Gang violence continues unabated in South Africa, particularly in impoverished black and “coloured” communities. This essay focuses on black communities. We reveal how young men living in majority Xhosa-speaking black townships become…
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Mediation & Reconciliation
What is “the Local”? Exploring grassroots justice systems as a means of understanding the local
by Cori Wielenga
The liberal peacebuilding framework has been extensively critiqued and increasing attention is being given to “the local” in peacebuilding. What “local” means, though, still needs to be more deeply understood. What are the norms, values, and power dynamics, for example, that characterize diverse local contexts? An ongoing research project in Southern and Central Africa provides […]
Democracy, Development and Governance
Internal Party Reforms or Power Consolidation by African Ruling Parties?
by Dr. Nicodemus Minde
There is a discernible behavioral shift in some of Africa’s ruling parties, particularly those that emerged out of national liberation movements. Two events signpost the unfolding political era. First, the “nine presidential lives” of Jacob Zuma recently came to an end with his resignation on February 14, and second, Hailemariam Desalegn’s sudden resignation in the […]
Policy and Practice
Can Peace Education Help Heal a Divided Kenya?
by John Mwangi Githigaro
The political impasse in Kenya Kenya needs national healing and reconciliation. This can be attributed to the protracted and hotly contested 2017 elections that re-opened ethnic divisions and tensions. Elections in Kenya since the return to multipartyism in 1991 have deepened divisions in the country, often resulting in ethnic clashes. The August 8, 2017 presidential […]
Essays
Vitória é Certa! The Future Belongs to African Women
by Mojúbàolú Olúfúnké Okome
African women have much to celebrate. We have historic and recent examples of women’s leadership at the highest levels of the state and international organizations. Amina J. Mohammed of Nigeria is the current deputy secretary-general of the United Nations (UN). She succeeded Asha-Rose Migiro of Tanzania in that role. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka of South Africa is the current executive director of UN […]
Conflict
The Snake and the Hedgehog: Managing Farmer-Herder Conflicts in Nigeria
by Patience Adzande
The recent escalation in violence in the farmer-herder conflict poses a serious threat to peace and security across Nigeria. These incidents have claimed an estimated annual average of two thousand lives between 2011 and 2016, led to massive destruction of property, and tens of thousands of displaced persons. The attacks are reportedly carried out by militant pastoralists […]
Democracy, Development and Governance
Sierra Leone’s Fourth Post-War Elections and the Trial of Democracy
by Hussaina J. Abdullah
Sierra Leone’s fourth post-war presidential, parliamentary, and local elections, scheduled for March 7, 2018, will be the litmus test to assess whether democratic principles are entrenched in the country’s post-conflict electoral politics. This is because the upcoming elections are the first to be organized solely by the government since the end of the civil strife in January […]
Interviews
Pursuing an Integrative Approach to Ending Gender-Based Violence: A Conversation with Ruth Lekakeny