A northern knot – untangling local peacebuilding politics in Mali
The conflict in northern Mali has now lasted more than four years. Until local political processes connect to the bigger picture, peace will remain elusive.
Storm in the Sahel – cross-border violence in West Africa
The age-old necessity to secure borders, combat transnational criminal networks, and better track the flow of people, in this case militants, can only be effectively... Read More
Transitional justice in Mali – opportunities and challenges
The negotiations for a comprehensive peace deal in Mali have been marred by continuing violence and the refusal of key parties to sign the final... Read More
The active defense of the cultural heritage of humanity
Today we face the deliberate destruction of cultural heritage, such as the large Buddha statues in Afghanistan, manuscripts in Timbuktuica and religious and cultural artifacts... Read More
Burkina Faso – the (in)significant coup
While it looks as though the political transition in Burkina Faso is being handled peacefully, concerns remain that the country could descend into violent conflict. It... Read More
The road to peace in Mali – political roadblocks and other obstacles
Civil society organisations are doing good work in Mali. But their job is being made more difficult by the need to address the root causes... Read More
There never was an “Arab Spring”
With the top of the leadership pyramid removed, the societies left behind were rife with internal divisions. Without any historical experience, or sufficient wealth to divide... Read More
The Sahara at the crossroads
The current crisis in Mali, the French intervention and the international terrorist threat it poses have once again put jihadism centre-stage in the media. While... Read More
Mali – hijacked autonomy, outsized ambitions, French intervention
Whilst it may be fairly easy for the French forces to take the three major cities of north Mali, there are fears that the Islamic... Read More
