Factsheet – EEAS Mediation Support Project – Knowledge Product Mediation and Dialogue in transitional processes from non-state armed groups to political movements/political parties

‘Non-state armed groups’ refers to groups who retain the potential to deploy arms for political, economic and ideological objectives, which in practice are often translated into an open challenge to the authority of the state. In principle, non-state armed groups and political parties/movements are perceived as two opposite models of approach to democratic political processes. However, given the highly political nature of non-state armed groups’ claims, it is likely that the resolution of a conflict where such actors are involved will be found in political agreements rather than military defeat.