This policy document discusses the contours of reconciliation as a framework for achieving sustainable peace. Drawing on experiences from the African continent over the past two decades, the paper outlines a future-oriented, justice-focused, gendered, locally owned and comprehensive approach to reconci liation as a critical ingredient in various processes that form part of the post-­conflict reconstruction and developmentagenda. These processes include conflict prevention, peace-­making, negotiation, transitional justice and inclusive development.