MIPAREC’s approach consists of accompanying the community to implement the most efficient community structures that respond best to the needs of the population, mobilizing the community toward peaceful conflict management, but also supporting their development. MIPAREC works through the “peace committee” approach, solidarity groups also known as “self help groups” or mutual aid groups, associations or groups brought together by certain actors, groups of youth that are in and out of school, peace clubs, etc.
According to the needs of the community, MIPAREC builds capacity and accompanies these structures. These structures are set up by the community and for the community, providing fair access for different ethnic groups in general, vulnerable persons and those affected by the Burundian conflict in particular. Each structure is different, but complements the community. These structures are beneficial in contributing to a well-organized and well-governed community.
The Peace Committees and the Self Help Groups use traditional practices such as Ikibiri and traditional leadership structures, combining traditional resources with modern techniques of non-violent conflict management and mediation, solidarity chains and working together at the hill, commune and zone levels. They work to initiate a change in people’s mentalities and behavior, encouraging them to support the peacebuilding process, peaceful coexistence, social cohesion and the promotion of sustainable development.
Therefore, the synergy of these two approaches facilitates far-reaching controllable activities and by consequence, has a remarkable and sustainable impact regardless of the nature of the activities envisaged.
Zones of Intervention
MIPAREC works in a zone that covers 12 provinces:
- Bujumbura Mairie
- Bujumbura Rural
- Cibitoke
- Gitega
- Karuzi
- Kirundo
- Makamba
- Muramvya
- Muyinga
- Mwaro
- Ngozi
- Ruyigi
in 20 communes for more than 200,000 beneficiaries that MIPAREC calls “our neighbors” through a rich dialogue.
Among the beneficiaries, MIPAREC is particularly sensitive to specific groups, notably women, youth, demobilized combatants, displaced persons, repatriated persons, former political prisoners, elders “bashingantahe,” people who are HIV-positive and the Batwa minority.
