Innocent BANO's Page

What motivated you (or your organization) to become involved in peace and conflict resolution?

In additional to my academic studies in the field of peace and resolution, I became involved in peace and conflict resolution as a result of my social, economic and political background. I have been victim of conflicts and civil war that peace has hence became a part of my life.

Please feel free to provide a short bio about yourself or the work of your organization (no more than 3 paragraphs)

As mentioned above, my name is Innocent BANO and I am 36 years old. I am swedish citizen originally from Burundi.
Throughout my life, I have been fascinated with peace and conflict resolution. My personal experiences have indeed had a profound effect on my educational and career interests, especially in creating my passion for achieving peace by way of peaceful, nonviolent methods.

In the midst of conflict started by ethnic rivalries between Hutu and Tutsi tribal groups, I was born into a family in Burundi that represented both sides; my father was a Hutu and my mother, a Tutsi. I naturally felt a belonging to both groups, and therefore could never fully identify with the inner strife these two groups experienced amongst each other. Because of my unique ethnic background, I developed a position of neutrality, which to me represented balance, harmony, and the wonders of living in peace within two supposed bitter rivals. As Burundi faced the harsh realities of a civil war, I was a target of ethnic cleansing, and fled the country, determined to share my experiences with others and to learn about the realities of achieving peace through peaceful means.

Since leaving Burundi , I have lived in other parts of Africa (DRC), Europe( Sweden,France, Belgium, England), and Asia (Japan). I have learned much about world cultures and the interdependent nature of the world we currently inhabit. These experiences, coupled with my life in Burundi, have indeed been the catalyst for my continued quest for knowledge in the area of peace and conflict resolution.
Currently a group of friends and I, while I am planning to do my PhD in the area of peace, have a project of setting up a INGO ("Bridge of Peace International") in order to tackle different needs of young people in Africa, starting by Burundi, a country emerging from many years of civil war. Young people are victims and active in conflicts/civil wars. Finding other alternatives to their situation can help to bring a sustainable peace. This is my dream.

Please list the countries and/or regions in which you (or your organization) have direct and significant expertise

Burundi, DRC, France, Belgium, and Japan

What is your current country of residence (or location of your organization)?

Sweden

What is your current job (and organization) and/or where and what field are you studying?

I just finshed my MA in African Peace and Conflict Studies at Bradford University

What is one of your favorite websites in the field? (please provide one answer per box)

http://www.crisisgroup.org

What is one of your favorite websites in the field? (please provide one answer per box)

http://www.globalwitness.org

Which are your primary sectoral areas of expertise (or the primary sectoral areas of your organization) ?

Alternative Dispute Resolution, Peacebuilding, Conflict Resolution, Democratization, Development, Humanitarian Relief, Youth, Civil Society

Which are your primary skills areas(or the primary skill areas of your organization)?

Program Administration, Research

What are some of your current areas of research (if any)?

human security, good governance, the African Union