CHAPTER THREE: DEMOCRACY AND POLITICAL GOVERNANCE __________________________________________________________________________ 3.3 Assessment of APR objectives Objective 1: Prevent and reduce intrastate and interstate conflict i. Summary of the CSAR 115. The CSAR notes common ground in terms of information gleaned from all sources (literature, focus groups, surveys, national consultations and validation workshops). The various sources of information all point to the existence of internal conflicts as well as conflicts between Benin and its neighbours. 116. Internally, the CSAR distinguishes between two types of conflicts:  First, conflicts which occur at the national level. These include economic inequalities, organised crime, inter-communal conflicts, ethnic and religious divisions, land cases and social dialogue (claims by unions).  Secondly, commune-specific conflicts. These have to do with the regional features and the sociological and cultural realities of each commune. The CSAR notes that in many rural communities, conflicts often erupt between farmers and herdsmen whose cattle damage the crops of the farmers. 117. In terms of relations with neighbouring countries, the CSAR raises the issue of border disputes between Benin and Niger. A recent example is the Lété Island dispute, which was decided in favour of Niger by the International Court of Justice. 118. A major potential source of conflict is the difference, in political regimes, between Benin and some of its neighbouring countries. This could affect relations between the government of Benin and the governments of those countries. The CSAR notes that contacts between the Beninese population and the people of neighbouring countries (such as Togo) reveal the highly sensitive nature of the issue. With regard to other countries (Nigeria and Burkina Faso), the report notes some friction stemming from the intense commercial activities that have led to uncontrolled immigration and the settlement of people from neighbouring countries in border areas. The report makes the following recommendations to help resolve the problems:  update/clarify border demarcations;  establish public administration and build infrastructure in these border areas to show the presence of government;  establish dialogue with the governments of border countries; and  the demarcation committee should consult the documents and make proposals to government. 67