Peace and reconciliation efforts

Norway’s engagement in peace work – by country

Norway is involved in peace efforts in a number of countries. An overview is given here. However, much of Norway’s work in this area is confidential, so it is not possible to give an exhaustive overview.
  • The peace process in Mozambique

    On 6 August 2019, a final peace agreement was signed between the Government and the Mozambique National Resistance (Renamo). This agreement is the result of peace talks that have taken place since December 2016. It deals with the issues of decentralisation and electoral reform, the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) of Renamo soldiers, and includes the ceasefire agreement that was signed on 1 August.

  • The Venezuelan Negotiation Process

    In 2021, the Venezuelan government and opposition initiated negotiations on a comprehensive solution to the crisis in the country.

  • Peace diplomacy efforts in Afghanistan

    Norway has been engaged in peace diplomacy efforts vis-à-vis the Taliban movement for many years with the aim of promoting contact between key Afghan stakeholders and advancing progress towards a political solution in Afghanistan.

  • The peace process in Sudan

    Sudan has experienced a series of devastating internal conflicts since gaining independence in 1956. In 2005, the Government in Khartoum signed a peace agreement that gave the people in South Sudan the right to self-determination. South Sudan became an independent state in 2011.

  • The peace process in Colombia

    Norway is a guarantor country for Colombia’s two peace processes – the implementation of the five-year-old agreement with Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo (FARC-EP) and the negotiation process with Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN), which remains stalled.

  • Philippine peace talks

    The armed conflict between the Philippine authorities and the communist movement NDFP has lasted for over 50 years. The parties have repeatedly tried to reach a peace agreement.

  • Israel – Palestine: A negotiated two-state solution

    Norway’s long-term engagement seeks to advance a negotiated two-state solution, with two states, Israel and Palestine, existing side by side in peace and security within secure and internationally recognised borders. It is Norway’s position that only a negotiated two-state solution can bring about lasting peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

  • Syria: Norway will continue to promote a political solution

    The situation in Syria clearly illustrates how quickly war and conflict can set a country’s development back by several decades. Norway has consistently supported peacebuilding measures in the country, as well as the UN’s work to bring an end to the conflict.

  • Peace and reconciliation efforts in Myanmar

    The situation in Myanmar in the wake of the military coup on 1 February 2021 is critical. Violence is on the rise, causing widespread humanitarian suffering, and the country’s economy is on the verge of collapse. The human rights situation is grave, including for the Rohingya.

  • National dialogue and reconciliation in Somalia

    The political crisis that emerged in Somalia in 2021–2022 in connection with holding elections highlights the importance of efforts to promote national reconciliation. This is a priority for Norway, as is promoting the inclusion of women and marginalised groups. Meanwhile, the al-Shabaab armed group has strengthened its position on a number of fronts and cannot be combated with military means alone.

  • National reconciliation in Sri Lanka

    At the invitation of the Sri Lankan authorities and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), Norway acted as an impartial facilitator of the negotiations between the parties to the conflict in Sri Lanka between 1999 and 2006. Norway’s mandate was to facilitate the peace process between the Sri Lankan authorities and the LTTE.

  • Norway’s engagement in South Sudan

    Norway’s long-term engagement in South Sudan seeks to promote lasting peace and sustainable development. Since the early 2000s, Norway has been involved in peace and reconciliation efforts in Sudan and South Sudan, working in close cooperation with the US and the UK (the other Troika countries).