CHAPTER THREE: DEMOCRACY AND POLITICAL GOVERNANCE _____________________________________________________________________ and technical services (environment, agriculture, livestock breeding, security) together with resource persons, i.e. chiefs or customary owners of land, come together to attempt conciliation. The relevant technical ministries propose actions to resolve the problem, for example, provide trails for livestock use, delineate fields. In addition, there are the Village Development Committees (VDCs) created to replace Land Management Village Committees (LMVCs), which serve as a framework for local land conflict management. If there is no solution at village level, there is the District Court, which deals with conflicts, but its jurisdiction is limited to penalties providing for compensation under 100,000 francs, except penal sanctions. If the problem persists, it is raised to the level of high commissioners who, with technical services, try to solve it by going on the spot. When there is no agreement, the parties may refer to the High Courts.” 146. With regard to interstate or trans-border conflicts, the CSAR notes that, since the unfortunate episode of the deadly conflict between Burkina Faso and Mali (in 1974 and 1985), Burkina Faso authorities have always favoured peaceful management. This is reflected in the dialogue that has taken place. Where necessary, resort has been had to the ICJ. Although the matter of the conflict regarding the border between Burkina Faso and Niger was referred to the ICJ, this does not prevent the two countries from continuing to negotiate further on the issue. ii. Conclusions of the CRM Internal conflicts 147. Document analysis and visits within the country made it possible to identify several types of conflict in Burkina Faso: (i) conflicts between farmers related to the land issue; (ii) conflicts between farmers and nomadic livestock breeders; (iii) labour conflicts; (iv) political conflicts; and (v) conflicts between civilians and the military. 148. The CRM noted that conflicts in Burkina Faso are first and foremost land disputes. It is feared that these disputes will become more significant over the next few decades owing to population pressure. In fact, available data indicate that the Burkina Faso population will continue to grow significantly. Thus, even if we consider the lowest probable growth rate, the Burkinabe population density could reach 161 inhabitants per km2 in 2051 as opposed to the 38.1 inhabitants per km2 in 1996, i.e. four times the current density. 3 If, therefore, they are not correctly controlled, these conflicts, coupled with crisis situations, may lead to a critical situation. Consequently, it is important to take the necessary measures. 149. The CRM noted at the various meetings with stakeholders that the oldest conflicts were, and still are, those between farmers and breeders. Such conflicts relate to crop damage, the obstruction of transhumance trails, and 3 Policy on national land-tenure security, page 19. 88