Organization d'Appui à l'Auto-Promotion (OAP)

Opération d'Appui à l'Auto-Promotion (OAP) is active in the provinces of Rumonge and Bujumbura Rural, just outside the Burundian capital. Bujumbura Rural was the stronghold of rebel groups for many years. That is why OAP developed various programs to reintegrate the many ex-rebels in the province into the community and thus offer the young people an alternative.

Themes

The organisation works on reconciliation, peace and security. It does this by bringing people together in a 'peace committee' and by organising training courses on conflict resolution. Its approach is comprehensive and assumes that reconciliation and social cohesion are only possible if people escape extreme poverty. That is why OAP includes various aspects of socio-economic development, such as education, health care and rural development, in its activities. It is the population itself that determines the priorities, because according to OAP, self-development and responsibility are essential conditions for development.

At the local level, OAP promotes dialogue between local governments and the population. At the national level, the organization wants policymakers to take the needs of the population more into account. OAP encourages women to stand as candidates in elections and to participate in local policy.

Results

OAP has experience in the reintegration of rebels into society. The organization uses this experience to reconcile young people with opposing political preferences. OAP identifies these young people and trains them so that they can act as mediators in local conflicts themselves. In this way, they gain the trust and respect of the community.