Short Abstract

This panel welcomes papers that examine innovative approaches to peacebuilding in conflict-prone settings, inclusive of successes and shortcomings. In particular, we anticipate papers that explore grassroots and locally-led peace initiatives, often grounded in African cultural practices.

Long Abstract

The difficulty of transiting from war to peace in the aftermath of violence poses a serious challenge to peace, security and development in theory and practice. This is found in a broad range of violent conflicts ranging from civil wars and insurgencies against the State to communal conflicts between identity groups. It has been observed in many conflict-affected contexts in Africa, including the Sahel region, the Horn of Africa, Nigeria, South Sudan and Central African Republic. Third-party mediations and interventions have often proved unsuccessful, criticised for being imposed from outside. Traditional peacebuilding focusing on national leadership and post-conflict reconstruction has been criticised for its state-centric approach and dependency on national-level power dynamics. The ‘local turn’ in peacebuilding promisingly places an emphasis on local agency, knowledge and expertise. But to what extent has this happened in practice and how successful has local agency been? This panel welcomes papers that examine innovative approaches to peacebuilding in conflict-prone settings, inclusive of successes and shortcomings. In particular, we anticipate papers that explore grassroots and locally-led peace initiatives, often grounded in African cultural practices. Other innovative approaches may include the integration of environmental strategies, given climate change as a driver of conflict, or the use of technology, eg social media to promote peace campaigns. As a multidimensional challenge, this theme calls for insights from diverse disciplinary perspectives. We therefore welcome contributions from scholars and practitioners that explore and evaluate experiences, practices, and perspectives on innovative means to advance conflict resolution and sustainable peace in Africa.

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