This paper examines two cases, Uganda and Nepal, to identify the determining features and prerequisites for the establishment of citizen- government accountability structures within fragile and conflicted environments. Particular emphasis has been placed on understanding the sequencing and relative importance of key stages of development and support that can be provided in the establishment of the mechanisms. This is aimed at helping interested parties target their support and build a greater understanding of the timeframe for the development and utilisation of this type of citizen-government interaction. The paper does not examine the effectiveness or appropriateness of accountability mechanisms per se, but rather attempts to identify prerequisites within civil society that are required to be present in order for a range of mechanisms to work. This paper is specifically intended to be relevant to countries such as South Sudan, Somaliland and South Central Somalia.
