Beyond Peace Deals
Central African Republic, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Guinea Bissau
May – August 2010
For decades, the international community has been dogged by its failures to protect civilians from war. From Mogadishu to Srebrenica to Kigali, peacekeeping troops in the 1990s roundly failed those they were expected to protect.. Meanwhile, around the world, old conflicts renewed themselves — despite celebrated peace agreements. Is it even possible, many justifiably wondered, to make and keep peace?
Five years ago, the United Nations began a new experiment on just that question. The UN Peacebuilding Commission is supposed to catalyze financing, concentrate our ever-shifting attention and create incentives that support lasting peace. From reintegrating ex-rebels to laying the groundwork for elections, from brokering security sector reform to broadening development, the Peacebuilding Commission looks at it all.
But what does it own look like, five years later? As the Commission undergoes its formal review, I visit the countries on its agenda to find out what works, and what doesn’t, in the UN’s newest fight for the peace.
Liberia: Justice Renewed?
Monrovia, Gbarnga, Saniquellie and Ganta, Liberia
October 2009
This Pulitzer project was a collaboration with photographer Glenna Gordon. Together, we looked at stories behind phrases like “rule of law” and “access to justice.” Check out our project page and blog, or the pieces below.
The African Divide
Christian Science Monitor Magazine cover story
An in-depth look at how land conflict cripples the continent — and lies behind the well-known wars we thought we understood. Includes sidebars and a multimedia project.
He’s Got the Law (Literally) in His Hands
Foreignpolicy.com
Libera’s courts, lawyers, and even parliament don’t have a physical copy of the country’s legal code. Why a top law official is claiming a copyright on the books — and holding them hostage until he gets paid. A Foreign Policy “Best of FP.com” editors’ pick for 2009.
Charles Taylor war crimes trial gets mixed reviews in Liberia
Christian Science Monitor
Charles Taylor is on trial in the Hague for war crimes he committed in Sierra Leone. But back in Liberia, where he was once president, he faces no charges — and his reputation stands up.
“Africa Must Take the First Step”: A Q&A with Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Newsweek
The popular Liberian president and former World Bank economist talks about looking for oil, Africom and Al Qaeda, and whether men can do as much for gender equality as women can.
