Issue 5 – October 2013
TOPICS: West Africa, Iran, Central African Republic, Cameroon
Coordinator:
Christian Chereji and Alexandra Mihali
Content – Sommaire:
ARTICLES in Issue 5 – October 2013:
West Africa. A Comparative Study of Traditional Conflict Resolution Methods in Liberia and Ghana
Christian CHEREJI, Charles WRATTO
Abstract:
In this paper, we will share thoughts about the indigenous patterns through which disputes are resolved in West Africa. Emphasis will be placed on the Liberian and Ghanaian traditional structures of conflict resolution. To resolve disputes caused by various issues, the elders of West Africa adopted several approaches in reaching a resolution. In Liberia, we shall explore and discuss the Palava Hut Agreements, the sharing of a Kola Nut, the Doe-Dee’s Agreement, Sassy wood, under the palm wine tree deliberations and much more. In Ghana, we shall look at the processes, cultures, actors, mediators, and spiritual dimension of the Akans.
Key words:
West Africa, traditional conflict resolution, method, indigenous patterns, dispute, culture, mediator, spiritual dimension, agreement.
An Analysis of Iran’s Nuclear Program
Iustin MUREȘANU-IGNAT
Abstract:
The current diplomatic overtures and negotiations between the Islamic Republic of Iran
and the international community under the P5+1 format (the five UN Security Council Permanent Members plus Germany) for resolving the issue of the nuclear program of Iran have caught the world’s attention in the autumn of 2013. Whether the result of these negotiations will lead to a genuine rapprochement between Iran and the rest of the world or a worsening of the relations with the Middle East state is an acute question these days. The answer is yet to come, but an inquiry into the causes of the present state of affairs may prove useful for shaping that answer. This paper attempts to look into the complex relationships and events that drive the policies of global and regional actors towards the nuclear program of Iran. While by no means a comprehensive study, we believe that this modest endeavor can only improve the understanding of this complex issue.
Key words:
Iran, Islamic Republic of Iran, United States, United Nations, Israel, Saudi Arabia, France, Russia, sanctions, nuclear program, conflict.
Central African Republic. Understanding the Séléka Insurrection of March 24 2013
Henry Kam KAH
Abstract:
The Séléka insurrection of March 24, 2003 in the Central African Republic (CAR) did
not surprise observers of the chequered history of this country. Since political independence from France in August 1960, the CAR has been unstable for most of its history. The formation of armed groups, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and the tussle for leadership among the elite and other forces have rendered the country ungovernable. This paper examines the rationale behind the Séléka insurrection of 2013 against a background of unfulfilled promises and tussle for the leadership of a country that is notorious for internal dissension. This union of different armed groups with diverse agendas seems not to be able to hold this country together, as instability continues in the country.
Key words:
Africa, Central African Republic, Séléka, Insurrection, Political Instability.
Cameroon. Too Much to Carry: The Perception and Ramifications of Boko Haram’s Activities on Cameroon
Walter Gam NKWI
Abstract:
This paper examines the activities and consequences of Boko Haram in Nigeria and how
it is perceived and conceived in Cameroon within the government circles and the local population. It further focuses on the historical roots of the Boko Haram. Using internet sources, secondary data and personal observations, the paper contends that this conflict, like most conflicts in human history, has a spill-over effect which has affected Cameroon in a significant way. Both the government and local population have to a large extent been affected by the activities of Boko Haram.
Kew words:
Boko Haram, Cameroon, Nigeria, Yaounde Summit, ECOWAS, West Africa, Gulf of Guinea, Piracy.
