Cameroon – moving fast when there are short windows of opportunity
There are two separate and not directly related crisis areas in Cameroon. One is a spillover of instability and conflict in Nigeria and the Central... Read More
The Southern Cameroon crisis – bridging the middle ground
There is an ongoing crisis in Cameroon. Thousands have fled the English-speaking areas of the country because of violence and unrest, and many are calling... Read More
Preventing religious conflict in Sierra Leone – a careful balancing act
Eleven years of civil war and the Ebola disease has made many in Sierra Leone sensitive to issues that could renew conflict, particularly conflict along... Read More
The Citizens’ Manifesto: a new hope for democracy in Sierra Leone?
The political lens is zooming in on Sierra Leone as the country is poised to hold its next presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled for March... Read More
The legacy of Ebola in Sierra Leone – a country at risk?
The 2014 outbreak of Ebola – the worst in history – saw almost 4,000 people killed in Sierra Leone. Those who survived now face medical... Read More
Armed peace in the Gambia – the role of ECOWAS
The need for reform of the armed forces in The Gambia is pressing – but a delicate political task. Tomas Serna discusses the Gambian security... Read More
The Nigerian rumour mill – a nation under siege?
The distinction between freedom of expression and hate speech in Nigeria is blurred, and the country is under siege from disinformation. Combating hate speech in... Read More
Pulling the trigger – police brutality in Sierra Leone?
The killing of two people at a protest last year has launched a debate about the tactics of the police in Sierra Leone. While civil society... Read More
The role of women in Countering Violence Extremism – the Nigerian experience with Boko Haram
While many resources have been dedicated to Countering Violent Extremism efforts, little attention has been paid to the role women play in the Boko Haram... Read More
Hope amidst the horror in Northern Nigeria
A range of conflicts are causing devastation across Northern Nigeria. Shifting to a more locally-led approach, by engaging and supporting civil society groups, will increase... Read More
Ivory Coast: political tensions and the peacebuilding process
Political tensions associated with President Ouattara’s regime are putting efforts to build peace and security in the Ivory Coast at risk.
Human rights in Ivory Coast – a progress check
Despite some advances, activists say that respect for human rights is precarious in Ivory Coast. By Daniel Ozoukou What are the key human rights issues... Read More
Senegal’s southern conflict – forgotten but not gone
The conflict in Senegal rumbles on, unnoticed by most of the world and apparently unimportant to the Senegalese government. But citizens in Casamance continue to... Read More
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.
Building resilience against violent extremism in Nigeria
As the Nigerian government continues its fight against Boko Haram, there are four mutually reinforcing elements to strengthen its approach.
The right time for more time in Sierra Leone?
Debate on whether President Ernest Bai Koroma should stand for a third term in Sierra Leone is intensifying.
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
From Abuja with love
If South Africa is really keen to assist its partner, Nigeria, in curbing terrorism it might consider initiating and consolidating negotiations and diplomacy with Boko... Read More
Where next after the Ivorian elections?
November’s presidential elections in the Ivory Coast ended peacefully – unlike the last ballot, which led to civil war. But how stable is this peace?
Who is my neighbour? The power of inter-religious peacebuilding in Nigeria
The simple gesture of helping a neighbour in need has led to friendship between a local Muslim farmer and two missionary priests in the town... Read More
Promoting community dialogue on Liberia’s constitutional review process
Students Against Destructive Actions and Decisions (SADAD) Liberia, a member of the Global Coalition for Conflict Transformation, has begun soliciting community views on the constitutional... Read More
Building peace in Sierra Leone – the need for transformative reconciliation
Reconciliation is a long-term process, and as Sierra Leoneans continue to drive and define the process, ex-combatants and youth will play a key role in... Read More
The 2015 Nigerian Presidential elections – a question of democracy
The successful 2015 presidential elections in Nigeria provide important lessons for how to conduct free, fair, credible and peaceful elections throughout Africa.
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
