Working for peace in the shadow of a frozen conflict

Tobias Priadi-Sörensen has been seconded by FBA to one of EUMM’s field offices. Through daily patrols in villages near the Administrative Boundary Line (ABL), he monitors developments affecting people impacted by the conflict – and supports internally displaced persons, primarily from South Ossetia, in accessing the help they need.

“If we see that people lack access to, for example, clean water, we can connect them with an organization working with water and sanitation, and thereby assist them,” says Tobias.

Mapping people’s freedom of movement, or reviewing their access to basic services such as water, electricity, gas, or healthcare, are some of the tasks Tobias and his team carry out as they drive around and speak with locals on a daily basis.

EUMM also plays a key role in providing information and facilitating the local-level dialogue held between the parties to the conflict. This may involve cases of detained individuals who crossed the ABL towards Abkhazia or South Ossetia, confiscated livestock, or discussions about the use of shared water resources. These dialogues contribute to building trust and thereby reduce tensions in the area.

The mission also has a broader goal: to prevent renewed conflict in Georgia. By maintaining a daily visible presence along the ABL, the mission acts as a stabilising force in the region.

Currently, FBA contributes approximately 5 percent of the mission’s 200 international staff from various EU member states. Strengthening the ability of international institutions to manage transboundary security threats is also an important way of reinforcing our national security.

“The very fact that Europe shows its presence here acts as a stabilising factor and can help prevent the spread of conflict,” concludes Tobias. “That’s particularly important now – both here and for Europe – given how the geopolitical situation here is linked to what’s happening in Ukraine.”

Read more about FBA's secondments of civilian personnel to international peace operations

About the Conflict in Georgia and EUMM:

Since the 2008 war, Georgia has faced a frozen conflict with Russia concerning the breakaway regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Both regions are under Russian military presence and support, and have unilaterally declared independence, though they are not internationally recognized. The Five-Day War between Russia and Georgia ended in 2008 following an EU-brokered ceasefire.

The European Union subsequently established its civilian, unarmed monitoring mission, EUMM Georgia. Its mandate is to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire agreement between Georgia and Russia, support stability, help prevent new conflicts, foster confidence-building