport du Revue Stratégique 2005 du Centre Lokole, Search for Common Ground en RDC 18-21 avril
2005, Kinshasa
10
Rapport de l’atelier de consolidation des terrains d’entente entre la plate-forme ‘Ikingi’des jeunes
Banyamulenge en refuge au Rwanda et les autres jeunes de la societé civile du Sud-Kivu en provenance
de Bukavu Kampala du 29 janvier au 01 février 2005
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
However, since CL has more recently been able to encourage the
participation of more dynamic associates in the process, prospects for
reviving this project seem good.
3.2.6 Community awareness-raising
demobilisation process in the east
on
children’s
rights
and
the
The main element in this activity is the ‘Sisi Watoto’ radio magazine
programme which is designed and made by a team of around 12 child
journalists under CL supervision (renewed periodically as older children
reach the age of 18 and leave the group - a total of 16 to date). It includes
interviews and vox pops as well as a thematically-relevant dramatised
sketch by the Chem Chem theatre troupe which is composed of ex-child
soldiers. Chem Chem also does community outreach drama around child
soldier demobilisation and reintegration, using interactive techniques. In
addition, an 11-episode drama entitled ‘Mambo’ has been recorded and will
be distributed to radio listening clubs in children’s transit centres in
Kiswahili-speaking eastern DRC.
‘Sisi Watoto’ addresses issues faced by young people in the context of armed
conflict, including, but not limited to, the dangers of recruitment and the
challenges of demobilisation and reintegration. Themes are developed in
close collaboration with organisations involved in child protection and
children’s DDR, including Save the Children, UNICEF, and local child support
organisations.
The radio programme aims to overtly encourage child
soldiers to demobilise and to discourage non-enlisted children from being
drawn into armed groups. It is oriented towards both children and their
parents and towards enhancing mutual understanding between the two.
‘Sisi Watoto’ won first prize in the feature category for UNICEF and
OneWorld’s competition for radio programmes by children for children in May
2004 and it continues to be one of CL’s most effective and important
achievements, especially in relation to child demobilisation. The programme
seeks out and publicises specific cases of enlisted children or children in
enforced relations with the military, and this has led, in a number of cases,
to their rescue and reunification with their families. A number of child
soldiers have also approached CL for help in demobilising as a result of this
programme. There is also anecdotal evidence that as a result of the
programme, military commanders have brought children forward for
demobilisation, while child protection specialists have been able to locate
and rescue children at risk, and children at risk of re-enlisting have been
dissuaded from joining armed groups.
There is some evidence from interviewees that the work of reintegrating exchild soldiers into their families and communities has been facilitated by the
programme (by, for example, giving voice to ex-combatants themselves,
and in more practical terms by informing parents and authorities of where
the children are).
However, the programme’s impact in terms of
reintegration not as clear as its impact on demobilisation.
CL provides ongoing training to ‘Sisi Watoto’ child-reporters in journalism
and production techniques, as well as the collection and analysis of audience
phone calls, text-messages and other feedback. The latter training includes
basic statistics and spreadsheet use, which enables CL to monitor and
Final Report 22nd March 2006
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
evaluate its radio programmes through analysis of listeners’ feedback.
Chem Chem also benefited from training in interactive theatre (see 3.2.8
below) which has provided a number of disadvantaged children with the
opportunity to acquire professional skills of lasting validity. The production
team and the Chem Chem theatre troupe recruit from a range of gender,
ethnic and educational categories, thus contributing to positive images
through its own make-up. The programme gives particular emphasis to the
acute problems of the girl child.11 CL staff view the programme as being
highly appropriate in terms of content but having an insufficiently wide
audience, which needs to be consolidated through increase in the number of
listening clubs.12
3.2.7 Training and capacity-building for local peace leaders
Training and capacity building, though an item in the original proposal, was
de-prioritised when the programme failed to receive full funding due to the
difficulties of achieving impact in this field with limited resources and given
that media work was seen as having stronger added value in the current
circumstances. Recently, however, some training has been done in the
context of a UNHCR project which seeks to respond to UNHCR’s facilitated
repatriation of Congolese refugees from Tanzania to Eastern DRC. CL is
intending to establish a total of 20 community reintegration committees in
southern South Kivu province to promote the peaceful coexistence between
returnees and their host communities. To-date five committees have been
set up and have received training from CL in conflict transformation.
A small number of facilitated mediation and community reconciliation
processes have also been started. Community reconciliation was carried out
in Kalehe, near the border with North Kivu, in April 2005, at the request of,
and working through, the local non-governmental organisation REPPAD
(Réseau de Pacification pour la Paix et le Développement).
Relations
between the cattle-keeping Kinyarwanda-speakers in the higher areas and
the agriculturalist Bahavu and Batembo on the lower slopes were severed
after June 2004, especially since the Kalehe area then became a stronghold
of the renegade Laurent Nkunda, whose presence drove a wedge between
the two groups. REPPAD, which had already begun to put together an
umbrella organisation linking a number of local community-based
organisations, asked for help in effecting reconciliation between the two
groups.
This is a strategically significant area as the conflict described here contains
some of the major elements of the broader conflict in the Kivus.
CL
financed and facilitated a three-day seminar in June 2005, in which
representatives from different communities carried out a joint analysis of the
causes of the problem, committed themselves to collaborative action across
the divide, and agreed to develop a series of follow-up activities. CL
followed this up by distributing footballs and small travel grants to local
teams, and by visits from its Jirani Ni Ndugu theatre troupe. However, staff
shortages have limited the support provided for the last few months and the
initiative was in danger of stalling at the time of the evaluation visit.
11
For an authoritative summary of these, see Verhey, B (2003). Going home: Demobilising and
Reintegrating Child Soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo. London: Save the Children UK.
12
Rapport du Revue Stratégique 2005 du Centre Lokole, Search for Common Ground en RDC 18-21 avril
2005, Kinshasa.
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
The issues raised by these examples of community reconciliation are
discussed in more detail in section 4.2.2.
3.2.8 Cultural activities to increase social harmony
In 2005 CL set up a theatre troupe, Jirani Ni Ndugu, and trained actors in
participatory theatre techniques.
Theatre was foreseen in the original
proposal, and has evolved specifically as participatory theatre. This has
become a key element of this output, and is now seen as providing an
important complement to the more mass-oriented radio outputs, being
adaptable to different local conditions. Jirani Ni Ndugu’s recent tour of the
Uvira area with MIJAS, raising issues around refugee repatriation, put on at
least one and sometimes two performances a day over a fortnight, thereby
reaching an estimated 8,000 people directly and perhaps five times that
number indirectly.
Its impact on these audiences is immediate and
engaging. The participatory theatre approach is important methodologically
too, as it presents and analyses popular perceptions of the issue concerned
and offers a platform from which the audience can express its views.
The original proposal suggested that three trainings per year would be
offered to theatre practitioners. In 2005 three trainings were carried out in
interactive theatre techniques for 15-20 actors in each, drawn from various
troupes in Bukavu, Uvira and Kinshasa.
In 2004 CL held a peace song competition, publishing the 11 best entries in
the form of a CD.
The CD has been distributed to partner radio stations
which often play music from it: it is also on the CL website. CL’s partner in
Uvira, MIJAS, organised two peace concerts. CL also provided financial and
technical support to the Prod’Art festival in Kinshasa in 2005, a display of
visual art with peace messages.
3.3 Is the project on the right track in terms of objectives,
deliverables and budget?
CL is a dynamic organisation with an energetic director and a strong sense
of mission which is constantly looking for ways to optimise its peace-building
impact. The programme is largely on the right track and is following the
terms of the original proposal agreed with DFID, although there have been a
number of changes which have slightly re-oriented the programme. The
most changes were:
! Staffing: Lena Slachmuijldjer took over as Director from Patrick Merienne
in April 2005. An international staff member has been recruited as
Deputy Director and Administrator in Kinshasa. Two staff members in
Bukavu left during 2005, including one of the two-person team working
on community reconciliation. Further staff recruitments are currently
under way, including a new post to develop a design, monitoring and
evaluation (DME) function
! Strategic Review: An internal strategic review took place in April 2005
which reoriented the programme in the light of the pace of the transition
Final Report 22nd March 2006
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
process (e.g. postponement of elections) and of other political
developments.
! Funding: The programme did not originally receive 100% funding
because DFID agreed to partially fund the proposal on the understanding
that Search would seek complementary co-funding; other funding took
some time to materialise (see below), so before this happened, the
situation required a slight re-prioritisation of activities.
! In particular, media activities were prioritised over community-based
activities. USAID recently suspended funding to all DRC programmes
(probably temporarily) however, other donors have provided some
support to CL activities. These include UNHCR, the World Bank through
CONADER, the Belgian Government and SIDA (pending approval).
Interest from new donors has allowed CL to develop new ideas. The
following initiatives are in development or under discussion:
!
!
!
!
A new magazine programme about army reintegration
A theatre festival next year in the Kivus
Writers training programme
A new TV series being planned for after the elections.
Although other donors are providing grants for discrete activities, DFID’s
funding supports CL’s entire programme, so the resultant changes may have
a bearing on how the DFID grant is spent. There is a slight risk that these
new ideas may make the management of budgets and workplans more
complex and time-consuming.
Although the project is on track, it faces a very challenging 18 months in
terms of the political context. It will have to remain focused and wellmanaged, with a well designed work plan which enables staff to respond
flexibly and appropriately, while also finding and exploiting synergies
between the various planned activities.
Final Report 22nd March 2006
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
4
CL’s contribution to peace-building in the DRC transition
4.1 What has CL contributed to national processes?
CL has undertaken a systematic analysis of the factors which pose a threat
to the national peace process and have identified a number of key threats to
the peace-process which shape their programme activities13. CL also has a
good knowledge of what people should understand about these issues
because they have taken the time to elicit opinions and answer questions.
For example, when listeners call in after the CL programmes are aired, their
suggestions and questions are often taken as a sub-theme for an upcoming
programme14. This analysis is limited however, since respondents tend to be
drawn from those with the best access to communications facilities and with
the highest levels of self-confidence. CL has not yet systematically sought
out the opinions of more marginalised groups (for example women, pygmés,
or the rural poor), although it has made an effort to promote diversity in its
recruitment and programming policies. While these groups may not be
crucial in terms of CL’s conflict-oriented approach as they do not currently
pose threats in the current context, in the long term there may be a need to
undertake a broader analysis to understand their roles, and needs, more
clearly.
4.1.1 DDR and the creation of a unified national army
CL’s activities on demobilisation have been focused on ‘Sisi Watoto’ and the
issue of child demobilisation, where it has had considerable impact.
