The views expressed here emanated from a panel discussion on “Trendlines and Transformations in African Democratic Governance: Lessons for US-Africa Relations,” held at the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars in Washington DC., on November 13, 2024. In December 2018, Sudan witnessed the third democratic uprising in its post-independent history. Led by a broad coalition […]
Essays
Essays present critical analysis and debate on a pressing issue in African peacebuilding.
Democracy, Development and Governance
Is US-Africa Relations at the Crossroads: What does it mean for Africa?
by Charles Ukeje
The views expressed here emanated from a panel discussion on “Trendlines and Transformations in African Democratic Governance: Lessons for US-Africa Relations,” held at the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars in Washington DC., on November 13, 2024. Introduction The world is undergoing momentous geopolitical transitions as the major powers, along with a growing number of […]
Peacebuilding
Is Religion Always Violent? Understanding Religious Peacebuilding, with a Focus on the Catholic Church
by Efetobor Stephanie Effevottu
Introduction Is God violent? Would the world be better off without religion, or can religion be a force for peace? In countries like Nigeria, where religion and religious actors are often associated with violence, can they also play a vital role in peacebuilding? This article addresses those pertinent questions by building on my doctoral research […]
Elections
Analyzing Approaches to Governing Diversity: Insights from the Political Manifestoes of Ghana’s Political Parties
by Ernest Bagson
Introduction One of the formidable challenges facing Ghana as it approaches the 2024 general elections is how the country can effectively manage its diversity against the backdrop of declining trust in state institutions, growing ethno-religious tensions, economic crisis, proliferation of illicit weapons and small arms, and inter-ethnic and inter-community conflicts.[i] Additionally, the resurgence of vigilantism, […]
Democracy, Development and Governance
Transitional Justice, Conflict Prevention, and Violence in Post-War Sierra Leone: Gaps and Opportunities
by Ibrahim Bangura and Petra Nederkoorn
Introduction The year 2024 marks two decades since the publication of the final report of the “Truth and Reconciliation Commission in Sierra Leone” (TRCSL). The report attempted to provide an antidote to future conflicts after reviewing evidence of the causes and nature of the Sierra Leonean Civil War (1991–2002). However, the events leading to, and […]
Essays
The Economy of Mobility and Irregular Migration in South Africa’s Limpopo Province
by Samuel Kehinde Okunade
INTRODUCTION Irregular migration in the Southern African region, particularly in the Limpopo Province between South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Botswana, has assumed the dimension of a whole market economy that affects the entire population of settlements in both countries. The economy of irregular migration marks just one of the several issues and dynamics in the region. […]
Democracy, Development and Governance
The Notion of the “Veil of Ignorance” in Uganda’s 1995 Constitutional Reforms
by Nixon Wamamela
Introduction Since John Rawls’ publication of “A Theory of Justice,” the notion of the “veil of ignorance” remains relevant to law-making since it has the potential to promote impartiality and justice.1 Since 1962, Uganda has adopted four constitutions: in 1962, 1966, 1967, and 1995. These constitutions have included several provisions and reforms such as the […]
Essays
African Union – European Union Partnership on Trade, Development, and Peace: Addressing Challenges and Finding Solutions
by Dr. Sherihan Radi
Introduction The Joint Africa-European Union (EU) strategy launched in 2007 during the Lisbon Summit. The African Union (AU)-EU Partnership, was officially established at the first Africa-EU Summit held in Cairo in 2000 to boost sustainable development and economic cooperation between Africa and Europe.1 Overview Trade relations between Africa and Europe have gradually evolved over time […]
Mediation & Reconciliation
Totems as a Research Method in Field Research: Some Experiences and Reflections
by Ivan Marowa
Conducting field research in Africa, and Zimbabwe in particular, comes with some complexities. There are certain research approaches we take for granted as African researchers based in African countries, posing hurdles in our quest to co-create knowledge. Some of the research strategies and tools we teach in our research methods modules, or use in our […]
Guinea
Towards Greater Security in the Gulf of Guinea: Challenges and Recommendations for Concerted Action
by Nadège Ludvine TEDONGMO
Introduction For the past two decades, reports on the Gulf of Guinea (GoG) have been at the forefront of global news. The focus of these reports has not been on its abundant natural resources, which are highly coveted, or its increasingly strategic status as a maritime trade route. Instead, the reports have been on the […]