A Brussels-based think tank, International Crisis Group (ICG), has said Nepal is not yet back to business as usual and that donors must understand that their role should be to safeguard the difficult transition from people power to peace.

In its latest report entitled “Nepal: From People Power to Peace?” said the international community lost credibility by attempting to pressure the parties into an unworkable compromise with the king and must now work hard to support a difficult transition and peace process while avoiding similar mistakes.

The report, published simultaneously in Kathmandu and Brussels on Wednesday, called on India, the US, the European Union and other members of the international community to establish a Contact Group and complementary Peace Support Group, accept that Nepalis are the drivers of international engagement, recognising that peace is the priority and “do no harm” the golden rule, and hold a possible follow-up to the 2002 London conference on Nepal, perhaps modelled specifically as a Peace and Development Forum and requiring inclusive preparation and participation; among others.

The ICG has also asked the international community to make stability and peace, not reforms and increased development, the top order of business, and recognize the need to avoid rushing into ill-considered “peace dividend” packages since poorly planned injections of cash and other support could well be counterproductive; and evaluate government reach and administrative capacity in the districts, which is at least as important as change in top-level political environment.

The International Crisis Group has also called upon Nepal’s international friends to support the peace process by helping monitor the ceasefire, if requested, and starting practical planning now for a small mission; preparing to assist both armed parties with a gradual demobilisation and demilitarisation process; and using development and humanitarian assistance to consolidate peace by delivering services and opening up space for economic development;

The executive summary and recommendations of the ICG report can be accessed at: