African
Journals Online
African Journal on Conflict Resolution
Volume 2, Number 1, 2001
ABSTRACTS
Engendering peace in Africa: a critical inquiry into some
current thinking on the role of African women in peace-building
Vincent, Louise
Abstract: Romanticised, popular concepts of
womanhood and of women's peace-building capacities need to be critically
investigated. A gendered approach is recommended as a corrective to stereotyped
perspectives about women and peace, as well as to gender-blind experiments.
Such an approach may be found realistic and useful, not only in everyday
circumstances, but especially also in war and post-war situations. Particular
attention is given to gender in post-war politics, economy and social
reconstruction.
On ethnicity and ethnic conflict management in Nigeria
Leith, Rian; Solomon, Hussein
Abstract: From Angola to Armenia and from
Kosovo to Kenya the world is witnessing the rise of virulent ethnic
nationalisms. This article has three main objectives. First, it aims to provide
a broad overview of the theoretical quagmire of notions of ethnic conflict.
Second, by means of examining Nigeria as a case study it examines how variables
such as governance, civil-military relations, economics and religion effect
notions of ethnic identity. Finally, it proposes certain policy-relevant
recommendations to address the problem of ethnic conflict in Nigeria.
Peace building and transformation from below: indigenous
approaches to conflict resolution and reconciliation among the pastoral
societies in the borderlands of Eastern Africa
Osamba, Josiah
Abstract: Violence among the pastoral
communities in the borderlands of Eastern Africa has escalated to such an
extent that governments seem to be unable to contain the conflict. More is
needed than efforts by states to restore law and order. If these conflicts are
to be dealt with effectively, more will also be needed than western methods of
conflict resolution. Traditional customs and values have to be utilised.
Marginalised indigenous ways of approaching and resolving conflict have to be
explored and utilised. Taking theoretical considerations and the historical
background into account, this article focuses our attention on indigenous
approaches that may promote a more peaceful coexistence. It shows how the
application of such methods may result in a wider involvement of the
communities concerned, which may contribute substantially to the actual
resolution of conflicts and to real reconciliation.
Risk assessment: Democratic Republic of Congo Post-Laurent Kabila
Louw, Lirette
Abstract: Internal and external conflicts, as
well as renewed peace initiatives, in the Democratic Republic of Congo after
the death of former President Laurent Kabila are used as a frame of reference
for a domestic and an international risk assessment. The roles of various
actors are discussed, and the volatile situation is viewed from the
perspectives of important variables. With the necessary caution, some policy
recommendations are presented as a starting point of the discussion.
Brothers
at War? Reflections on an internecine conflict between Ethiopia and Eritrea
Gwexe,
Sandile G.
Abstract: The phenomenon of an Afro-fatigue
as engendered by the tragic events in Liberia (1990), Somalia (1992) and Rwanda
(1994) was salutary in so far as it intensified debates on the pivotal role
assigned to the United Nations (UN) and the international community at large in
African conflict resolution. Subsequently, there emerged clarion calls for
African solutions to African conflicts, with foreign intervention only playing
a complementary role. This new thinking put sub-regional organisations like ECOWAS
in West Africa and SADC in Southern Africa in a good stead to take this
initiative. So far, however, such initiatives in these and other sub-regions
have been fraught with problems - most of them insurmountable.
Using the
Ethio-Eritrean conflict as a point of reference, this paper argues that such
innovations are hobbled by the inherent weaknesses and moribundity of key
organisations as is too obviously the case throughout Africa.
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