Intolerably Inferior Identity: How the Social Construction of Race Erased a Rwandan Population
The creation of racial identity in Rwanda, which predated the days of the genocide, may very well have been socially constructed. Aside from considering the dominant roles that the church and media played, this essay seeks to particularly explore how the Belgian inspired identification cards were used as policy instruments, serving as one of the primary tools that aided in the genocide. Racial differences were distinctly classified between the hierarchical Hutus and the inferior Tutsis. The cards said it all; they decided the fate of who would survive the 100 days of violence and who would not.
Men are an influential factor in households and community food security in the Center Region of Cameroon
For centuries the problem of food insecurity in Cameroon has been considered the woman’s problem to resolve. Men have failed to understand that they too play a crucial role in improving household and community food security because they are in control of all assets. It is therefore important to sensitize men on their key role in improving household food security and in turn they will on their own a long side women change destructive traditions and social norms.
Keywords: Gender, food security, sustainable livelihood
Managing Wetland Ecosystems to Guarantee Water Security in Cameroon
Wetlands are an often misunderstood and underappreciated part of the ecological life support system upon which our economies and societies depend. In this article, Tazoacha Francis discusses the importance of managing Camaroon’s wetland resources wisely through raising public awareness and addressing issues of conflict and poverty.
Politics of Transitional Justice Mechanisms from Below: The Case of Somaliland
This paper will discuss how the design and discourse of transitional justice mechanisms- which include and take into account the views and needs of civil society and affected communities- boost the legitimacy of the transitional process and the prospects for reconciliation. This process could be described as the politics of transitional justice mechanisms from below. The paper will focus on the Somaliland situation as a case study.
The paper will explain both the Somaliland alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanism and transitional justice as well as analyze in detail how the indigenous ADR mechanism has been used as tool for political transitional justice during the reconciliation period.
Lessons learned from the Somaliland reconciliation process will be briefly explained and some critiques and pitfalls of transitional justice in Somaliland will be raised.
Finally, the paper will conclude with some recommendations and observations about the usefulness of the traditional and indigenous ADR systems as reference examples for political transitional justice in similar situations around the world.
Reflections on Track II Peace building: case of Bakassi Peninsula in Cameroon
George Ngwane reviews the context and outcomes of the AFRICAphonie Citizen Peace Building capacity project in the disputed Bakassi Peninsula in Cameroon. This project followed a Track II approach, building networks of individuals to complement official diplomatic efforts. This report discusses the background of the project, outlines several ongoing challenges to peace in the region, and points the way forward by touching on some of the most important lessons learned in the process.
Realizing the Relevance and Power of Liberian Women: An Epiphany on the Road to Peace (1999-2005)
Horace P. Nagbe reflects on his gendered identity constructed while growing up in Liberia. He then gives an historical account of the country´s violent past which gave rise to a change in his superior male perception: the efforts of the Women in Peacebuilding Network. This group of women recognized the urgent need to bring peace to Liberia and while being suppressed and violated by the government who ignored the citizen´s call for peace, these women came together to pressure the government towards peaceful change. This group inspired the movie Pray the Devil Back to Hell and played a significant role in establishing democratic elections in Liberia.
The African Court of Justice and Human Rights: Future Political and Jurisdictional Realities and Challenges
Thompson Ugiagbe analyzes the African Court of Justice and Human Rights by examining the court´s use of ratione materiae, ratione personae and ratione temporis . After a careful examination of the challenges the court faces, including accessibility, accountability and unclear provisions, Ugiagbe stresses the need for the Court to base its decisions on principles while being pragmatic in awards, so as to ensure legitimacy. He argues for the revitalization of the African Human Rights Commission as well as building the court´s capacity through training exchange programmes and internships.
The 9/7 Boko Haram Attack on Bauchi Prison: A Case of Intelligence Failure
The Nigerian-based Boko Haram Islamic sect revolted in July 2009, marking a period of intense violence. In September 2010, members of the sect organized a prison break to free those who had been incarcerated following last year’s revolt. This article reviews the circumstances of the revolt and prison break, offering some suggestions for security and intelligence reform within the Nigerian state.
The role of cultural diversity in conflict resolution in Africa
In Africa, interstate and intrastate wars have hindered economic development and political stability, causing poverty and failures in nation building. The ongoing challenges of European colonial history and ethnic division continue to fuel these conflicts. In contrary to conventional views on the cause of the conflict in Africa, however, this paper defines cultural diversity as distinct concept from ethnic diversity, and argues that cultural diversity is in fact a viable instrument of conflict resolution in Africa. Finally, it proposes peace education as a key to promoting cultural diversity for peace building in Africa.
Training Cameroon’s Educators to be Peacemakers
Key words: peacebuilding skills, peace education, Cameroon school system, conflict resolution, conflict management, mututal understanding and tolerance, pedagogy.