Issue 49 – October 2024
TOPICS: Peacebuilding, terrorism, land conflicts, conflict management
Coordinator:
Christian Chereji and Ciprian Sandu
ARTICLES in Issue 49 – October 2024:
Zimbabwe: Relational Peacebuilding Amidst Protracted Social Conflict. Strategies and Significance of Endogenous Approaches
Octavious Chido MASUNDA & Gladys Kudzaishe HLATSHWAYO
Abstract:
Independent Zimbabwe has experienced continual episodes of mostly violent intra-state conflict that have left the country polarized and divided along mostly ethnic, racial, and class lines. In the aftermath of each conflictual episode, peacemaking attempts have been implemented to secede hostilities, however, these attempts have only built peace at the superstructure while neglecting the grassroots, which has been the microcosm of conflict wherein most of the actors are, be they perpetrators, victims and survivors. State-led attempts at reconciliation have failed to address the after-effects of conflict, and it is the argument of this paper that endogenous approaches to relational peacebuilding cannot continue to be ignored as they can potentially address some of the fault lines. Respondents to the study were purposively selected from three provinces in the country. Findings indicate the relevance and efficacy of these approaches in building peace at the family and community levels.
Keywords:
Relational peace, conflict, endogenous, tradition, Zimbabwe.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24193/csq.49.1
Sudan: Understanding the Dynamics of Terrorism and Conflict Management. A Multifaceted Approach
Abraham Ename MINKO
Abstract:
The research proposal aims to comprehensively examine terrorism and conflict management dynamics in Sudan. It seeks to understand terrorism’s root causes, its interplay with conflict dynamics, and the effectiveness of current management strategies. Employing historical analysis, socio-political inquiry, and economic assessment, the study will explore Sudan’s historical context, identifying key turning points and socio-political dimensions such as governance challenges and identity politics. Additionally, the research will scrutinize terrorism’s economic underpinnings, including illicit economies and external financing. It will evaluate terrorism’s impact on peacebuilding efforts, offering insights into effective conflict management strategies. Expected outcomes include a nuanced understanding of terrorism’s dynamics, actionable recommendations for policymakers, and contributions to peacebuilding efforts. By shedding light on these complexities, the study aims to aid in mitigating terrorism and fostering sustainable peace not only in Sudan but also globally.
Keywords:
Terrorism, conflict management, Sudan, Africa, dynamics, multifaceted approach, governance, identity politics.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24193/csq.49.2
Kenya: Socio-Demographic Determinants of Intractable Communal Land Use Conflicts in the Squatter Enclaves of Mount Elgon Region
Graham Amakanji OLUTEYO
Abstract:
In the post-Cold War world order, the African Continent has been a stage for some of the most violent intra-state conflicts arising from natural resources and land distribution. These contestations have often been inter-communal and take the violent extremism route. The consequences of these devastating contestations have been apocalyptic in most of these conflicts. In Kenya’s Mount Elgon Region, the emergence of extremism Sabaot Land Defence Forces and counter-extremist groups is rooted in a long historical struggle for equitable distribution of land rights. Despite efforts by state and non-state actors, sustainable peace remains a distant mirage. Socio-economic determinants have emerged as fundamental determinants in these extremist contestations, yet, extant literature has been silent on this subject matter. This paper sought to interrogate socio-demographic determinants as pathways for homegrown extremism in the Mount Elgon Region. Study findings revealed strong support for the interplay between ownership of land, source of income, level of education, and sustenance of homegrown extremism over land-use conflicts in the study area. The paper recommends the need for the Ministry of Lands to expedite the management of the historical land question to contain the socio-demographic determinants as pathways for homegrown extremism in the study area. The findings underscore the importance of land tenure security in pursuit of peaceful, just, and inclusive societies as advocated for in the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.
Keywords:
Demographic, extremism, homegrown, land-use, Mt. Elgon.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24193/csq.49.3
International Business in Conflict Zones: The Case of MTN
Sodiq OMOOLA & Abubakar Aminu AHMAD
Abstract:
It is not uncommon for multinational companies to establish subsidiaries outside their home countries, especially in developing regions to tap into emerging markets. It is however a different situation when multinationals establish businesses in unstable and violence-affected regions to take advantage of the local market structure that has suffered a hit by the continuous conflict. However, running a business in such regions may lead to distortion of the administration of these firms due to the violence which may destroy infrastructure and harm employees. Many firms are discouraged from investing in conflict zones because of the exposure to insecurity and violence. This paper adopts a case study and case analysis approach with an in-depth focus on the operation of a specific company and its operations in two conflict zones which resulted in distinct outcomes. In addition, a review of existing literature on the establishment and operation of a business in conflict zones was carried out to effectively examine the challenges of litigation and conflict resolution involving MTN Group as a corporate entity in Afghanistan and Northeastern Nigeria and the impact on the business operations in the respective regions.
Keywords:
Conflict, business, Afghanistan, MTN, Nigeria, terrorism.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24193/csq.49.4
Türkiye: Terrorist Incidents and Foreign Direct Investment
Mahir TERZI
Abstract:
This study aims to evaluate whether there is a correlation and unidirectional or bidirectional causality between terrorist incidents and foreign direct investment in Türkiye. Toda Yamamoto elucidates that there is no long-term relationship. RLS, on the other hand, reveals that there is a short-term relationship, and that produces a more fascinating result. While foreign direct investment does not increase terrorist incidents, terrorist incidents possess a positive effect on foreign direct investment. In this case, terrorist actions increase foreign direct investment to Türkiye in the short term. It also appears that terrorist incidents concentrated in big cities do not possess a deterrent effect on foreign direct investments concentrated in big cities.
Keywords:
Terrorist incidents, foreign direct investment, RLS, Toda Yamamoto causality, Türkiye.