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, […]
Essays
Essays present critical analysis and debate on a pressing issue in African peacebuilding.
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 […]
Environmental Policies
Limitations of Community-Based Wildlife Conservation for Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding at Loliondo GCA, Tanzania
by Ruth Wairimu John
Introduction Conservation strategies in Africa typically comprise a variety of approaches aimed at preserving biodiversity, safeguarding species, and conserving habitat. Such approaches are all critical measures for preserving ecosystems that benefit local communities and contributing to policies that conserve biodiversity and global environmental goals. Community-Based Approaches (CBA) offer a unique perspective by emphasising local involvement […]
Media
Local Dynamics of Everyday Digital Peacebuilding in Africa
by Sokfa John
Introduction Africa’s peacebuilding landscape is increasingly animated by the intentional exploration and strategic use of digital technologies to prevent or respond to conflict, in the aim of building sustainable peace. This is taking place alongside growing calls for localizing peacebuilding in terms of advancing local ownership, leadership, and agency.1 Both trends are an opportunity to […]
Ethiopia
Ethiopia`s Pretoria Peace Agreement and the Fate of the ‘Contested’ Areas
by Alagaw Ababu Kifle
Introduction After two years of devastating war, the Federal government of Ethiopia and the Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF) signed a Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in November 2022 in Pretoria, South Africa.1 At the core of the agreement is the TPLF recognizing and submitting to the authority of the Federal Government of Ethiopia by […]