Long-standing capacity for fine-grained analysis and fact finding on local, national and trans-border conflict, politics, human rights and security issues in Burundi, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Extensive network of professional and personal relationships based on confidence in with national and international actors in the three countries mentioned above.

Strong focus on local governance and community participation, including on specific issues as health and education.

Long experience in working with civil society organisations in order to encourage, reinforce and help to structure them to participate in the peace and democratisation processes, and to reinforce the dialogue between the donor community and civil society in these countries, including specific experience in the electoral processes.

Extensive high profile lobby and advocacy experience.

Familiar with peacekeeping, SSR and grass root conflict transformation mechanisms and principles.

Influential opinion-maker and writer on (Central) African issues.

Extensive contacts with the diplomatic services of many western states on issues of Central Africa.