AJCR Volume 07 No. 2, 2007
Foreword
Three years ago, Volume 4, Number 2 (2004) was the first special edition of our Journal. Its theme was Electoral Systems, Elections and Conflict Mitigation in Southern Africa. This issue (Volume 7, Number 2) is our second special edition, which is the outcome of a project of the Human Sciences Resource Council (HSRC) of South […]
Identity and Peace
Abstract The emergence of intra-state wars based on identity requires a reconfiguring of existing conflict resolution mechanisms. The article recognises the limitations of liberal peace models originally configured to deal with inter-state conflicts, but increasingly applied to inter-ethnic conflicts with limited success and often disastrous effects. The article argues for the reconceptualisation of identities as […]
Tunnel Vision or Kaleidoscope
Abstract Characterised as a bridge between the Arab-Muslim world and Black Africa; and as a melting pot where diverse ethnic, religious and language groups were related together, Sudan continues to baffle observers and analysts by protracted conflicts and crises inflicted on its population. Amid all these, major parties to the conflict accuse each other of […]
Identity Politics, Democratisation and State Building in Ethiopia’s Federal Arrangement
Abstract Relations between identity politics, democratisation, and state building are complex, especially in the cases of relatively young post-colonial countries, such as those in Sub-Saharan Africa. The complexity emanates, in part, from the multiplicity of the intervening variables. This paper proposes that the factors that impinge on the relationships include: the nature of the historical […]
Cultural Diversity and the Somali Conflict
Parts of this article have appeared in earlier publications and presentations by the author. The author would like to thank many people especially Gerard Hagg, Kidane Mengisteab, Mohamed H. Mukhtar and all who played any role in completing this article. The article is dedicated to the many thousands of Somalis who lost their lives or […]
Political Management of Ethnic Perceptions
Abstract This paper argues that the ANC has historically followed a moderate route – embracing tradition, whilst denouncing tribalism. Yet, this did not insulate the party from accusations of ethnic bias – a perception the leadership largely left unattended. But, entry into the arena of competitive politics has imposed a slight modification on the part […]
Ethnic Diversity and Conflict in Nigeria
Abstract This article assesses the viability of ethnicity as an explanation for the worsening orgy of conflict and militarisation in Nigeria’s oil producing region. This is against the background that the Niger Delta crisis, despite being widely portrayed as turning on an ethnic pivot, reveals attributes that should compel a rethink of its assumed social […]
Cultural Diversity in Conflict and Peace Making in Africa
Abstract Contrary to common belief that Cameroon is a haven of peace in a turbulent Central African sub region, this paper demonstrates that the absence of war in the country does not imply that it is peaceful. Given the linguistic and cultural diversity of the country with its more than 289 ethnic groups and a […]
The Political Role of the Ethnic Factor around Elections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Abstract This paper analyses the role of the ethnic factor in political choices in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and its impact on democratisation and the implementation of the practice of good governance. This is done by focusing especially on the presidential and legislative elections of 1960 and 2006. The Congolese electorate is known […]