Research Excellence in Reconciliation

Our research programs contribute to global understanding of reconciliation processes, post-conflict recovery, and sustainable peacebuilding through evidence-based studies and innovative methodologies.

Our Research Mission

CRIR's research division conducts cutting-edge studies that inform policy, practice, and theory in the fields of reconciliation, peacebuilding, and post-conflict recovery. We bridge the gap between academic research and practical application, ensuring our findings contribute to real-world solutions.

  • Evidence-based research methodologies
  • Community-participatory research approaches
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration
  • Policy-relevant findings
  • International research partnerships
45+ Research Projects
120+ Publications
25+ Partner Institutions
15 Countries Studied

Research Focus Areas

Our research spans multiple disciplines and addresses key questions in reconciliation and peacebuilding

Post-Conflict Recovery

Examining the processes, challenges, and success factors in post-conflict societies' journey toward sustainable peace and development.

  • • Transitional justice mechanisms
  • • Economic recovery strategies
  • • Social cohesion rebuilding
  • • Institutional reconstruction
  • • Memory and memorialization

Reconciliation Psychology

Investigating the psychological dimensions of reconciliation, including trauma healing, forgiveness processes, and intergroup relations.

  • • Trauma and healing mechanisms
  • • Forgiveness psychology
  • • Intergroup contact theory
  • • Collective memory studies
  • • Identity reconstruction

Peacebuilding Strategies

Analyzing effective peacebuilding interventions, conflict prevention mechanisms, and sustainable peace maintenance strategies.

  • • Conflict prevention models
  • • Mediation effectiveness
  • • Community peacebuilding
  • • Youth peace education
  • • Women in peacebuilding

Faith-Based Reconciliation

Exploring the role of faith communities and religious practices in reconciliation and peacebuilding processes.

  • • Religious peacebuilding
  • • Interfaith dialogue
  • • Spiritual healing practices
  • • Faith community mobilization
  • • Theological reconciliation

Social Cohesion

Studying factors that promote social cohesion, trust-building, and community resilience in post-conflict settings.

  • • Trust-building mechanisms
  • • Social capital development
  • • Community resilience
  • • Inclusive governance
  • • Civic engagement

Policy Analysis

Evaluating policies and programs related to reconciliation, analyzing their effectiveness and providing evidence-based recommendations.

  • • Policy impact assessment
  • • Program evaluation
  • • Best practices analysis
  • • Comparative studies
  • • Policy recommendations

Current Research Projects

Ongoing and upcoming research initiatives addressing critical questions in reconciliation and peacebuilding

Ongoing
2023-2025 • Funded by European Union
Intergenerational Trauma Transmission in Post-Genocide Rwanda

A longitudinal study examining how trauma is transmitted across generations and the effectiveness of healing interventions in breaking cycles of trauma.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Marie Uwimana
Partners: University of Rwanda, Oxford University
Sample Size: 1,200 families across 4 districts

Ongoing
2024-2026 • Funded by Ford Foundation
Community-Based Reconciliation Mechanisms in East Africa

Comparative analysis of traditional and modern reconciliation mechanisms across Rwanda, Uganda, and Kenya, identifying best practices for community healing.

Principal Investigator: Prof. Jean Baptiste Nzeyimana
Partners: Makerere University, University of Nairobi
Communities: 15 communities across 3 countries

Completed
2021-2023 • Funded by USAID
Faith-Based Peacebuilding in Post-Conflict Societies

Comprehensive study of the role of religious institutions in peacebuilding across 8 post-conflict countries, resulting in a framework for faith-based interventions.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Emmanuel Habimana
Partners: Harvard Divinity School, World Council of Churches
Publications: 12 peer-reviewed articles, 1 book

Upcoming
2025-2027 • Pending Funding
Digital Storytelling for Reconciliation

Innovative research exploring the use of digital platforms and storytelling technologies to facilitate reconciliation processes among youth in post-conflict settings.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Sarah Mukamana
Partners: MIT Media Lab, University of Cape Town
Target: 500 youth across 6 countries

Ongoing
2023-2024 • Funded by Gates Foundation
Economic Reconciliation and Inclusive Growth

Examining the relationship between economic policies, inclusive growth, and reconc iliation outcomes in post-conflict societies.

Principal Investigator: Dr. David Nkurunziza
Partners: World Bank, African Development Bank
Scope: 10 post-conflict countries in Africa

Completed
2020-2022 • Funded by Norwegian Government
Women's Leadership in Reconciliation Processes

Multi-country study documenting women's contributions to reconciliation and developing frameworks for enhancing women's participation in peacebuilding.

Principal Investigator: Dr. Agnes Binagwaho
Partners: UN Women, Peace Research Institute Oslo
Impact: Policy recommendations adopted by AU

Our Research Methodology

We employ rigorous, ethical, and culturally sensitive research approaches

Participatory Research

Community members are active participants in research design, data collection, and analysis, ensuring cultural relevance and local ownership.

Mixed Methods

Combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to provide comprehensive understanding of complex reconciliation phenomena.

Longitudinal Studies

Long-term tracking of reconciliation processes to understand how healing and peace develop over time.

Comparative Analysis

Cross-country and cross-cultural comparisons to identify universal principles and context-specific factors in reconciliation.

Recent Publications

Our research findings published in leading academic journals and policy publications

Journal Article
Intergenerational Trauma and Healing in Post-Genocide Rwanda: A 20-Year Longitudinal Study
Uwimana, M., Nzeyimana, J.B., & Habimana, E.
Journal of Peace Research, 2024, 61(2), 234-251

This groundbreaking study tracks trauma transmission and healing across three generations of Rwandan families, providing insights into effective healing interventions.

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Book
Faith and Reconciliation: Religious Peacebuilding in Post-Conflict Africa
Habimana, E. (Ed.)
Cambridge University Press, 2023

Comprehensive analysis of faith-based reconciliation initiatives across Africa, featuring case studies from 12 countries and practical frameworks for religious peacebuilding.

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Policy Brief
Women's Leadership in Post-Conflict Reconciliation: Lessons from East Africa
Binagwaho, A., Mukamana, S., & Uwimana, M.
African Union Commission, 2023

Policy recommendations for enhancing women's participation in reconciliation processes, based on extensive research across East African countries.

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Journal Article
Community-Based Reconciliation Mechanisms: A Comparative Study of Gacaca and Ubuntu
Nzeyimana, J.B., Mukamana, S., & Nkurunziza, D.
Conflict Resolution Quarterly, 2023, 41(1), 45-68

Comparative analysis of traditional reconciliation mechanisms in Rwanda and South Africa, identifying key success factors and adaptation strategies.

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Research Collaboration

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Our research team will review your proposal and respond within 2 weeks.

Advance Reconciliation Research

Join us in generating knowledge that transforms conflicts into opportunities for healing, understanding, and sustainable peace.