An Actor-Network Analysis of Ghana’s Diplomatic Forays in the Liberian Civil Wars: The Akosombo (1994) and the Accra (2003) Peace Accords in Perspective

Abstract

This study employs Actor-Network Theory (ANT) to critically analyze the intricate and complex networks of actors (actants) and the translational mechanisms underpinning regional peace talks in Ghana during the Liberian civil war, with a particular focus on the Akosombo Accord of 1994 and the Accra Accord of 2003. In other to demonstrate how the peace processes developed from dynamic and contentious interactions, the study maps both human and non-human actants. They included warring factions (AFL, NPFL, and ULIMO-all in the first civil war and GOL, LURD, and MODEL- all in the second civil war), mediators (President Rawlings-in the first civil war and President Kufuor and Gen. Abubakar in the second civil war), CSOs, Regional and International Observers, negotiation venues, maps, territorial claims, communications tools, legal frameworks, and protocols. This study demonstrates how diverse networks of agents of peace shapes diplomatic engagements, rather than a singular agent of peace. The findings reveal that redefining conflict narratives, bringing interests into alignment, and maintaining agreements all depend heavily on translational mechanisms, including problematization, interessement, enrollment, and mobilization. The Akosombo peace talk highlighted the shortcomings of factional intransigence, fragile framework, and limited inclusivity of all actors, leading to a breakdown of peace-building in Liberia. The Accra peace talk, on the other hand, offered a more sophisticated process of network building that integrated all actants and a robust framework. Findings suggest that the emergence and transformation of these actor networks were neither linear nor permanent; instead, they were fragile assemblages constantly contested by military power, resource control, and shifting alliances. This study contributes to scholarship on African peace diplomacy by demonstrating the explanatory power of ANT in conflict resolution analysis.