Our overall approach to implementing the MAC IQC is to apply existing successful models for peace building, develop new models to extend peace resources, and institutionalize these models and approaches in intergovernmental organizations, national organizations, and civil society groups. We work directly with African conflict specialists, organizations, and community groups to analyze specific conflicts and to develop risk assessments, technical approaches, training, and sustainable solutions. Our approach is to engage support within Africa for CPMR and, where necessary, provide external support to facilitate, extend, and strengthen local and regional organizations. We take this approach with the understanding that violent conflict must be resolved by Africans through unique African solutions.

Violent conflicts are perpetuated by individuals acting within organizations and institutions. The PADCO/CSVR approach is designed to strengthen individuals and organizations to deliver and sustain peaceful solutions. We will therefore work with African groups to find sustainable solutions to prevent, mitigate, resolve, and manage conflict, emphasizing not only the capacity of specialists, but also supporting networks, organizations, and institutions at the community, governmental, and intergovernmental levels.

CPMR activities should focus on concrete, practical assistance to local and regional groups based on an understanding of the key interests and relationships of actors over the root and proximate causes, triggers, and accelerators of conflict. Our broad understanding of the interests and relationships in conflict directly supports the development and implementation of strategies, tactics, and operational plans for:

• monitoring violent conflicts;
• understanding and interpreting early warning activities within sub-regions and locally;
• guiding and supporting the development of local, national, and regional peace-building activities;
• assisting in relief efforts;
• promoting mitigation efforts and combating the spread of conflicts; and
• curing and repairing damages caused or spread by violent conflicts, such as HIV/AIDS, traumatized and injured victims and combatants, de-mining and control of weapons and materiel, the special problems of child combatants, and trafficking in drugs and contraband.