Known mostly for his background in business and expertise in negotiation, Jean-Yves Ollivier, now secretary general of the Brazzaville Foundation For Peace and Conservation is sharing his story through the documentary Plot For Peace. Working in everything from oil and commodities to peace and politics, Ollivier spoke to AFKInsider about his journey and how he became connected to the ending of apartheid in South Africa. In part one of the interview, he explains his involvement in diplomacy of influence.

“Diplomacy of influence is not so much of influence — most people use the words parallel diplomacy with a negative approach. If you look at the dictionary, parallel [has] a very clear definition: it’s two lines which are directed at the same point, working together in a similar period of time. I would say my role was more to be a parallel diplomat to try to use my skill,” he said.