In
terms of adult demobilisation, CL’s impact has been limited as programmes
dealing with this topic are only now starting to be aired. However, the
existing portfolio of ‘transition’ programmes produced in Kinshasa has
consistently broadcast segments on adult demobilisation and ‘brassage’
(army reunification). Topics have included, for example, the non-payment
of military salaries, the harassment of civilians, and the law relating to the
armed forces. Additionally, ‘Jirani Ni Ndugu’ has addressed the problem of
re-enrolment, while ‘En parler c’est agir’ has explained key words such as
brassage and DDR, and has presented features on the challenges facing
demobilised ex-combatants.
13
Failure of the army integration and DDR process; the effects of rumour and disinformation; the risk of
political manipulation during the transition process on the basis of political, regional or communal/ethnic
issues (including the nationality question); risks linked with the repatriation of refugees, particularly their
socio-economic reintegration and their acceptance by other communities; interference by neighbouring
countries in Congolese affairs (support to internal armed groups, creation of new armed groups from
outside); absence of state authority (which could allow certain groups or destabilising influences to
dominate); absence of justice and reconciliation – impunity (Revue Strategique, April 2005, Centre
Lokole).
14
CL logs about 300 listeners’ phone calls per quarter. The reactions to the programmes are
overwhelmingly positive (this is usually the case with self-selected respondents), but it does allow CL to
gauge the mood of the population to some extent, and to understand the level of comprehension on
various issues, e.g. the questions that people still have regarding the elections.
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
CL has also contributed to the debate around disarmament, demobilisation,
repatriation, reinsertion and reintegration (DDRRR). The main broadcast
output on this issue in DRC is a radio series put out by Radio Okapi entitled
‘Gutahuka’ aimed at encouraging Forces Démocratiques de Libération du
Rwanda (FDLR) militias still in DRC to go home. It was initiated by a
Liberian employee of CL, and then got moved to the DDRRR section of
MONUC.
Radio programming around the issue of adult demobilisation has contributed
to improved information and reduction of tension around the process,
however the problem remains that the army and its personnel continue to
behave in ways that affront and terrorise the population and increase
tension. Many commentators believe that a strong, disciplined and properlypaid national army ensuring stability, protection and the rule of law is a key
guarantor of the transition, so stepping up this element of programming has
considerable strategic importance. The issue of sexual violence (often
carried out by armed men from non-integrated militia or from the national
army) is linked to this; while CL programmes have certainly addressed this
subject, it would merit a deeper and more extensive treatment15.
4.1.2 The national peace process
CL’s approach is to promote understanding of the issues, and to find
constructive stories and positive role models which create confidence in
national processes and transitional institutions, while, at the same time,
explaining and admitting that there are difficulties and tensions. Thus, for
each radio programme, a constructive angle and/or message is identified for
each larger theme. For example, during the run-up to possible tensions
around the 30 June 2005., one theme identified was the role of youth. The
angle chosen was to give a voice to the youth to permit them to express
their hopes, fears, and to provide them with strategies for resisting political
manipulation.
CL’s greatest contribution in this area is probably to increase understanding
among the public and to dispel myths and harmful rumours. A number of
findings from the 2005 evaluation done on the ‘Mopila’ radio sketch point to
some positive impacts:
! After listening to several sketches which clarified the length of time the
transition was due to last, understanding among men sampled in Mbuji
Mayi, where levels of knowledge were lowest (compared to 6 other
towns where samples were taken), rose from 9.5% to 64%.
! Knowledge about the organisation of the transition among men and
women sampled in Kikwit rose dramatically by 50% and 45%
respectively, after those questioned had listened to relevant episodes of
the sketch which explained how the transitional government was
composed and what its objectives were.
These were the most dramatic changes noted; other than the above, impact
is hard to measure and to attribute solely to CL, since they are not the only
actors in the peace-building area.
15
We note that since our visit to DRC, SfCG has begun discussions with DFID and other donors about a
special conflict transformation facilitation and training effort with the integrated brigades, aiming at a
long-term improvement in military-civilian relations, an initiative which we would encourage.
Final Report 22nd March 2006
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
4.1.3 Preparation for elections
CL has already had some tangible impact around the subject of elections,
and is continuing to do some vital work. The organisation is engaged not
only in basic civic education, but is also in educating the public about
sensitive election issues (such as reasons for the postponement of elections,
potential for manipulation of the population by political leaders, security
around the elections, media coverage, and the importance of accepting the
election results). To this end, it is devising radio programming and other
strategies like media training and the distribution of printed material in an
effort to prevent conflict from flaring.
Although this work is done mainly through radio programmes, there is
evidence that some of the documents that CL delivered to radio stations has
also had a positive effect on the awareness about elections at a local level.
Collaboration with the CEI has so far been very positive with the CEI
regarding CL as a vital partner16. Collaboration with CEI has included
interviews, radio spots distributed in collaboration with Appui au Processus
Electoral au Congo (APEC) which encouraged voting in the recent
referendum, and inviting CEI spokespeople to speak on ‘Arbre a Palabre’.
The CEI and CL have also collaborated on a popular ‘Mopila’ cartoon book.
Testimonies gathered from radio stations strongly indicate that this book
helped radio animators to put together better programmes about the
elections.
CL’s contribution to journalist training around election issues is also
significant. During the referendum in December 2005, a large group of
different community radios in the East worked together to ensure live
coverage on local radio. CL worked with Panos on what they called this
‘synergy’ exercise. Both Panos representatives and the journalists involved
have said it was very valuable from a journalist-training point of view17.
4.1.4 Repatriation of refugees
The repatriation of refugees initially referred to the return of the mainly
Banyamulenge refugees from Burundi and Rwanda and was dealt with
through the cross-border reconciliation activities. With UNHCR’s decision to
facilitate the return of refugees from Tanzania, CL began scaling up its work
on this issue, both at the national level and specifically in southern South
Kivu province (Uvira and Fizi territories). Kinshasa-based programmes have
run features on the implications of UNHCR’s decision and on the impact of
the return on the electoral process, while Bukavu-based programmes,
especially ‘Jirani Ni Ndugu’, have focused on conflict transformation at
community level, with the theatre troupe reinforcing this discussion with
their on-the-ground work.
‘Sisi Watoto’ has also done work on child
returnees while the Messager du people newsletter has focused on
repatriation. In addition, the UNHCR grant has enabled CL to begin work on
16
As evidence through interviews with CEI staff: ‘Our collaboration with CL is very strong, honest and
open. It is very positive for us’ – Desire Molekela (CEI). ‘The CL journalists pose good questions, they
manage the on-air debates professionally, and their themes are well-chosen. They ask basic questions
which ordinary people want answers to’ – Nadine Mishika (CEI).
17
‘Centre Lokole’s experience of doing this kind of synergy successfully in Burundi gave us extra
confidence to take this on’ – Pascal Chirhalwirwa, Panos Paris.
Final Report 22nd March 2006
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
community mobilisation for the reintegration of refugees through local
reintegration committees.
4.1.5 Child soldiers
The question of child soldiers is one that CL has devoted considerable
investment to, and has rightly received considerable acclaim for, both for its
exemplary journalism and for its effectiveness in promoting the release of
child soldiers. The main vehicle for this work has been the ‘Sisi Watoto’
radio programme although the issue has been addressed in other
programmes. Topics covered include, for example, pressures on children to
re-enrol, the situation of girl ex-soldiers, ex-FDLR child soldiers, Hema and
Lendu ex-child soldiers, and the many challenges of social reintegration.
These are addressed within a general context of children’s rights.
While this initiative has been effective in promoting the release of child
soldiers and discouraging them from re-enlisting, there is less evidence of
whether ex-child soldiers have been helped to reintegrate and this is an
issue which merits further research.
4.2 What has SfCG contributed to the reduction of tension in the
East?
4.2.1 ‘Common ground’ journalism
The starting point for the ‘common ground’ approach to conflict
transformation is that conflicts of interest can be transformed into shared
interests if the protagonists are willing to recognise the legitimacy of
differing viewpoints and to explore mutually beneficial solutions.
Turning
conflict into collaboration is something that takes practice, and people
emerging from years of bitter war may have little experience with it. CL
therefore aims to demonstrate what this approach means in practice and in
relation to the many issues that threaten to divide people, from
interpersonal disputes to ethnic conflicts.
An important element of common ground journalism is the idea that the
journalist’s role in presenting a topic is to separate fact from opinion,
identify key elements of the historical or cultural context, acknowledge the
different opinions that surround a topic, and to present these in a style and
language to which audiences can relate, leaving them to make up their own
minds. The Kiswahili radio outputs exemplify the ‘common ground’ approach
in a number of ways. Magazine programmes aim to explore different
perspectives on a given issue, mainly through interviews with both expert
and lay opinion makers; the principle is never to present one opinion without
also presenting the contrasting one.
The nature of CL’s approach raises the question of the ‘message’, and the
neutrality of the journalist. CL’s work could be described as ‘intended
outcome journalism’ in that it seeks to contribute to a social good and CL’s
programmes actively encourage citizens to participate in elections, child
soldiers to demobilise, and authorities to respect people’s rights (even
though it recognises the dilemmas individuals may face in living up to these
Final Report 22nd March 2006
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
ideals). In this sense, it is not espousing neutrality although it does intend
to be impartial in the sense that journalistic engagement is meant to stop
short of advocating particular solutions, or taking a stand for or against a
particular controversial viewpoint18 .
As is the case for many organisations in the peace-building field the aim to
be impartial but not neutral is easier to describe than to put into practice
and not all programmes are equally successful in avoiding sending a
‘message’. Some examples from SfCG’s output: a programme about
gender equality presents the opposing view but rather weakly; a report on
child soldier reintegration in Rwanda urges those still in DRC to return home;
a soap opera episode on property conflicts between residents and returning
refugees advocates that the true owners of the property accept to be rehoused; a vox pop on returning refugees includes no quotes which might
raise doubts about how they will be received. Even where there is no
overtly spelled out ‘message’, and even where contrary viewpoints are
presented, the lesson to be drawn is clear.
While questions of impartiality and neutrality may not matter to the average
listener, who probably see such programmes as legitimate examples of
public education, it may matter for CL, both as an issue for discussion within
the team and because the question of ‘message-based’ programming is the
subject of debate amongst media professionals. To some extent, one could
say that the principle of not taking a stance is an inherent part of CL’s
identity, so there is a continuing debate to be had about where exactly to
draw the line between ‘neutrality’ and ‘impartiality’.
