The network seeks to build the capacity of its members by equipping them with conflict analysis and mapping skills so as to generate sufficient knowledge on RBC issues in the HEA. Policy advocacy and campaign skills will also be imparted to the network members to enable them to empower communities regarding PB&CP. The conflict mapping and analysis skills will be applied by the network members in mapping conflicts around key themes and will contribute to the bridging of the knowledge gap within the PB&CP field in the region. The network also hopes to influence decision-makers and other actors by helping to build the capacities of grassroots actors to agitate for change through advocacy.

The network is therefore adapting a two-track approach by building the capacity of its network members to not only undertake policy advocacy but use the knowledge to empower communities to mount advocacy campaigns at their own level. The project also seeks to promote and foster linkages and information sharing through, RBC knowledge exchange within and without the region.

The history of the network dates back to 1998 when Oxfam Novib and its counterparts from Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia acknowledged that RBC’s are a leading threat to prospects of poverty alleviation and sustainable peace in the HEA. The idea was how to generate knowledge within the counterparts of the region and if possible seek ways of dealing with the effects of conflicts, which was greatly impacting on the daily programs of the counterparts. At inception, this coalition was a loose network where key counterparts would exchange knowledge and experiences through convening annual RBC Conferences. These conferences have been held since 2000 in Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia and the most recent one being in Somaliland in 2005. Continued funding and support from Oxfam Novib, has facilitated the transition of this network from a loose coalition of Oxfam Novib counterparts from Sudan, Somalia and Ethiopia to a sturdy regional network of over 70 CSOs having expanded to include Kenya, Eritrea Uganda and other non-Oxfam Novib counterparts. Each country has established national RBC network comprising of CSOs and its activities coordinated by a national focal point [NFP].

The RBC Network is comprised of nine RBC national networks with two for Sudan [South and North] and three for Somalia [Somaliland, Puntland and South Central Somalia]. All these networks have elected a national focal point [NFP] with a clear TOR to coordinate the activities of the network and link its members to regional discussions around RBC issues.

Each network has developed thematically focused national action plans [NAPs] through intensive consultations with key stakeholders as well as pilot-conflict research activities.

The NAPs represent the key conflict issues / sources at national level and which also have a regional dimension to them. In the NAPs, national networks have provided possible strategies of how to contribute towards peaceful management of RBCs within their respective contexts. To form a regional agenda and plan, each National network has prioritised themes from within their NAPs, which they hope to collaboratively engage in as they contribute towards PB&CP efforts in the HEA. These themes include energy, pasture, livestock resources, water and small arms & light weapons.

The activities of the RBC Management Network are coordinated by an RBC Secretariat established in Nairobi, Kenya under the guidance and close monitoring of the RBC Regional Steering Committee. The nine NFPs form the steering committee, which is the policy arm of the network as well as the board of directors.