"[...] Boko Haram’s trajectory and the need to address the roots of home-bred terrorism assumes greater relevance as Nigeria prepares for elections in a matter of weeks. This overview provides a deeper…
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Radar
The African Union Operation in Mali and Questions on the Necessity of a Standby Force
by Jude Cocodia
"It is debatable whether all the effort, time, and resources invested in the establishment of the ASF (and the ACIRC) have resulted in any real impact on Africa’s capacity to 'own' its own peacekeeping and peace support forces and processes. While an African standby force may improve the AU’s capacity to quell violent conflict, it is by no means a major determinant for the success of its peace operations."
Essays
Statebuilding and Peacebuilding in Contexts of Identity-Related Conflicts: A Necessary Collaboration
by Dorcas Ettang
"It is important to ask how peacebuilding can take place when the state is perceived as biased, partisan, unfair, and favoring some groups over others. How can peacebuilding reduce violence and at the same time address injustices and improve fragile relationships when the state is directly or indirectly responsible for increasing violence, perpetuating injustices among different identity groups, and contributing to the worsening of their relationships?"
Elections & Governance
Amending the Uganda Constitution: Isn’t It Time to Rethink the Process and the Key Issues?
Essays
The Politics of Reconciliation in Zimbabwe: Three Times Failure—Will the Fourth Time Count?
by Ruth Murambadoro
"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 remains prevalent in Zimbabwe .... Reconciliation cannot occur in Zimbabwe without legal tender and a proactive commitment to bind the voices and intentions of the government."
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
Post-amnesty Niger Delta: Current and Emerging Security Threats
by Tarila Marclint Ebiede
"[A]s both national and international observers and policymakers focus on northeast Nigeria, they must not ignore signs of the possible recurrence of conflict in the Niger Delta region. Another full-scale insurgency in the Niger Delta could drive the Nigerian state closer to the cliff. The current threats are the same as those that led to the last phase of insurgency, and they serve as signposts indicating that, if effective action is not taken, insurgency will come again—it is just a matter of time."
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?