4.2.2 Community reconciliation
CL’s on-the-ground community-level work is currently represented by
community reconciliation in Kalehe, cross-border youth and student
mediation, and the new refugee reintegration project around Uvira. Since
the programme’s inception, the role to be played by this work within the
overall range of outputs has been a matter for debate. On the one hand,
there has been a general view that the media work can achieve wider impact
and hence should be afforded greater priority; on the other hand, the
community-level work is thought to be strategically important because it is
at this level that the impact of the radio programmes is, in principle, most
likely to be felt.
Balancing these two views has been made problematic by shortfalls in both
financial and human resources. As a result, the community-level work has
not received the attention that it deserves, and potential synergies between
the two have been underexploited. This is something that the upcoming
strategic review should address. Given that resources will probably continue
to fall short of the ideal, the team needs to look for ways of intensifying
impact within the broad framework of its existing programme.
First, our review of current community projects suggests that in two cases
(the youth mediation project and the Kalehe mediation initiative) there may
18
It is perhaps worth noting that not everyone in DRC considers the elections to be an incontrovertible
good – some believe that since the current power-holders still hold the means to manipulate the process,
elections at this stage will merely serve to confer added legitimacy on them and allow their kleptocracy to
continue unchecked (Aloys Tegera, interview dated 26.9.05 in the context of a different evaluation).
Final Report 22nd March 2006
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
be a need to revisit the modalities of partnership. CL has a policy of
responding to initiatives that have already been developed by its partners;
however, partners do not always appear to have understood the implications
for them of this approach and when blocked have tended to respond by
waiting for CL to come up with a solution. CL needs in future to develop a
clear and consistent – and shared - methodological approach to
‘accompanying’ these partnerships, an approach that will help partners to
ride difficulties while avoiding creating dependency on CL’s support.
Second, CL should look for ways to enhance synergies between community
reconciliation work and media work:
! Radio listening groups may offer some potential to achieve this.
Following the example of radio listening groups elsewhere, (for example,
in Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia where radio clubs present some very
interesting models of audience participation) they could potentially take
on more pro-active roles as local discussion fora for the ideas contained
in radio programmes, as reporters on local events and trends, and as
generators of material for incorporation into CL programmes.
Radio
listening groups may have further roles as developmental or conflict
transformation catalysts within their local environment.19
! It is possible that, through the various NGO coordination mechanisms
existing in Bukavu, opportunities for linking up with other organisations
with relevant expertise and capacity to support listening groups and
other initiatives could be developed further.
! CL’s participatory theatre groups Jirani Ni Ndugu and Chem Chem
currently provide the main link between the radio outputs and on-theground work. However this link is not a direct one. These troupes
currently explore specific themes (refugee repatriation and child rights
respectively) but could in principle take on a more open brief or be
deployed in support of specific community projects.20
Third, working at community level requires a different set of specialisms to
those CL has built up in the media field, and some of the above suggestions
might require expertise in community development and training. Further
development of this work may require a decision to recruit such expertise
into the team: indeed, some of the existing projects (notably the community
reintegration committees in Uvira and Fizi territories) would certainly benefit
from this too; alternatively, CL may have to consider not developing this as
a specific area.
4.2.3 Creative arts and conflict transformation
CL is emerging as the leading practitioner of participatory theatre in Eastern
DRC, if not the country as a whole. The application of the technique
specifically to conflict transformation initiatives is innovative and deserves
intensive assessment.
The ‘playback theatre’ approach exemplifies the
19
Some radio listening groups attached to radio stations may already aspire to such roles, although the
support they receive is negligible. For example, the Radio Kahuzi listening group in Kalehe is a local
development CBO with branches in outlying villages: it carries out reforestation, animal husbandry and
literacy projects, and contributes recordings to a Radio Kahuzi programme on youth unemployment
issues.
20
Interviewees involved in the REPPAD initiative in Kalehe remembered vividly Jirani Ni Ndugu’s
performances there, and suggested that a local troupe be formed and train to continue this work.
Final Report 22nd March 2006
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
notion of ‘impartiality’ (see 4.2.1 above) since the technique invites audience
members to contribute their own solutions to problems that have been
identified through community research.
There are two methodological risks in the current strategy: one (faced by
almost all performance-for-development groups) is the temptation (and
sometimes financial necessity) to be over-dependent on donor agendas.
Jirani Ni Ndugu’s current work on refugee reintegration appears to be
avoiding this because as a troupe it is still fresh enough to retain skill and
adaptability in devising story-lines. However, in the long run this may not
always provide protection from donor interference, and it may be worth
thinking now about the long-term institutional future for this group. The
other, related, risk is that of concentrating on a successful technique to the
detriment of others which may (or may not) be less effective in terms of the
communications goals but which may enhance creativity and generate new
ideas. ‘Playback’ is not the only technique of interactive theatre, and even
with staged plays there are ways of working audience participation into both
the preparation and the performance.
All in all, there is considerable scope for developing the method and the
troupes themselves in future. Possible future developments might include:
tying performances in more tightly with community projects, linking in with
other practitioners in the DRC and the Great Lakes region, developing a
training function for other aspiring actors, and exploring a range of other
performance forms, both interactive and other.
Creative and cultural activities undertaken by the programme also include
concerts, art exhibitions, and song competitions. These activities have
essentially used the creative arts as tools for advocating for peace in general
terms, and as such may have performed a useful function during a critical
period.
However, beyond that, and unlike the participatory theatre
initiative, their rationale as conflict transformation tools is less clear, and
should not form focus for the creative arts and conflict transformation
activities.
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
5
CL in relation to DFID’s media and peace-building portfolios
and post-election ‘community recovery’
During the second half of the programme, DRC will be going through
significant changes, notably following the elections which are due in spring
2006.
These changes raise the question of how effectively can DFID
expect CL to contribute to its aim of supporting DRC in adjusting to its postelection challenges.
5.1 What is Centre Lokolé’s Unique Selling Point?
CL has three key advantages in undertaking its work in the DRC:
1. It has the resources to ensure high quality productions and good
media coverage
2. It has a good reputation and successful experiences in Burundi and
other parts of the world upon which it can build when tackling peacebuilding in the DRC.
3. It has the backing of the international community, and is therefore
able to say certain things and go to certain places that local radios
and theatre troupes cannot.
It is also worth noting that the CL ‘brand’ is becoming increasingly well
known and that this attracts people to its theatre shows and smoothes
relations with local authorities when the theatre troupes arrive in new areas
of the country.
CL is also implementing a number of specific activities with particular
approaches which make it unique:
!
Creative radio formats, especially drama, are a strong factor in CL’s
appeal. Although local and national radio and TV produce occasional
plays and sketches, no other outfit in DRC is producing sustained
socially-oriented theatre using high-quality writers and actors.
!
On the subject of children, particularly child-soldiers, CL’s Sisi Wa Toto
programme is the only production by and for children, broadcast
throughout the Ki-Swahili zone. There are one or two imitations, but
nothing that covers the difficult issues of child-soldiers and other
children’s problems with the depth and originality of Sisi Wa Toto.
!
CL’s programmes allow ordinary people to have their say and are also
very strong and appealing. There are no other radio programmes to
compete with ‘Peace-builders’ (‘Batisseurs de la paix’) and vox pop
shows like ‘Boyoka pe biso’ and sections of ‘Arbre à palabre’, which elicit
audience views about national and local questions.
It is these
programmes which were most often cited as evidence that CL is ‘close to
the people’ and ‘on the ground.’21
21
According to a recent university student’s Master’s thesis on community radio stations in Lubumbashi,
‘Boyoko pe Biso’ was the most popular programme on Radio Phoenix Université in Lubumbashi.
Final Report 22nd March 2006
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
!
No one else is using live, participatory theatre to promote peace in the
same way as CL. Search for Common Ground in Burundi has a lot of
experience in interactive theatre and they have been able to draw on
this experience.
5.2 Synergies between media and peace-building
From DFID’s point of view the CL programme is a hybrid in that it straddles
DFID’s media and peace-building programmes. This section aims briefly to
highlight the synergies and links to other organisations working in these two
areas.
5.2.1. Media issues
CL has working links with both Panos and Radio Okapi (the two other media
organisations funded by DFID in DRC). Its work with Panos includes joint
trainings and reporting projects, joint strategies around elections coverage,
and technical capacity-building for local radio stations. On a very practical
level, CL is making use of Panos’ technical expertise on the question of
extending radio coverage in southern South Kivu, with its partner, MIJAS.
Furthermore, from an information-exchange point of view, it is valuable for
Panos and Search to meet regularly – which they do, both in Kinshasa and
Bukavu.
Search’s links with Radio Okapi (RO) are less strong. Radio Okapi has a
policy of not broadcasting anything that it has not produced itself and for
which it cannot be held responsible. While RO’s Director, Yves Laplume, both
respects CL and likes educational drama, he regards CL’s productions as too
message-based and feels that anything which preaches or sends messages
needs to be questioned and opened-up for discussion. RO has also felt that
the standard of some of the earlier versions of Mopila were not well acted or
well-written, although CL has reviewed this and feels confident that
standards have now improved.
Interestingly, RO has just started some ‘participatory’ programming’ which
sounds similar to what CL have been doing over the last few years and the
evaluators have encouraged them to meet and collaborate over these
programmes. Also, there has been a tacit understanding in Bukavu that
Radio Okapi broadcasts ‘Sisi Watoto’ every Sunday, simply because they
believe it is of high quality and it does not clash with other RO programming
at weekends. This will probably continue, but it would be useful for CL if the
agreement were formalised, so that they do not have to renegotiate the
arrangement every time a head of station is changed (which happens
regularly). In short, CL should continue to press RO on ways the two
organisations could formalise their collaboration.
5.2.2. Peace building
CL is in contact with DFID’s other peace-building partners (International
Alert, Christian Aid, Catholic Agency for Overseas Development and the Life
and Peace Institute) in Eastern DRC and they meet informally on a quarterly
basis to share general information about projects, contacts, and events. The
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
organisations often overlap in practical ways; for example CL works with a
number of local organisations which also belong to the Christian Aid
partnership while one of International Alert’s partners has worked with the
Jirani Ni Ndugu theatre troupe to raise awareness of gender equality. In
addition to links with the DFID partners, CL attends local NGO co-ordination
meetings organised by local civil society groupings and by the UN.
Links with these peace and civil society agencies are not as strong or as
practical as those CL has with other media organisations but given the
potential overlap between interests, themes and partners there is room for
more collaboration, both in practical ways and at the policy level. Other
DFID partners could provide a rich source of inspiration for ‘Bâtisseurs de la
paix’ and other radio outputs. Christian Aid works on community
development, an area where CL has weaknesses. CL and International Alert
(IA) also have a shared interest in practical conflict transformation
techniques and training and IA has a strong track-record on the training and
accompaniment of local groups in conflict analysis and mediation which is
something new for CL.
