The CEWARN mechanism has been able to develop a primary source of early warning capacity and is in the process of enhancing its link with the early response. The CEWARN’s five year strategy (2007-2011) articulates how the mechanism intends to link this capacity with an appropriate “response component” in order to proactively and preemptively tackle the scourge of pastoral and related conflicts in the region. In this regard, CEWARN developed the concept of the Rapid Response Fund (RRF) to help finance short-term projects targeted at preventing, de-escalating or resolving pastoral and related conflicts in the region. The response activities include interventions and support activities that may be necessary for the prevention or peaceful management and resolution of conflicts at the national or cross-border level. It also worth noting that the initiative is not a scheme to replace developmental works of the state or other organizations but to compliment and support such efforts.
Objective
The core objective of the Fund is to provide stakeholders with easily accessible resources for immediate response activities. The fund shall lend the mechanism the necessary flexibility and required capacity to immediately respond to early warning signals and address crises in a timely and appropriate manner. It is also designed to enable Development partners and IGAD Member States to jointly contribute to CEWARN’s Early Warning and Early Response activities
How it works
The national Conflict Early Warning and Response Units (CEWERUs) are the key players in activating the response side of the mechanism. Institutionalizing their response initiatives in conjunction with their respective local peace committees and networks has been an ongoing process in the operationalization of the units. Accordingly, proposals for projects to be financed by the CEWARN Rapid Response Fund will come from these local committees, networks or sub-regional peace councils. These proposals shall be submitted to the RRF Committee through respective CEWERUs. These projects should focus on limited and immediate support activities and should be targeted towards preventing, de-escalating and/or resolving pastoral conflicts in the IGAD sub-region. They are also required to meet a set of specific criteria set by the CEWARN unit, stakeholders and development partners. The maximum amount of financial support given to a project through the RRF is 50,000USD. The Rapid Resource Fund is envisaged to support projects such as: dialogue initiatives; immediate support activities for vulnerable pastoralists; improving communities’ access to resources as well as projects relating to capacity building, creating awareness and facilitating collaboration amongst target groups and various stakeholders.
