Conflict Trends 2021/4
This Issue of Conflict Trends begins with a wider look at the continent and the recent coup epidemic that highlights the challenges of the African Union’s framework on Unconstitutional Changes of Government. Related, but at the regional level, the political and constitutional reforms in West African countries challenges the role of ECOWAS in advancing democracy and stability. In Nigeria specifically, banditry is explained through Situational Action Theory, while Situational Crime Prevention offers practical solutions for the problem. In Burkina Faso, state sponsored defence militias can undermine efforts to combat violence and restore peace, when these militias exacerbate distrust and insecurity. At the larger civil society and community level the interaction of mass media and social media in fueling ethnic violence in Ethiopia, is examined. In addition, building community platforms for resilience, early warning and dialogue are important aspects of Infrastructures of Peace and integrating national peace structures.
Editorial
On 7 July 2021, the former President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, turned himself over to prison authorities to begin a 15-month sentence handed down by the Constitutional Court. Zuma received the sentence for failing to obey a court order to appear before an official inquiry investigating corruption allegations. His incarceration set off an unprecedented […]
A New Coup Era for Africa?
The recent resurgence of coups and coup attempts in Africa highlights the challenges of the African Union’s framework on Unconstitutional Changes of Government.
Political Reforms and Implications for Democracy and Instability in West Africa: The Way Forward for ECOWAS and Member States
Political and constitutional reforms in West African countries challenges the role of ECOWAS in advancing democracy and stability in the region.
Self-defence Militias and State Sponsorship in Burkina Faso
State-sponsored defence militias in Burkina Faso have the potential to exacerbate distrust and insecurity between communities, and undermine efforts to combat violence.
Banditry in Nigeria: Insights from Situational Action and Situational Crime Prevention Theories
Situational Action Theory explains banditry in Nigeria, while Situational Crime Prevention offers practical solutions for the banditry problem.
The Interaction of Mass Media and Social Media in Fuelling Ethnic Violence in Ethiopia
Ethnic violence in Ethiopia is fueled by the interaction of mass media and social media.
Why Integrate National Peace Structures? Building Community Platforms for Resilience, Early Warning and Dialogue
Infrastructures for peace are strengthened through community platforms for resilience, conflict early warning and dialogue.