CL should give some thought to the question of whether, and how, its
community work could be strengthened through collaboration with these
other peacebuilding organisations. Possible forms of collaboration include
providing media support to the community projects undertaken by other
agencies; joint planning of activities in order to lever greater impact in
places where more than one organisation already has an intervention,22 and
pooling resources for training so that complementary methodologies of
conflict transformation can be consolidated.
5.3. Centre Lokolé and community recovery
Within this context ‘community recovery’ refers both to the multitude of
challenges facing DRC in the post-election period and to the specific
development needs of local communities. In relation to the first, CL has a
well-established role in promoting information and discussion about issues
affecting the mass of the population. It will need to be adaptable both in
terms of the issues it deals with and in terms of appropriate media (with the
press, mobile phones and television possibly become more significant). It
will also need to find ways of consolidating its media work at community
level by making better linkages between activities within its own programme
as well as scaling up its impact through closer collaboration with other
agencies. This is an important strategy as media and community work have
complementary strengths and weaknesses; the media can reach large
numbers, but their impact may well be slight or fleeting at the individual or
community levels while community work is intensive but hard to scale up.
In terms of specific development needs for local communities, CL is less
confident in this area which is also more complex methodologically and
requires more intensive and long-term engagement.
Nevertheless, CL’s
work on community reconciliation is starting to demonstrate the links
between reconciliation and livelihoods. On the one hand, improved security
means that livelihoods projects are becoming more feasible and are at lesser
risk of being destroyed by violence, looting and displacement. On the other
22
Partners of both IA and CL have activities in the Kalehe area, for example.
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
hand, reconciliation initiatives can go only so far without livelihoods support.
CL will eventually need to decide whether and how it should address this,
and, in particular, how it can tap into the expertise of other organisations
(where they exist) in this area.
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
6
Monitoring and Evaluation Issues
Centre Lokole has not, to-date, been using a monitoring and evaluation
(M&E) framework in its DFID-funded programme, however it is attempting
to take M&E more seriously. CL is well-supported by an international team
at Search’s head office in the United States, which has its own M&E unit,
and is in the process of appointing a dedicated M&E officer. The role of this
officer will be to improve the scattered M&E systems that are in place at
the moment.
CL has undertaken a number of studies which have concentrated on
specific activities, but it would be both interesting and useful in the next
phase to find out which radio programmes were the most popular, and for
what reasons.
There were also limitations to these studies from a
methodological point of view23. Furthermore, CL has found it difficult to
gather systematic feedback from listening clubs and other monitoring
mechanisms, mainly because of the logistics involved, and limitations on
staff-time.
At present CL still only has a fragmented and anecdotal sense of how
many listeners it has, where and who they are, through which channels
most of them access their radio programmes24, what they think about
their programmes, and, crucially, whether they are impacted in any way
by these programmes. The theatre work is still relatively new, but CL is
rightly interested in understanding more about its impact.
Other
initiatives like the distribution of cassettes on mini-buses and in market
places are also due to be evaluated.
The question that remains is whether CL is changing the knowledge,
attitude or behaviour of its listeners and those others participating in its
activities (such as theatre)? And, if so, how?
There are many difficulties involved in asking such questions, not least,
the logistical and security limitations in the present DRC context.
The
other big challenge is the sheer size and diversity of the potential audience
(i.e. radio listeners all over the country), such that choosing a manageable
sample size, which is representative of the population as a whole, would
be difficult. In short, a classic knowledge, attitude and behaviour (KAB)
23
Although it makes interesting reading, the Sisi Wa Toto Program Analysis (by Christina Glavas and
Grover Jamie Jones August 2005) was limited by the fact that those surveyed were just young people
and their families who were involved in producing the programmes and 80 youth and demobilised
child-soldiers in Bukavu. It did not include any female respondents. It was not a survey of the
general audience. The Mopila evaluation of July 2005 had a sample of respectable size - 240 listeners,
of whom half from Kinshasa and half from six other provinces. This was mostly a test of KAB among
listening-groups before and after listening to a series of 12 programmes over 4 weeks. Although
methodologically sound in most respects, this was not a test of ‘ordinary listeners’ but a test done
under experimental (not natural) conditions, so, again it is not a reliable picture of the way the general
audience is responding to the programmes.
24
For example, it is not known how many people listen to CL programmes on short-wave to Radio
Kahuzi, and what are the most-listened to stations in areas where several compete for audience-share.
There were some worrying indications in the Mopila survey of July 2005 that only 20% of people
randomly surveyed in 7 towns listened to the series at all. This was for reasons of either not having
access to a radio, or, more commonly, not knowing about the programmes in the first place.
Furthermore, there were some worries expressed by the researchers that the programme was not
being broadcast on the most popular channels (e.g. RTNC and Okapi) in some towns.
How
representative these findings were, it is not possible to tell from the report.
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
survey would be time-consuming and expensive, and might be so limited
by difficulty of access that it might not be sufficiently methodologically
sound to merit the expenditure. However, we feel it would be interesting
to do a large-scale listener survey if the security and access situation
improves in one to two years’ time.
Meanwhile, now would be a good moment to attempt a relatively smallscale enquiry based around the newly produced programmes about
returning refugees (’Tukutane Tena’). Because the broadcasts are only
just beginning, there would be an immediate opportunity to do some prebroadcast random surveys to compare with post-broadcast findings,
perhaps a year from now (i.e. a baseline). It would also be interesting to
investigate the complimentary theatre and community-level peacebuilding work at the same time.
The survey could cover quite a
manageable geographical area, such as Uvira and its environs – or
perhaps two comparison areas – perhaps Uvira (town) and a returneeintensive rural area – possibly around Baraka. Depending on the reach of
the radio signal carrying CL’s programmes, it might be possible to identify
a third ‘control’ area which did not receive the programmes, but which was
otherwise comparable. It might then be possible to isolate the effects of
the radio programmes on people’s KAB.
It would be useful for CL to know if, how and in what context ‘ordinary
people’ listen to the programmes, and how regularly.
It would,
additionally, be useful to understand what listeners actually retained and
what struck them about the radio programmes and theatre shows, which
characters, if any, they liked, disliked or identified with, whether they felt
the scenarios and characters were believable, and whether they discussed
or acted upon the advice in the programmes and shows25.
If successful, this evaluation could then serve as a pilot for a larger-scale
enquiry, which would include other peace-building groups as well as
Search. For instance, it would perhaps be possible to take discrete
initiatives by others such as International Alert or Christian Aid, and to
replicate this kind of before-and-after KAB study, in other areas outside
South Kivu. This might make it possible for DFID to gain a better
understanding of the actual impact of its peace-building work, which, until
now, has largely been based on subjective and anecdotal evidence.
25
Comparison over time could be made about KAB along the following lines:
Knowledge (e.g. ‘Do you know what assistance returnees are entitled to and for how long?);
Attitude (e.g. On a scale of one to ten, mark how positive you feel about refugees returning to your
area);
Practice (e.g. What practical help are you planning/have you given to returnees in your area, if any?).
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
7. Recommendations
7.1
Recommendations for DFID:
1.
We find that the outputs and the purpose of the project are largely
being achieved - or are well on the way to being so. DFID should
have no hesitation in funding the second half of the 3-year grant
foreseen for Search for Common Ground.
7.2
Recommendations to Centre Lokolé for enhancing current
activities:
2.
CL should consider identifying a series of priority subjects, for which
it will develop longer and more in-depth treatment over a series of
programmes. One problem identified with the media output is that
although the same theme is treated in the three ‘transition process’
programmes each week, given the plethora of possible subjects
there is a question over whether any are treated in sufficient depth
or are repeated often enough. Topics that could appropriately be
identified as priorities include army integration and sexual violence.
3.
CL should pursue plans (already proposed to SIDA) to expand into
TV in order to reach opinion formers and a growing audience of
ordinary people with TV sets, particularly in Kinshasa.
4.
CL should consider the expansion of the child-centred radio
programme ‘Sisi Wa Toto’ beyond the Kiswahili zone and possibly
the whole of DRC. It is both popular and unique, and the rest of the
DRC needs to be aware of the child-soldier issue. The same radio
programme idea has worked well at a national level in other
countries (e.g. Golden Kids by Search in Sierra Leone).
5.
CL should undertake an assessment of its experience with on-theground community reconciliation work with a view to deciding what
level of resources to invest in this work. As this work requires an
intensive and long-term commitment, there may be a case for
scaling it down.
6.
CL should give some thought to the question of whether, and how,
its community work could be strengthened through collaboration
with other peacebuilding organisations, especially those engaged in
community-level work. Options to consider include providing media
support to the community projects; joint activities in specific
geographical areas of common interest, and collaboration on
training of staff and partners.
If the decision is taken to build up its own community work, the present
limited resources will need to be expanded. Requirements may include:
a. Recruitment for at least one and probably two new staff posts,
(conflict transformation and community development), with
appropriate budget allocations.
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
b. The identification of appropriate strategies and resources to
enhance synergies between media and community work (for
example by targeted deployment of theatre practitioners or by
building up the role of radio listening groups).
c. A clear and consistent methodology of ‘accompanying’ CL’s
partnerships with local peace organisations carrying out the
work on the ground.
7.
CL should consider scaling up its participatory theatre-work both
within the current programme in the East and more widely.
8.
CL should look for ways to enhance synergies between community
reconciliation work and media work, particularly in the areas of
strengthening radio listening groups and using its theatre troupes to
explore specific themes and/or be deployed in support of specific
community projects.
CL has not yet systematically sought out the opinions of more
marginalised groups (for example women, pygmés, or the rural
poor), although it has made an effort to promote diversity in its
recruitment and programming policies. In the long term there may
be a need to undertake a broader analysis to understand their roles,
and needs, more clearly.
7.3
Recommendations for Centre Lokolé on institutional
processes and linkages:
9.
Some revisions to the project log-frame should be made to reflect
current targets and activities in light of both this mid-term review
and the process of an internal strategic review. Revisions should be
made no later than May 2006.
10.
CL should commit to paper as soon as possible a work plan for the
remaining 18 months of the project.
11.
CL should strengthen its plans and internal capacity for monitoring
and evaluating its impact on listeners’ knowledge, attitudes and
practice, and on processes of social reintegration generally. It
should give serious consideration to beginning with an intensive
impact study of its current refugee reintegration project.
12.
With respect to journalism training, CL should consider the impact
of training already done and should plan more in situ training
workshops and joint reporting with journalists from partner radio
stations alongside CL journalists.
