Resolution of Conflict in AJIBOLAND
A monarchical State with a population of 75 million, Ajiboland is one of the most ecologically
and demographically diverse countries on the earth. Ajiboland’s two major urban centers are
situated along its nearly 100-mile coastline on the Sea of Ajibola. The reigning family of
Ajiboland has a reputation for committing serious abuses against the population.
Fighting erupted in Ajiboland three years ago. What started as a dispute between government
forces and local protestors quickly grew into multifaceted armed conflict involving shifting
alliances among multiple States and non-states organized armed groups (OAGs). Today, war
engulfs not only Ajiboland but also two states near the Ajiboalnd. News reports suggest that at
least eight OAGs are operating across different parts of Ajiboland and neighboring countries.
Despite efforts by a Special Representative of the United Nations (UN) Secretary General,
repeated attempts to negotiate peace have failed. Already dire, the humanitarian situation in
Ajiboland is exacerbated by a combination of hostilities, political infighting, and blockages of
humanitarian supplies. Sixty-eight percent of population faces extreme food insecurity. Fiftythree
percent of primary schools have been shuttered, and nearly a quarter of the medical
treatment centers have ceased operations.
Almost two years ago, a well-funded and well-organized group calling itself Gevorgian
Association for Rights and Mobility (GARM) seized large swaths of territory in Ajiboland.
News reports suggest that GARM receives extensive support from some external states and
wealthy regional businesspersons aligned with the ideology of GARM. GARM rejects the
legitimacy of the government of Ajiboland and purports to be the territory’s only rightful
sovereign. Today, GARM de facto controls more than a million square miles of territory and
de facto governs 2,5 million people.
UN-human-rights-monitoring bodies have documented extensive human rights abuses by
GARM, including torture and summary execution of purported non-adherents to GARM values.
Independent non-governmental organizations (NGOs) allege that GARM has committed
numerous violations of laws of war, including attacks against innocent civilians and against
hospitals (which GARM says were legitimate targets because wounded government terrorists
were being treated there), as well as forcibly enlisting children under 15 years old into GARM’s
military wing. The UN Security Council is considering sanctioning GARM and its leaders under
the Council’s anti-terrorism measures.
Two decades ago, Bennoun, Cancado and the Donoghue Federation (DF) formed a military and
political alliance called the Organization for Regional Security Cooperation (ORSC). Shortly
after the government of Ajiboland requested that all “peace-loving” nations aid Ajiboland
against GARM, the ORSC began to provide various forms of support to the government of
Ajiboland. Bennoun boasts are one of the world’s most well-equipped militaries. Bennoun has
permanent seat on the UN Security Council. The DF prides itself on promoting international
criminal justice and the rule of law. Cancado maintains an extensive military and security
apparatus as well.
The Elaraby Republic (ER) is a highly independent regional economic, military and political
power. It considers GARM threat not only to the government of Ajiboland but also to its own
government. The ER does not agree with Ajiboland's government policy, so it supports small
armed non-state actors, namely the New Order Organisation (NOO), which is not a major player
in the national conflict.
The Fabela Party (FP) exercises de facto control over territory spanning part of Ajiboland. For
nearly three decades, the FP has aspired to become an independent nation. The FP has
committed to abide by international human rights standards and is generally recognized as one
the only democratic entities in the region. The FP has pledged to terminate the threat posed by
GARM terrorists. Despite protests from Ajiboland, Bennoun and Cancado have long provided
arms, training, intelligence and mid-air refueling, and other forms of support to the FP.
Parties of the Negotiation
a) Government of Ajiboland
• The head of the state is the queen originating from the Ajabi family. Her
family is part of a single state party and controls parliament and the
government.
b) GARM
• A military faction consisting of several armed non-state actors. The
organization is led by wealthy oligarchs who want to overthrow the ruling
Ajabi family.
c) Fabela Party
• The FP is a democratic party that aspires to gain independence in the Fabela
region. It also wants to end the war.
d) Organization for Regional Security Cooperation
• The ORSC disagrees with Ajiboland's government policy. However, of all the
actors, the current government seems the most acceptable. ORSC supports
Fabela's independence.
e) Representatives of UN
• The main goal is to end the conflict and punish war crimes.
f) Government of Elaraby Republic
• The only fully democratic state in the region. It wants to create a completely new
democratic government in Ajiboland, so it supports a small opposition group, the
NOO. The ER believes in the idea of spreading democracy.
Negotiation Manual
The aim of the whole negotiations should be a peace plan. All parties should agree on an ending
the violence and conditions for an end to the conflict. You should make a peace plan. The peace
plan must include what the new state system will be - democratic, authoritarian or quasidemocratic.
Will all freedoms be guaranteed in the new state or will something be restricted?
What will be the party system, what will be the electoral system, who has the right to vote and
be elected. What will be the territory of the new state? Will the new state be part of any
international organizations, if so, what and why?
Important: Do not reveal all cards immediately. Try not to tell the other parties at the beginning
what your maximum or minimum requirements are. Try to reach the maximum requirements
and use the minimum as a last resort.
The peace plan should include answers to the following questions:
a) What will be the territory of new state? / What form of administration will be
applied? federation, confederation, or unitary state? (Independence of Fabela
region?)
b) What will be the political system in terms of democracy?
c) What will be the electoral and party system?
d) Will war crimes be punished? How?
e) How will Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration take place?
Timetable of the Class
1st
Phase – 5 min
• Group strategy discussion.
2nd
Phase – 10 min
• Formal introduction of participants and their proposals.
3rd
Phase – 20 min
• Informal discussion, gaining information to determine the profile of other parties.
Filling tables.
4th
Phase – 10min
• Group preparation of a peace plan
5th
Phase – 20min
• Formal discussion, introduction of individual plans, reactions and comments on the
plans.
6th
Phase 10 min
• Incorporation of comments into plans, revision of plans.
7th
Phase – 10 min
• Vote on the adoption of peace plans. All parties must agree.
Table to fill during the class