In Nigeria, incidents of violence are due to the zero-sum approach to political competition and the militarization of elections.
Essays
Essays present critical analysis and debate on a pressing issue in African peacebuilding.
Democracy, Development and Governance
Bullets and Ballots: Exploring Insecurities and the 2019 Elections in Nigeria
by Noah Echa Attah
Several groups have appealed to the government and politicians not to make pronouncements or take actions that may escalate existing political tensions.
Democracy, Development and Governance
Not Ready to Run? Youth and Nigeria’s 2019 General Elections
by Hakeem Onapajo
Despite the landmark legislation aimed at increasing the political participation of youth, early indications regarding youth political empowerment are not very encouraging.
Democracy, Development and Governance
Political Campaigns in the 2019 Election: Economic Debate Takes a Backseat
by Taiwo Owoeye
A review of the campaign documents of the two leading candidates, Muhammadu Buhari’s Next Level and Abubakar Atiku’s Let’s Get Nigeria Working Again, reveals that both are high on promises but short on specifics.
Democracy, Development and Governance
“Who Debates Epp?”
by Azeez Olaniyan
“Epp” is a slang word used by Nigerian youth meaning “help.” In other words, the title asks: “who have debates helped?” Since their popularization in the United States in 1960, televised political debates between candidates for office have become an integral part of campaigns in the buildup to elections. They are often targeted at people […]
Democracy, Development and Governance
One Year After: Has the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission Act Failed Zimbabweans?
by Ruth Murambadoro
The situation in the country—marked by high-handed responses to public protest, political unrest, and a worsening economic crisis—continues to pose serious challenges to peace and justice.
Media
Africa Peace Journalism: A Manual for Media Practitioners in East Africa
by Fredrick Ogenga
Africa Peace Journalism: A Manual for Media Practitioners in East Africa is the outcome of the East Africa Regional Peace Journalism Training Workshop (March 2017) for journalists covering conflict and peacebuilding in East Africa. Organized by Rongo University’s Center for Media, Democracy, Peace, and Security (CMDPS) in partnership with the African Peacebuilding Network (APN) of the […]
Mediation & Reconciliation
Decolonizing Mediation: Exploring Questions of Knowledge and Power Shaping African Mediation
by Robin Faißt
These hierarchies of knowledge and power can be identified in various aspects of African mediation. While most African societies historically relied on mediation to resolve conflicts, there is a lack of confidence in African approaches to conflict resolution which is rooted in colonial thinking.
Democracy, Development and Governance
Peacebuilding through Community Health Work in Nairobi’s Informal Settlements
by Roseanne Njiru
Nairobi’s informal settlements experience a range of violence, including political, ethnic, religious, resource-related, and gender-based violence. The link between peace, development, and health is a direct one as conflicts and violence can directly impact health or cause a disruption in social and economic systems leading to a decline in health.
Democracy, Development and Governance
Biya’s Renewed Presidency, Economic Revival, and the Anglophone Question in Cameroon
by Gabriel Ngah Kiven
Following the presidential poll on October 7, 2018, largely boycotted by the country’s English-speaking regions, Cameroon’s constitutional court declared the long-term incumbent Paul Biya of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) the winner on October 22. The official results indicated that Biya got 71.28 percent of the votes. He is currently serving his seventh term after […]