Without this, journalists
experience problems applying the lessons learned within a real-life
context. The referendum ‘synergy’ exercise was useful for training
but it is questionable whether it added much more than Radio Okapi
was already offering to listeners (i.e. live, accurate and credible
coverage of the elections to prevent fraud and promote voter
reassurance and confidence in the electoral process). CL should
examine its own work plan carefully consider whether repeating this
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
exercise during the main elections would over-stretch its human and
financial resources.
13.
CL should continue to find ways to collaborate with Radio Okapi,
Panos and others. In particular, collaboration with RO on joint
productions and participatory reporting should be pursued.
14.
CL should start to consider themes for a post-conflict scenario.
Looking at the longer term, there is a need to make plans now for
new demands that will be placed on the programme after the
elections.
Some ideas on this are already being developed,
however, there may be a need for systematic scenario planning to
identify the sorts of changes that are likely. Areas to look at
include, for example, likely outbreaks of violence and insecurity,
accountability structures and the changing relationships between
people and authorities (including military, police and local
government), prospects for poverty reduction, and changing gender
relations.
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Annex 1: Terms of Reference
Background
DFID has been supporting Search for Common Ground’s (SfCG)
programme entitled ‘Supporting Congo’s Transition towards Sustainable
Peace’ in the DRC since September 2004. The total grant amounts to
£1.2m until December 2006. The programme objectives, in summary, are
to:
1. Enhance informative and participative communication
around the transition process through:
a. Radio broadcasts on the transition process and institutions,
b. Other media activities,
c. Training of media
2. Contribute to the reduction of tensions and the development
of sustainable peace in Eastern Congo through:
a. Reduction of tension through radio programming,
b. Cross-border dialogue,
c. Community awareness-raising on children’s rights and the
demobilization process in the East,
d. Training and capacity building for local peace leaders,
e. Increased social harmony through cultural activities.
NB. The above summary appears in the original project document but
was somewhat scaled down in some areas (e.g. 2 d.) because DFID’s
grant was smaller than SfCG originally anticipated.
Objectives of the Review
The project is due to for a mid-term review after the first 18 months of
operations. The review should provide an objective assessment of the
project’s progress against stated aims, and its impact to date. This review
will be an external evaluation based on objectives, methodology, team and
budget that are jointly agreed between DFID and SfCG.
The main
questions have been discussed with Lena Slachmuijlder (SfCG’s Country
Director) and have been agreed as follows:
1. Is the project on the right track in terms of objectives, deliverables
and budget?
2. Are the anticipated outputs likely to be achieved by the project end,
and how will these outputs contribute to the stated purpose (Output
to Purpose Review)?
3. What is SfCG’s ‘Unique Selling Point’ (USP), i.e. what is SfCG doing
that others are not?
4. What are the links and synergies between media and peacebuilding, and what lessons can be learned?
5. What has SfCG actually contributed to national processes such as
disarmament, demobilisation and reinsertion (DDR), the creation of
a unified national army, the national peace process, preparations for
elections, repatriation of refugees and child soldiers?
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
6. What links exist between SfCG and other elements of DFID’s overall
programme, particularly its media and its peace-building work?
How effective are they and what lessons can be learned?
7. What lessons can be learned from SfCG’s approach, for postelections ‘community recovery’ from conflict?
8. What further questions need to be asked amongst SfCG’s listeners
and other partners and audience to complete the programme-based
evaluations that Centre Lokolé has already done?
And what
methodology is recommended?
Deliverables
The review team will produce a report that responds to the overall
objectives (above). This should contain an executive summary and should
not exceed 25 pages (excluding any annexes).
A draft report should be submitted by the end of February 06 to DFID
Kinshasa and to SfCG. A final report must be submitted within 2 weeks of
receiving feedback from DFID and SfCG.
Method
The team will work closely with SfCG in DRC, and with their Institutional
Learning and Research Division in the USA. Centre Lokolé may well decide
to contract a separate quantitative survey on a small scale which would
feed into the present evaluation. The team should advise Centre Lokolé
on this audience-level survey.
The 2 person team will spend an average of 15 days in the field, plus 6
days each in the UK, to prepare, to write-up, to feed-back and to consult
over finalising the draft. The team-member focusing on media will spend
14 days in the field, and the peace-building team-member will spend 16.
The team will, review all relevant reports, surveys and other background
documents provided by DFID and SfCG. SfCG have already done some
mini-evaluations of some of their media-based campaigns that have used
questionnaires to look specifically at content recognition; these will be
important sources for the team.
The team will undertake meetings and field visits covering Kinshasa, the
Kivus and possibly another location in-country, to be decided in
consultation with SfCG. At least 12 radio partners will be interviewed
(either in person or by phone) to assess the reach and quality of the
content of SfCG’s audio materials. There will be some qualitative audience
research, as time permits. It is expected that the team will meet with a
representative sample of project beneficiaries and as many key informants
among SfCG’s project partners as possible.
Proposed Team
Two team members: one team member will focus on the quality, reach
and impact of SfCG’s media outputs, and the other team-member will
Final Report 22nd March 2006
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
focus on the impact of SfCG’s peace-building work, particularly in N and S
Kivu.
Competencies and Expertise required
!
!
!
!
!
Proven track record in evaluating multi-media-based peace-building
and civic education work in DRC or comparable war-torn
country/ies.
Good knowledge of the DRC, and familiarity with the socio-political
context, particularly in the East.
French language and good written English.
Experience in gender mainstreaming.
Thorough understanding of DFID’s policies and strategies in peacebuilding, human rights, reconstruction and support to the political
transition.
Final Report 22nd March 2006
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Annex 2: List of Key Documents Reviewed
Document Title
Author
Date
Supporting Congo’s Transition towards a
Sustainable Peace – Proposal
Rapport de l’atelier de consolidation des
terrains d’entente entre la plate-forme ‘Ikingi’
des jeunes Banyamulenge en refuge au
Rwanda et les autres jeunes de la societé civile
du Sud-Kivu en provenance de Bukavu
Search for Common 2003
Ground
Search for Common February
Ground
2005
Rapport du Revue Stratégique 2005 du Centre Search for Common April 2005
Lokolé
Ground
First Interim Progress Report
Rapport final de l’enquête sur la série
radiophonique Mopila
Sisi Wa Toto Program Analysis
Second Interim Progress Report
Final Report 22nd March 2006
Search for Common 9 May 2005
Ground
Search for Common July 2005
Ground
Christina Glavas and
Grover Jamie Jones
Search for Common
Ground
August
2005
28 October
2005
38
Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Annex 3: People Consulted during Mid-Term Review
Search for Common Ground
Lena Slachmuijlder, Country Director
Leon Baroani, Director, Bukavu Office
Don Tshibanda, Theatre Co-ordinator
Joelle, Pascaline, Amani - Sisi Watoto journalists
Caddy Adzuba, Cynthia Kanyere, Sylvie Bora Rubenga - Journalists on ‘En
parler c’est agir’
Nestor Nkurunziza, National Media Manager
Stephane Mora, Deputy Director
Anna Mayimona, Director of Media (Kinshasa)
Bernardin Sebahire, Production Assistant (Bukavu)
Sosthène Nsimba, Assistant Editor, ‘Boyaka pe biso’
Marcel Mukendi, Production Assistant, radio drama
Dupont Ntererwa Shabani, journalist/intern
John Kadjunga Ngaboyeka. Journalist/intern
Uvira
Jirani ni Ndugu theatre group MIJAS Uvira
Muharabu Amisi Paul
Modeste Lwanga Destin
Pendez-Luundo
Alphonse Yeyiji
Ndjesi Musaka Jean-Pierre
Bora Josephine
Eliza Alphonsine
CL Repatriation project Uvira
Akili Mali Nongo, GASAP
Pitie Lulonga Maussa, Arche D’Alliance
Francois Rushambara, GASAP
Banike Kipusa Sage
Lukala bin Tukakye Clement, GASAP
Riziki-Kasibu, GASAP
Narukumao Madeleine, GASAP
Afua Rashidi, GASAP
RTNC Uvira
Ramazani Bulimwengu, Head of Station
Saiari Ntanama, Deputy Head of Station
Karwe O’s Atocho, Head of Administration
Others
Mutere Kifara, Director, Mission des Jacobins Sages (MIJAS)
Kashumbani Bin Saleh, Assistant Governor for Economic Affairs
Tshakoly Ali Tchanile, Chief of Delegation, UNHCR Uvira
Mme Awada, Social and Community Services Officer, UNHCR Uvira
M. Dolo, Repatriation Officer, UNHCR Equateur
Final Report 22nd March 2006
39
Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Bukavu
Youth Mediation Group
Coochi Muzaliwa
Rigobert Luhinzo
Pierre Kabeza
Osee Rubibi Rutikanga
Nsengimana Innocent
Romaine Bashizi
Alyne Mugisho
Others
Victor Kalume Kavue Katumbi, South Kivu Provincial Director, RTNC
Donat Musema, Editor in chief, Radio Maria
Jean-Moreau Tubibu, Co-ordinator, Groupe Jeremie
Murhabazi Namegabe, Director, Bureau pour la Volontariat (BVES) and
DRC Co-ordinator of Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers
Alfred Bulakali, Co-ordinator, Great Lakes University Forum
Muamariza Zashe, President of Banyamulenge Community
Annie Bukarabu, Senior Programme Officer, International Alert
Richard Macdonald, Director, Radio Kahuzi
Serge Mahesha, Radio Okapi Bukavu
Nicholas Sur, Radio Okapi, Bukavu
Franck Kashando, UNICEF Child Protection section
Pascal Chirhalwirwa, Panos Paris
Kizito Mushizi, Radio Maendeleo
Juvenal Muderhwa, Representative of the Tchem-Tchem troupe
Kalehe
Reseau de Pacification pour la Paix et le Developpement (REPPAD)
Christian Murhanzibaga, Co-ordinator
REPPAD Noyeau Kalehe
Nkataza Mihigo, President
Didakga Kanani
Albert Sebuntu
Binwa B Andre
Mukeshimana M Chantal, Secretary
Joseph Bantu Birambi
Marieline Miderho
Magadji Martin
REPPAD meeting in Nyabibwe
Jeje Kalonia
Matunguru Joseph
Lwasso Wa Mwindja
Baho Gwerhe Malambo
Bisengimana Ndabakenga
Sim,weragi Kayumon
Katabana Shandaga
Bafakura Tulinabo
Murhabazi M Pius
Final Report 22nd March 2006
40
Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Mdegamiye Sengabo
Alexis Mbani Paypay
Mukesha Bahati
Butoni Bihama
Habimana Ndamutsa Ime
Ahdi Nuru
Mwamini Joseph
Muhabazi Kamyena
Paul Banya Kageruka
Habimana Bidogo
Twagirimana Maguru
Shweka Rubenga Jean
Gahire Ndayisaza
Hagumineza Habimana
Radio Club, Radio Kahuzi
Bahidika Magadju Danny, Animator
Ciza Ntahira, Secretary
Ciyane Kadokole Marcelini, Counsellor
Bushole Kartusi Louis, Counsellor
Ciza Kamanzi, President of Kalehe Platform
Bunia
Gilbert Tandia, Centre Pelican
Gabriel Lidju, Radio Candip
Dieudonné Dhedda, Radio Candip
Napoléon Nzishama, Radio Amkeni, Mambasa
Pasteur Jonas Kiningani, Radio Tangazeni Kristo
Pithua Ambele, Radio Tangazeni Kristo
Gratien Iracan, Radio Canal Révélation
Louis-Marie Bouaka, Human Rights Coordinator, MONUC
Kinshasa
Nadine Mishika, Commission Electorale Independante
Desire Molekela, Commission Electorale Independante
Sam Howard, MONUC
Joanna Wells, Information and Analysis Unit
Rene Roemersma, Panos Paris
Yves Laplume, Director, Radio Okapi
Yves Renard, Radio Okapi
Michel Biolley, Radio Okapi
Anne-marie Amoros, Radio Okapi
Pia Hallonsten, SIDA
Magnus Carlquist, Embassy of Sweden
Charlie Kumande Biti, Radio Télévision Armée de l’Eternel (RTAE)
Freddie Mulongo, Radio Réveil
‘Americain’, bus-driver
Michel Diantité, bus-driver
Final Report 22nd March 2006
41
Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Annex 4: Original Logframe
Goal
Objectively
Verifiable
Indicators
Means of
Verification
Assumptions/Risks
Enhance the
prospects for more
inclusive and
viable transition
process & a
sustainable peace
Increased
knowledge &
awareness in the
Congolese
population about
the transition
process &
reduction of
tensions in Eastern
Congo
Surveys
Focus groups
Informal
interviews
Transition remains
on tracks
Systematic conflict
will not resume
Reduction of
sporadic conflicts
Objectives
Objectively
Verifiable
Indicators
Public has better
knowledge of the
transitional
institutions &
mechanisms
Increased
participation of the
public in the
transition process
Increased number
of peace initiatives
in the Kivus
Means of
Verification
Assumptions/Risks
Knowledge,
attitude and
practice survey
Focus groups
Communication
channels are in
place & reach a
critical amount of
the population
Minimum level of
freedom of press
Informal
interviews
Local authorities do
not prevent
initiatives outside of
their control
1. Enhance
informative and
participative
communication
around the
transition process
2. Contribute to
reduction of
tensions & the
development of
sustainable peace
in Eastern Congo
Final Report 22nd March 2006
42
Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Outputs
1. Public has
better knowledge
of the transition
Objectively
Verifiable Indicators
% public knows
about transitional
institutions (their
role, their duties)
and how to use
them.
