African Journals Online
African Journal on Conflict Resolution

Volume 1, Number 2, 2000
Abstracts

The sociology of insecurity : cattle rustling and banditry in North-Western Kenya
Osamba, J.O.

Abstract: The study analyses new forms of banditry and cattle rustling in north- western Kenya. These phenomena involve both inter and intra- ethnic as well as cross border raids for livestock. The practice is causing great havoc in the area in terms of loss of human lives, destruction of property, stealing of livestock and dislocation of populations. The new forms of violence seem to be the result of multiple cracks in the administrative structures of the state and social norms. The government of Kenya seems to have lost effective control over north- western Kenya, especially with regard to bandits and cattle rustlers, who have become more militarised and destructive in their operations. The study posits that the roots of these new forms of violence and insecurity can be found in social, cultural, economic, political and historical factors. The study seeks to establish that banditry and cattle rustling are serious threats to internal security, rule of law and democratic governance, which are so vital for political pluralism in Kenya.

Conflict resolution in a turbulent region : the case of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in Sudan

Adar, K.G.

Abstract: In 1986, during a second decade of severe droughts and famine, an Intergovernmental Authority was established by Djibouti, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan to focus on the problems of drought and desertification. At the same time, however, this Authority inevitably took upon it the related tasks of conflict resolution and development. Later on Uganda and Eritrea joined the renamed Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD). An overview is given of conflicts in the region, and in Sudan. What the paper concentrates on, however, is IGAD's patient and apparently quite effective role in managing and resolving conflict, especially within Sudan itself. Appropriate details are given, stubborn and shifting positions of governments and rebel movements in Sudan are summarised, and concluding recommen- dations, warnings and encouragements are provided.

Ethnic minority problems in the Niger Delta
Quaker-Dokubo, C.

Abstract: As a conceptual background typical types of minorities and typical sources of minority conflict are outlined. A historical overview is given of the problems Niger Delta minorities have been experiencing. Their grievances and demands are highlighted, and the responses of different Nigerian governments are discussed. As a conclusion a possible way forward is recommended, one which would take seriously the possibilities of decentralising and of creating a rewarding involvement for the impatient minorities before it is too late.

The role of track two diplomacy in the Democratic Republic of Congo conflict
Naidoo, S.

Abstract: Negotiating a cease- fire and a political solution, at the top political and mili- tary level, was an obvious first priority for peace- brokers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) conflict. A flurry of first track and official diplo- matic efforts were pursued with the aim of convincing the Kabila government, rebel movements and regional states, to negotiate and implement a cease- fire agreement. Track two diplomacy played a minimal role in facilitating the signing of a cease- fire agreement. It, however, served as a reconciliatory effort at the civil society level. Track two diplomacy made a critical contribution to the official peace process by providing the unarmed actors with an opportu- nity to voice their position on the conflict. The de facto partitioning of the country during the war made contact between civil society organisations from the occupied zones difficult, if not impossible. Unofficial track two diplo- matic efforts conducted outside the DRC served to provide civil society groups with a platform of interaction and engagement.

Looking back, reaching forward : reflections on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa, C. Villa-Vicencio and W. Verwoerd : book review
Durand, J.

Abstract: Referring to the Zimbabwean crisis caused by the occupation of farms by war veterans of the struggle for freedom from colonial domination in the old Rhodesia, a political commentator in an Afrikaans newspaper observes that it would not have happened if Zimbabwe, instead of giving amnesty to violators of human rights in the old Rhodesia, had set up a truth commission similar to the one in South Africa. This is a remarkable acknowledgement in a news- paper that consistently had shown itself as a severe critic of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). This indicates that the debate on the TRC is not yet over and that, as the time goes on, new perspectives on the work of the TRC will open up. In this respect, the collection of essays on the TRC in Looking Back, Reaching Forward can play an important role, because here we have the remarkable story and a debate triggered by it from the inside - in the words of the editors: an “internal critique”.

The state, war, and the state of war
Kalevi, H.

Abstract: Attempts to offer an understanding of the relationship between war making and state creation in the world have been undertaken by many international relations and strategic studies scholars. In most of these attempts attention has been focused on how state making in Europe differed from that in other parts of the world. In this context, we have come across a number of publica- tions on the collapsing or deteriorating of States in Africa. Linked to this is the question of war and how the world has come to understand it. In all these attempts various authors have tried to explain the changes that have taken place regarding the nature of wars and conflicts in the world.

Property and freedom
Pipes, R.

Abstract: The freedom that property confers on the owner has always been recognised in all cultures. The words of a propertied person are valued over those of a person without property, the Yoruba of Nigeria like to say. Ancient societies in their wisdom allow only those with property to participate in the deliberations of the community. Why then was organised religion able to preach the total rejection of property? Why was it that the way forward for the world was not that everyone should have property in order to be free? Why is it that the development of the modern free market system deals with having and not having to keep the market going? Perhaps most important for those who hope for total liberation of humanity from all forms of bondage, why does the dream of the common ownership of property continue to be unrealisable?