At what point a particular country enters the post-conflict period is seldom straightforward and unambiguous. The predominant view among conflict experts is that the post-con­flict period starts after a peace agreement has been signed. Yet, there is also awareness that signing a peace agreement does not necessarily mean that hostilities have ceased because conflict and violence often continue regardless, albeit in a disguised form. Although initial discussion about a country’s aspirations and appropriate governance framework may start while the conflict is still ongoing, the reconstruction itself is best done after the fighting is over. Determining when the conflict is over is, however, problematic since there are often relapses even after peace agreements are signed. Therefore, there usually is no clear single entry point for post-conflict reconstruction; in fact there may be different entry points and different times. This is why it is important to keep in mind that post-conflict reconstruction is a process with no clear starting and ending points. While post-conflict peacebuilding might overlap with peacekeeping activities, there is no doubt that it extends to the processes of building and strengthening State institutions. Post-conflict peacebuilding, in other words, does not end with the establishment of nascent government structures, including the immediate transition of authority to the new government; its “nuts and bolts” start there. Overall progress and recovery of countries emerging from conflict are measured along “peace-building milestones” as shown in the table below.

 

It is extremely important to pay attention to how post-conflict reconstruction begins as it may have different consequences on the sustainability and viability of the reconstruction efforts as shown by selected cases from around the world.