% public knows
about the major
stepping-stones of
the transition.
% public more
aware of their
rights
Means of
Verification
Surveys
Focus groups
Informal
interviews
Assumptions/Risks
Channels of
communication
function
Minimum
effectiveness in
transitional
institutions
Election dates are
fixed
Population is not too
cynical vis à vis
transition process
1. Increased
participation of the
public into the
transition process
# of targeted
Anecdotes
transition issues are
debated amongst
the population.
More political
awareness.
Transition process
allows a certain
amount of
participation
1. Increased
responsible
reporting by
journalists
% of positive
Review press
articles/segments in
key publications
and broadcast
programs
Outputs
Objectively
Means of
Verifiable Indicators Verification
# of examples
Interviews
where population
manage to resolve
its conflicts
Journalists are
ready to embrace
ethical &
professional
conducts
Media Commission
is effective
Assumptions/Risks
2. Population
better equipped to
resolve local
tensions & more
harmonious
communities in
Eastern congo
2. Children in the
East better
informed on effect
of war and on the
demobilisation
process
2. Local leaders
intervene more to
diffuse local
conflicts
2. Communities
are more
respectful of each
others in the Kivus
# of children
constructively
informed about the
demobilisation
process
Focus groups
Informal
interviews
Increased number
of community
conflict resolution
initiatives
% of communities
that establish a
mutual commitment
to move forward
Informal
interviews
Anecdotes
Final Report 22nd March 2006
Community
anecdotes
Informal
interviews
Transitional process
is maintained.
Regional trend in
decrease of conflicts
is maintained.
Demobilisation
process is taking
place.
Tensions around
reintegration
process are
managed
Synergy between
stakeholders
remains
Space for local
peace initiatives is
increased.
Communities are
willing to rebuilt an
harmonious society
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Activities
Objectively
Verifiable
Indicators
1. Record and
Arbre à Palabre
have broadcast
30
mn
broad.
innovative, quality p/week
radio programming Voice of Congolese
on the transition
12 mn broad.
process and
p/week
institutions
Sketch
6 mn broad
p/week
Soap Opera
30 mn broad.
p/week
1. Produce posters 1,000 posters &
and leaflets related leaflets designed,
to the transition
produced &
process
distributed per
year
1. Southern Kivu
1,500 newsletter
newsletter (Mijas) produced
fortnightly and
distributed in
Southern Kivu
1. Distribution of
information and
texts on the
transition
1. Diffusion of
information
regarding the
transition put on
the internet
1. Training of
media to provide
balanced
information during
the transition
Means of
Verification
Assumptions/Risks
Radio broadcast
logbooks
Polling of 15
contacts in 15
locations
Relations with large
number of radios is
maintained and
increased
Anecdotes
Ad hoc partners are
interested and
willing to post or
distribute posters
and leaflets
The authorities will
not crack down on
this only
independent written
source of
information in
Southern Kivu
Interest in receiving
this information
remains high
Newsletter
Anecdotal
feedbacks
# of information
Logbook
and fundamental
texts on transition
distributed in
South Kivu
Complete design
Counting devise to Internet connections
of website +
calculate n° of hits will remain as they
update on monthly
are or improve
basis
4 trainings per
year
Final Report 22nd March 2006
Evaluation forms
Staff reports
Journalists are not
prevented to attend
44
Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Activities
2. Radio
broadcasts to
contribute to a
sustainable peace
2. radio
programmes &
tape distributions
to address crossborder issues
2. Community
awareness raising
through media on
children rights and
demobilisation
process
2. Training &
Capacity building
for local peace
leaders
- Training in
conflict resolution
- Support &
facilitate
networking
- Support cross
fertilisation
- Micro grants
2. Production of
cartoon books
2. Participatory
theatre
2. Training of
artists engaged in
peace activities
2. Cultural &
sporting events to
bring polarised
communities
together
Objectively
Verifiable
Indicators
Jirani Ni Ndungu
30 mn broad.
p/week
Batisseurs de la
Paix
30 mn broad.
p/week
En Parler, c’est
Agir
15 mn broad./per
week
10 programmes
conceptualised and
distributed
Listening groups
Means of
Verification
Assumptions/Risks
Radio broadcasts
Logbooks
Listening groups
Relations with radio
maintained &
increased
Technical capacities
of radio broadcast
maintained &
increased
Reports
Access to refugee
camps remains
Sisi Watoto
15 mn broad.
p/week
4 trainings for 16
young journlts
p/year
Soap opera on
demobilisation
30 mn broad.
p/week
4 trainings per
year for 15 local
leaders on 4
different issues
Increased
communication and
exchanges
between local
leaders.
10 micro grants
distributed to
support local peace
initiatives
3 cartoon books
per year
Radio broadcast
logbooks
Training
evaluations &
staff reports
Listening groups
Demobilisation
process takes place.
Partnership with
youth organisations
and demobilisation
centres is increased.
Training Reports
Local leaders will
have the available
space and
opportunity to
participate and
maintain a level of
interaction between
each other.
Monthly staff
reports
Grants reports
Book
1 play developed & Script, play
toured in Kivus
performed and
tour
4 trainings per
Reports &
year
evaluations
4 cultural &
sporting events
organised per year
Final Report 22nd March 2006
Reports
Distribution to
population is not
seen as a
subversive action by
authorities
Security situation
enables the tour to
take place
Participants willing
to engage
Some cultural and
sport groups are
willing to publicly
work for peace
45
Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Annex 5: PowerPoint Presentation with Preliminary Findings
Search for Common Ground
DRC
Mid-term review
Preliminary findings
Kinshasa 3rd February 2006
Contents
• Strengths, achievements and concerns
• Full report will follow format of TORs
Strengths: Conflict transformation
• Provides practical models of non-violent
communication
• Provides platform for people’s voices
• Complementarity of all CL activities
• Offers alternative, apolitical, solutions to local
conflicts
• Innovative approaches
• Strong understanding of the main dynamics of
the conflict sparks related to the transition
Final Report 22nd March 2006
46
Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Strengths: Transition
• National reach and influence
• Issues treated in programmes are carefully
selected on grounds of conflict-potential
Strengths: Media development
• Improves media standards by promoting responsible
reporting and high standards of investigative journalism
• Brings ordinary people to the microphone
• Unique, outcome-oriented programming
• Bringing stories and perspectives from remote areas not
covered by other stations
• Popularity of programmes creates space for other CL
activities
• International nature of SfCG enables open discussion of
politically sensitive issues
• Complementary to Radio Okapi
Achievements: Conflict transformation
• Contributed to community rapprochement and
restoration of confidence in Kalehe
• Youth mediation group meeting in Kampala reduced
tension in Bukavu
• Great Lakes Forum facilitated, contributed to increased
confidence between Burundi, DRC, Rwanda
• Disadvantaged individuals access professional skills
training, eg in journalism, participatory theatre
• Youth/children have participated, work, gain confidence
and respect
• Community groups are given frameworks for debates,
material inputs, to facilitate, speed up and scale up their
initiatives
Final Report 22nd March 2006
47
Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Achievements: Transition
•
Contributed significantly to levels of participation in referendum
•
Sisi Watoto contributed to child demobilisation by convincing RCD
commanders, broadcasting information on presence of child soldiers
(for service providers, parents)
•
Sisi Watoto provides psychological support to child ex-soldiers
•
Sisi Watoto is almost the only media production aimed at children
•
Exposure of problems around DDR (eg. corrupt commanders)
•
Joint reporting on DDR by journalists from Burundi, Rwanda, DRC
encouraged confidence
Achievements: Media development
• Hugely popular programmes
• Wide range of programmes developed for
a variety of audiences
• Partner radio stations have gained ideas
and have improved output
• Synergie of community radio stations
during elections provided real-time skills
• Participatory theatre developed and
promoted as tool for debate, information
Concerns: Conflict transformation
• Community work is still fragile, needs more
intensive support
• ‘Development’ activities with communities and
partner orgs may take it outside its core range
• Some key conflict issues not dealt with in
sufficient depth so far (eg sexual violence,
HIV/AIDS) or frequently enough to build up
momentum towards change
• Common ground approach…?
