The Path to Recovery-Insights from Rwanda's Experience for Syria's Peacebuilding Efforts

Abstract

This paper highlights the way Rwanda built its recovery, stability and peace after the genocide against the Tutsi, from 1994 up to 2024. After these thirty years, the authors compare the total experience and forecast Syria's recovery and peacebuilding process scenario post-revolution. The rationale of the paper is that most of the countries fail to reconstruct a full recovery in a short time due to a lack of capacity to overcome the significant threats to peace, such as the temptation to revenge, lack of tolerance, lack of justice, and failure to establish long-lasting peace mechanisms including redistribution of wealth, recognition of demanding needs, total reconciliation, and availability of proper representation.

Using a qualitative diachronic comparison, the authors compare and forecast Syria's possible future based on Rwanda as a successful case of peacebuilding and stabilisation. The paper makes predictions by showing a possible scenario for Syria's reconstruction by analysing Rwanda's successful peacebuilding strategies, particularly the Gacaca court system and community-driven initiatives. This paper also parallels Syria's context, offering valuable lessons for its journey towards recovery and stability. Ultimately, the study advocates for a comprehensive approach that integrates these diverse perspectives that facilitate effective peacebuilding, recovery and resilience in post-conflict societies that foster stability and solid national unity.