"When the appropriate time would be to address past social injustices and how they should be addressed remains unclear, but ignoring the past will arguably only perpetuate the cycle of violence that…
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Research and Practice
Rethinking Models of African Peacebuilding: Lessons from Nigeria
by Chris Kwaja
"As the case of Nigeria shows the endogenous ways of managing local conflict and building peace are organically linked to the history, tradition, and culture of the African people…Indeed, a situation in which modern and endogenous methods complement, rather than displace or supplant each other, should be encouraged."
Radar
The Day the Burkinabé People Recovered Their Voice
by Amy Niang
"As political leaders scramble to capture every bit of power possible, it needs to be remembered that the impetus for change was collective anger .... For the Burkinabé people, this is a unique chance to experiment with inclusive politics that makes room for meaningful civil society input and, more importantly, an opportunity to dismantle a system of rule that enabled Compaoré to keep the country under tight control for twenty-seven years."
On the Spot
Article 46A bis: Implications for Peace, Justice, and Reconciliation in Africa
by African Peacebuilding Network
In this special issue, we asked several leading scholars and practitioners working in the field of international justice, human rights, and peace in Africa to respond to recent concerns about the embedding of Article 46A bis, which grants immunity to sitting heads of state and senior government officials, thereby precluding them from being tried by the African Court for serious crimes committed in violation of international law. Contributors were asked the following questions: Is Article 46A bis a blank check granting African leaders and senior government officials the right to act with impunity? Will leaders be able to get away in the future with serious war crimes and crimes against humanity? What are the prospects that Article 46A bis would be re-thought, further amended, or even dropped? And is there still space for African states and courts to engage with international justice institutions in the pursuit of justice in Africa?
Elections & Governance
Malawi’s 2014 Elections: An Assessment
by Kizito Tenthani
"The elections of 2014 demonstrated a lot of weaknesses in Malawi’s electoral system...which renders it vulnerable to errors that can conceivably undermine completely the credibility of elections conducted in Malawi’s future. A critical reassessment of the process and its reform are therefore necessary to avoid a repeat of the chaos that was the 2014 elections."
Research and Practice
Ushahidi Crowdsourcing Platform: A People-Centered Approach to Conflict Transformation in Kenya
Elections & Governance
Article 46A Bis: A Step Backward in Ending Impunity in Africa
by Dan Kuwali
"If this retrogressive provision comes into force, the survivors and victims of atrocities will have no option but to seek justice and reparation from elsewhere—in this case, the ICC, which still has jurisdiction to try perpetrators of mass atrocities, regardless of official position—thereby defeating the principle of 'African solutions to African problems.' "
Essays
The Central African Republic Crisis: Neighboring Countries and the Prospects for Peace
by Kiven James Kewir
"Ultimately [...] the future of peace in the CAR lies in the hands of the leaders and people of the country. The real challenge will be to develop the political will to rise above the current divisions and address the structural roots of the conflict ravaging the country head on."