Final Report 22nd March 2006
48
Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Concerns: Transition
• Could distribute ‘Journal du Citoyen’ more
assiduously
• Time is too to short to raise journalists’
analytical skills in time for election
(Synergie)
Concerns: Media development
• Other theatre methods?
• Journalism training not evaluated
• Radio partners would like stronger
relationship, more training and joint
activities.
• Relationship with Okapi could be more
collaborative
Final Report 22nd March 2006
49
Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Annex 6: Output to Purpose Review
Annual or Output to Purpose Review (OPR)
6.1
Part A - Project Data
Project Short
Title
Supporting Congo’s Transition Towards Sustainable Peace – Search for Common Ground in the DRC (AG3959)
Benefiting Country / Region
Current Project Officer Name
Actual Start Date (dd/mm/yyyy)
Planned End Date (dd/mm/yyyy)
Final Report 22nd March 2006
D R Congo
MIS code
Approved Commitment
Spend To Date
Date of Review
£1.2m subject to review at 18 months
20/01/2006 – 5/02/2006
50
Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
6.2
Part B - Recommendations
Summary of Recommendations
Responsibility
1. DFID should have no hesitation in funding the second half of the 3-year grant foreseen for Search for
Common Ground
2. Some revisions to the project log-frame should be made to reflect current targets and activities, through
the process of an internal strategic review, and in the light of this mid-term evaluation, no later than May
2006.
3. SfCG should commit to paper an agreed work-plan for the remaining 18 months of the project, as soon as
possible.
4. SfCG should strengthen its plans, and internal capacity, for monitoring and evaluation
Judith Whiteley, DFID
SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre
Lokolé)
SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre
Lokolé)
SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre
Lokolé)
5. SfCG should consider expanding both its TV output and its child-centred programming.
SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre
Lokolé)
6. SFCG should undertake an assessment of its experience with on-the-ground community reconciliation
SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre
work with a view to deciding what level of resources to invest in this work
Lokolé)
7. SfCG should consider identifying a series of priority subjects for which it will develop more-in depth
SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre
treatment. This could include around army integration and sexual violence.
Lokolé)
8. SfCG should continue to look for ways to collaborate with Radio Okapi, Panos and others
SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre
Lokolé)
9. SfCG should start considering themes for a post-conflict scenario
SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre
Lokolé)
10.SfCG should consider further developing its participatory theatre-work and applying it to other themes and SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre
to other areas of the country.
Lokolé)
11.SfCG should look for ways to enhance synergies between community reconciliation work and media work. SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre
Lokolé)
12.SfCG should plan more in situ training workshops and joint reporting with journalists from partner radio
SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre
stations alongside SfCG journalists.
Lokolé)
13.In the long term CL will need to consider undertaking a broader analysis of the conflict, to include the SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre
Lokolé)
roles of marginalised groups (e.g. women, pygmés, and the rural poor).
Final Report 22nd March 2006
51
Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
14. CL should consider joint programming and joint activities with other peace-building NGOs
Final Report 22nd March 2006
SfCG team in DRC (i.e.Centre
Lokolé)
52
Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
6.3
Part C – Project Scoring Assessment
Goal Statement
Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVIs)
An inclusive and viable transition process and a sustainable peace in
the DRC
Increased knowledge and awareness in the Congolese population about
the transition process and reduction of tensions in Eastern Congo
Purpose Statement
The foundations are laid
for sustainable peace in
the DRC by enhancing
informative and
participative
communication around the
transition process and by
contributing to the
reduction of tensions in the
Eastern Congo.
Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVIs )
Congolese people are well informed
and participate responsibly in the
electoral process
Communities live together in peace
and community reconciliation is a
reality
Final Report 22nd March 2006
Progress
SfCG is making a significant
contribution to building popular
information resources by
distributing audio material to key
local radio stations in all provinces.
There is evidence that the material
is widely appreciated for its
informative and entertainment
value and its positive influence on
attitudes. It is not possible to
judge exactly how far SFCG
contributed to the high turn-out or
the calm conduct of the
referendum, but it certainly
contributed. It remains a key
partner for the Independent
Electoral Commission (CEI) in the
run-up to the elections.
Recommendations/Comments
SfCG should continue with its present
audio programmes and its present radio
partners, and should continually look for
opportunities to extend its geographical
coverage, languages, formats and
programme themes.
There has been a general
reduction of tension and insecurity
in Eastern DRC as compared to
the start of programme, and much
improvement in community
SfCG team needs to reflect on strengths
and weaknesses of community work.
Developing it further will require staff
recruitment and the elaboration of
effectives strategies to enhance
SfCG’s plans to concentrate on possible
areas of conflict around and after the
upcoming elections are entirely
appropriate, as are its plans to continue
working on civic education.
DFID should be ready to consider
separately funding small extra civic
education initiatives by SfCG if they
arise.
53
Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Purpose Statement
Progress
relations can be attributed to this,
so it is difficult to identify the
impact of any one intervention.
There is some evidence that
individuals have changed
behaviour as a result of SfCG’s
programmes. Community
reconciliation initiatives have been
at least partially successful, but
have been affected by financial
and human resource constraints.
Combatants are demobilised and SfCG’s contribution to adult DDR
reintegrated into Congolese society
has so far been small because
programmes dealing specifically
with this were developed relatively
recently.
However, existing
programmes have consistently
broadcast segments on this issue
and have helped to clarify, for
example, current laws relating to
the army and the issue of
demobilisation in relation to the
elections. On child ex-combatants,
the Sisi Watoto programme has
made some concrete contributions
to child demobilisation.
Recommendations/Comments
partnership and intensify impact,
including strategies for maximising
synergies between media and
community work
Children are able to uphold their right ‘Sisi Watoto’ is both very popular
not to be attached to armed groups
and acclaimed by child protection
agencies for its impact on attitudes
and the flow of information about
Programming on child-soldiers could
investigate issues around reintegration
more deeply in future. Building on the
success of Sisi Wa Toto is important.
Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVIs )
Final Report 22nd March 2006
SfCG should take as many opportunities
to assess the impact of its new
programmes in partnership with
CONADER as it can find.
SfCG should be encouraged in the
discussions it has started with DFID and
other donors about a special
conflict transformation facilitation and
training effort on the integrated
brigades and a long-term improvement
in military-civilian relations.
54
Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Purpose Statement
Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVIs )
Progress
child
rights
and
child
demobilisation.
There is clear
evidence of direct links between
the programme and incidents in
which
children
seek
demobilisation, are brought to
demobilisation centres by officers,
are identified by child protection
specialists as being at risk, or are
dissuaded from re-mobilisation as
a result of the programme. The
programme
gives
particular
emphasis to the acute problems of
the girl child. However, the
programme’s impact in terms of
reintegration is less clear.
Congolese refugees are repatriated, There has been little targeted
reintegrated and accepted
programming on this issue until the
recently-begun
UNHCR-funded
project
on
returnees
from
Tanzania, including (i.e. Tukatane
tena, participatory theatre, support
to local media partner MIJAS, and
the setting up of community
committees.
It is too early to
assess the impact of this
Recommendations/Comments
The possibility of expanding it beyond
the Swahili-speaking zone should be
investigated.
SfCG should consider designing a
specific evaluation exercise focused on
its and UNHCR’s repatriation work in
South Kivu.
Media contribute positively to conflict High standards of journalism and SfCG should consider evaluating and
transformation
civic education are being promoted consolidating its journalism training
through the example of SfCG’s through more joint-reporting exercises,
Final Report 22nd March 2006
55
Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Purpose Statement
Objectively Verifiable Indicators (OVIs )
Progress
own
programmes,
journalist
training, and technical support
given to 84 of the better local
radio stations. This contributes to
conflict transformation in a general
sense, as it improves popular
access to information, ideas and
ways of dealing with problems. It
contributes to a more responsible
mass-media and the creation of an
informed, dynamic and pluralistic
society. Better reporting may, for
example, have helped maintain
calm at critical junctures such as
June
30th
2005
and
the
referendum in December 2005.
Recommendations/Comments
and doing more to develop and expand
existing listening clubs. It should look
for further opportunities to collaborate
with Panos, Radio Okapi and the
Journal du Citoyen.
People in DRC – especially youth are mature and critical, and able to
counter rumours and manipulation
General anecdotal evidence and
testimonies from local radio
stations, suggest audiences
believe SFCG programmes are
contributing to an informed society
which has a strong capacity to
reflect and take stances on social
and political issues of the day.
SFCG’s work has a strong focus
on youth, but it would be hard to
judge whether the population as a
whole has become more mature
and critical, or to attribute this to
the work of SfCG specifically.
SfCG should continue focussing on
youth, and the key themes (such as
ethnic conflict and political
manipulation) it has identified as threats
to the transition and to free elections.
Some key themes, such as sexual
violence and army reintegration might
merit more in-depth exploration.
Strengthening its M&E capacity will help
it better understand the information
needs of the population and the main
rumours, myths and misconceptions
which need to be countered.
Final Report 22nd March 2006
56
Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Purpose to Goal Goal = ‘An inclusive and viable transition process and a sustainable peace in the DRC’ OVI = ‘Increased knowledge and
awareness in the Congolese population about the transition process and reduction of tensions in Eastern Congo’
Purpose = ‘The foundations are laid for sustainable peace in the DRC by enhancing informative and participative communication around the
transition process and by contributing to the reduction of tensions in the Eastern Congo.’
See below
Project Purpose Rating - General / Overall progress assessment
2
Justification
In summary, we find that this purpose is well on the way to being achieved. The key achievement of SFCG’s radio output relating
to the transition is that it produces informative, relevant and stimulating material which is disseminated to mass audiences, and to parts of the
country where few other sources of information or discussion reach. SFCG has contributed to media development through training, technical
support, and by setting high standards in its own programmes. Programmes have contributed to transition processes by enabling people to
become better informed about the transition – especially the electoral process - and better able to assess and act on information, and by providing
outlets for popular voices. SFCG has promoted participatory theatre for development and conflict transformation communication and has become
an important resource in this field. The programme’s main weakness is in respect of community-level reconciliation work. Some planned activities
(most notably work on adult demobilisation and on returning refugees) have got under way only recently, and its practical, on-the-ground, impact in
terms of the social reintegration of refugees and of ex-combatants remains to be demonstrated.
