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.
Small is Beautiful and Dedicated to Peace
Tex Albert reports on the SIPAI, Small Island Peace Action Initiative.
Are Human Rights Universal?
Dipo Djungdjungan Summa argues that human rights be treated as a universal value, despite their link to “western” culture, because of their emphasis on non-discrimination and multiculturalism, as well as their ability to curb the power of states and other organizations over individuals.
International Humanitarian Law Violations Committed by the Nkundan Rebellion in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
University for Peace Great Lakes Program Fellow, Philippe Tunamsifu Shirambere, comments on violations of International Humanitarian Law committed by the Nkundan rebellion in the Democratic Republic of Congo, understood within the larger context of political violence in Africa’s Great Lakes Region.
Prosecution or Impunity? Is there an Alternative?
Marco Fanara analyzes the justice and peace relationship between prosecution and impunity, weighing the costs and benefits of both, seeking answers to the questions of whether states should seek ‘justice’ and prosecute, or grant impunity in the name of ‘reconciliation’? Are there alternatives? Utilizing the case study of Uganda and the ICC’s involvement therein, Fanara’s essay presents arguments for and against both camps, working to answer the question of whether impunity acts as a barrier to lasting peace, or is it a crucial prerequisite?
The Arab Spring and the revelation that corruption is a crime against humanity
Kichere Mwita discusses the scale of corruption characterizing the ousted regimes in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya, connects the corruption of political elites with the dissatisfaction and frustration of citizens, and argues that corruption itself should be considered a crime against humanity and prosecuted by the international community.
Humanitarian Assistance and Peacebuilding: Congruence as a By-product of Incompatibility
Mahmoud Abdou discusses the differences and similarities between humanitarianism and peacebuilding in both operational and ideological terms, and shows how they have increasingly supported each other in the post-Cold War era as instruments of the liberal peace approach to global governance.
Human Rights Defenders in Burundi: Betrayers or Contributors?
Vital Nshimirimana discusses the issue of protection of human rights defenders in Burundi. He argues that human rights defenders are subject to assassinations, kidnappings, death threats and intimidations. He assesses the relationship between human rights defenders and public authorities and regrets that activists are often viewed as enemies of the country. He also argues that the state must comply with its duties regarding human rights. He concludes that since human rights defenders dedicate their lives, endeavours and means to the promotion and protection of human rights, they contribute to the establishment of a democratic society; and as such they deserve due support and protection.
Key words: Human rights defenders, death threats, killings, intimidation, state’s human rights duties, public powers, citizens.
Gender Equality and the Human Rights Concern in South Sudan
Huma Rights scholar Peter Reat Gatkuoth discusses the continued gender inequality in South Sudan, as well as Africa at large, despite the traditional veneration of women as mothers and caregivers, and the existence of legal documents (including national constitutions) which proclaim the equal rights of women. The author argues that a greater focus on gender equality, using existing human rights documents, will support the development and prosperity of the nation.
Humiliation and Crocodile Tears
Dr Victoria Fontan reflects on the role of honor and humiliation motivating insurgents in both Iraq and Afghanistan — as well as the Afghan soldier who recently killed four French soldiers participating in the NATO mission in the country.