State how far the project has helped to deliver the objectives of the Country Assistance Plan (where appropriate)
The project is helping to deliver on the following aspects of the Country Engagement Plan (dated June 2005)
‘The establishment of basic security and rule of law, including support for the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of excombatants, both Congolese and foreign, army integration, reform of the police and justice sector, and local level peace building.
The establishment of a functioning state, including support for the transition institutions, the establishment of a professional and impartial
media sector, and the preparation for elections.’
Final Report 22nd March 2006
57
Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Outputs
NB. The original logframe had
slightly different outputs than
the ones here. Those below
are those to which the project
is now working.
1. Radio broadcasts on the
transition process and institutions
Objectively Verifiable
Indicators (OVIs)
Because the project outputs
have changed, the OVIs given
in the original logframe no
longer apply. Below are some
suggested OVIs to correspond
to the new outputs. The
project needs to develop them
further.
Progress
Progress is generally good, but it
will be possible to assess
progress properly only when OVIs
are specified.
Recommendations/
Score
Comments
See
Some revisions to the project
overall
log-frame should be made to
reflect current targets and score
activities in light of both this below.
mid-term review and the
process
of
an
internal
strategic review. Revisions
should be made no later than
May 2006.
(Named) radio programmes
produced and disseminated
through X radio stations,
distribution of tapes/CDs
through X methods
Transition themes aired in
programmes (list)
Listening groups set up (x on
children’s rights in the East
plus others on transition
issues)
Final Report 22nd March 2006
CL should consider
identifying a series of priority
subjects, for which it will
develop longer and more indepth treatment over a
series of programmes.
CL should start to consider
themes for a post-conflict
scenario.
CL should consider the
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Outputs
Objectively Verifiable
Indicators (OVIs)
2. Other media activities which
reinforce messages on the
transition
Printed materials (comic
books, Messager du people)
produced and distributed
CL should pursue plans to
expand into TV, particularly
in Kinshasa.
3. Training of media in peace and
common ground journalism
techniques
X number of journalists trained
CL
should
consider
the
impact of training already
done and should plan more
in situ training workshops
and joint reporting with
journalists from partner radio
stations
alongside
CL
journalists.
CL
should
continue
to
collaborate with Radio Okapi,
Panos and others.
In
particular, collaboration with
RO on joint productions and
participatory
reporting
should be pursued.
X giving positive feedback
after trainings
Collaboration with other media
training orgs.
Journalists are able to practice
techniques
4. Radio programming to reduce
tensions in Eastern Congo
Final Report 22nd March 2006
Progress
Recommendations/
Comments
expansion of the childcentred radio programme
‘Sisi Wa Toto’ beyond the
Kiswahili zone and possibly
the whole of DRC.
Score
(Named) radio programmes
produced and disseminated
through X radio stations,
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Outputs
5. Promotion of cross-border
dialogue
6. Community awareness-raising
on children’s rights and the
demobilisation process in the
East
7. Training and capacity-building
for local peace leaders
Objectively Verifiable
Indicators (OVIs)
distribution of tapes/CDs
Mediators and facilitators
trained
Peace committees set up
Final Report 22nd March 2006
Progress
Recommendations/
Comments
Score
CL has decided not to carry
out direct training but
instead to support local
community reconciliation
projects. It should assess
this experience to decide
what level of resources to
invest in future. Options
include scaling down,
working in collaboration with
other peacebuilding
organisations, and scaling
up. If the latter, CL should
consider expanding the
present limited resources
devoted to this activity,
identifying strategies to
enhance synergies between
media and community work
(eg through theatre, radio
listening groups), and
developing a methodology of
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Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
Outputs
Objectively Verifiable
Indicators (OVIs)
Progress
8. Cultural Activities to increase
social harmony
X plays devised and toured
X training workshops for artists
per year held
X mini-festivals per year
organised
X theatre troupes trained in
participatory theatre and
conflict transformation
Project Outputs Rating - General / Overall progress assessment
Recommendations/
Score
Comments
‘accompanying’ local peace
organisations.
CL should consider scaling up
its participatory theatre-work
and
enhancing
synergies
between
community
reconciliation
work
and
media work, eg strengthen
radio listening groups and
use
theatre
troupes
to
explore
specific
themes
and/or
be
deployed
in
support
of
specific
community projects.
2
Justification
Activities have generally been carried out as planned, with the possible exception of the devised play, abandoned in favour of introducing
participatory theatre. Radio listening clubs have been formed but not effectively followed up. Dedicated radio programmes on adult demobilisation
and the return of refugees have come on stream relatively recently. The intention to train community peace activists has not been carried out (with
one small exception) owing to doubts about its effectiveness in the context. The outputs achieved (in summary, the radio programmes and
associated printed materials and training, the community reconciliation projects, and the development of cultural media for conflict transformation)
have contributed fairly clearly to the transition process, and also, though less clearly, to the reduction of tension in the east.
Purpose Attribution
The project outputs (above) are clearly enhancing informative and participative communication around the transition process and are certainly
contributing something to the reduction of tensions in the Eastern Congo, though the impact here is harder to discern.
Final Report 22nd March 2006
61
Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
6.4
Part D – Risk Management
The risk level for the project should be reassessed during Annual / Output-to-Purpose Reviews.
Risk Category
Both Goal and Purpose level risk is relatively high because of the fragile nature of the political transition and the volatility of the
sub-region.
Has the Risk Category changed since the last review? If so explain why.
This is the first review
New risks identified
None
Action being taken to monitor / manage risks
The meta-level threats to the project are beyond its control, but the project would no doubt re-orient itself and continue, even if full-scale war broke
out again, as long as there were at least some mass-media functioning and it were still possible to find on-the-ground opportunities for peacebuilding.
Recommended changes to plans or management strategies in respect of project associated risks
SfCG would no doubt bring its status as an international organisation to bear, along with its facilities in neighbouring Burundi.
Does the Logframe Require Revision? .
Yes. The programme’s original logical framework (2004) ceased being used by SfCG in April 2005 when CL held an internal
review which resulted in a slightly revised vision for the programme. CL plans to draw up a revised logframe during the next
internal strategic review in April 2006. However as a logframe was required for this Output-to-Purpose review, the evaluators
developed an indicative logframe based on the programme proposal, progress reports, the strategic review report of 2005, and
observations and discussions with staff (see Annex 4 for original logframe and Annex 6 for indicative logframe). This was done
in order to help the programme get greater, explicit clarity on objectives which were already implicit and which were, in any
case, being followed as per the programme document agreed with DFID.
Do the PIMS Markers Require Revision? [Mandatory for projects approved prior to 01/04/1998]
N/A
Method of Scoring – state the team composition, the methods used to conduct the review, how the scoring was agreed upon, and whether partners and stakeholders
were involved.
Scores were agreed between the two- person evaluation team, Mary Myers and Judy El-Bushra.
Final Report 22nd March 2006
62
Mid Term Review: Search for Common Ground in DRC
6.5
Part E – Lessons Learned
Lessons learned, and suggested dissemination.
1. Working with Partners
2. Best Practice / Innovation
3. Project / Programme Management
SfCG’s work in DRC shows that fostering partnerships is labour and time-intensive. If you have a
lot of partners (in this case e.g. 84 radio stations and potentially hundreds or community groups
with which to work), it is good to acknowledge (as SfCG has done) that there are limits to the
relationship, and not to raise undue expectations.
SfCG’s work in peace-building media – especially radio and participatory theatre - is very
innovative, and therefore deserves thorough impact assessment and documentation.
SfCG’s work in DRC is exceptionally challenging and requires exceptionally committed and
resilient staff and management. Because DRC is a ‘crisis’ country, there is a better case to be
made for the presence of international staff at management level than in a more stable situation
where such management structures would not be sustainable.
Key Issues / Points of information
N/A
If appropriate, please comment on the effectiveness of the institutional relationships involved with the project
(eg comment on processes and how relationships have evolved)
N/A
What key documentary evidence is available to support the conclusions of this report? List any supporting documents annexed to this report.
Final Report of Mid Term Review of Search for Common Ground, Triple Line Consulting, March 2006
Final Report 22nd March 2006
63
CENTRE LOKOLE
Search for Common Ground en RDC
Galerie du Centenaire/2è Niveau
Blv. 30 juin-Gombe -Kinshasa-RDC
Tél : (+243) 817005829 – Fax : +243 813010298
B.P.: 9543 Kin 1;: [email protected]
Av. Hippodrome n°39 C/Ibanda
B.P. 2511 Bukavu
Tél.: (+243) 813182880
Bukavu/Sud-Kivu
Annex 7: Clarifications Presented by Search for Common Ground in DRC
After analysing the findings of this evaluation, SFCG in DRC is very appreciative of the
observations and suggestions raised. The recommendations are pertinent and valuable,
and will contribute in our planning for the coming year.
I would however like to clarify two aspects of the report which refer to Search for Common
Ground, its methodological approach and future perspectives:
"
COMMON GROUND APPROACH: Search for Common Ground aims to
change the way the world deals with conflict – away from adversarial approaches and
towards collaborative solutions. The ‘Common Ground’ approach – be it in peacebuilding
or journalism – entails understanding the interests, or underlying needs, behind the
parties in conflict, in order to search for a solution based on these common interests. This
implies an analysis of the context and the history of the conflict, the positions and
interests of the parties in conflict and a recognition that the relationship between them can
be preserved while transforming the conflict. “Understand the differences, act on the
commonalities” is a short way of explaining this approach. As “Common Ground” media
producers, our core principles are accuracy, impartiality and responsibility, and do not
entail us taking a position or promoting a certain point of view
"
FUTURE PERSPECTIVES: SFCG in the DRC is adapting to the changing
context. The upcoming elections will bring an end to the current transition and usher in a
new democratic dispensation. New conflicts will emerge: those predictable are related to
resource exploitation, transitional justice, reconciliation and governance. While livelihood
and development issues will hopefully take centre stage with enhanced human security,
this is not an area of expertise that SFCG aims to enhance. Other organisations with this
expertise should intervene in these areas. However, the peaceful transformation of conflict
will remain a need in a post-election DRC; in fact, SFCG works in many post-conflict
countries around the world, as a conflict transformation organisation. In DRC, SFCG will
adjust its attention to these emerging needs, applying our expertise to transform these
conflicts. These efforts will contribute to social cohesion, reconciliation and a context in
which development, livelihood and income-generating activities are possible and
sustainable.
Once again, thank you for your report and we look forward to a continuing collaboration
with DFID.
Lena Slachmuijlder
Director, Centre Lokole
SFCG in DRC
Siéges: Bruxelles, Belgique: [email protected]
Washington DC, USA
[email protected]
www.sfcg.org