Journal of Central and Eastern European African Studies

The Routledge Handbook of the Horn of Africa

Gábor Sinkó — 2025-04-17

No abstract is needed.

African peacekeeping: challenges and solutions.

Janos Besenyo — 2025-04-17

Book review

fiasco or status quo? The UN peace operation in Western Sahara

Gábor Búr — 2025-04-17

Even crises strongly concerning the world's public opinion fade into everyday life over time. This is much more the case with crises that take place behind God's back, in poor countries with small populations. However, the waning of attention can be dangerous, as in our modern world any local conflict can quickly escalate into a regional, continental or even global conflict. The conflict in Western Sahara is typically such a case, many people would have problems even to find on the map the area called "Africa's last colony". The editors of the opus” Conflict and Peace in Western Sahara”, János Besenyő, R. Joseph Huddleston and Yahia H. Zoubir intended their work not for them, but for those who already have some understanding of this stuck conflict and would like to deepen their knowledge even more, to enrich it with details unknown to them so far and to receive accurate analyses. The editors recruited an excellent group of authors to achieve this goal, from university lecturers to soldiers who served in the field. The result is an excellent summary work, an extremely powerful and comprehensive analysis of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara. The quintessence of the book is given by a statement formulated by János Besenyő in 2009: ”MINURSO was meant to be a testing ground for the effectiveness of UN resolutions in settling disputes between a colonial power and its former colony, that is, between two forces with different political and military weight.” (p. 308.) The authors of the volume essentially analyze and interpret this question from different points of view.

Review of the book "Food security for African Smallholder farmers"

Szilvia Veress Juhaszne — 2025-04-17

The review is intended to briefly present the content of the book "Food security for African smallholder farmers". Going through the chapters of the book, he explains their content and expresses his opinion on the topics. The purpose of the presentation is to provide a broader insight into the topics raised in each chapter than the book's table of contents.

Twenty-Two Years After: The African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) in the face of shifting geopolitics and regional security dynamics

Chukwuemeka Emmanuel-Dio — 2025-04-17

The principle of non-indifference arguably is the most invaluable dividend of African multilateralism in the 21^st century. While on a conceptual level it steers the wheel of Agenda 2063, effective implementation of this initiative remains elusive. This paper attempts a performance critique of the overarching role of APSA in West Africa. Although the influence of former Colonial relations in African affairs still dominates extant literature, this article posits that of equal relevance is the emerging geopolitics of the region; a gradual shift from Colonial affiliations, to new alliances with Russia and China. Using data from secondary sources, the paper was able to establish that the recent coups in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger reinforce fears of a Continent that is not only entangled in collective security dilemmas, but still reliant on external support to attain global relevance. The situation raises questions on the feasibility of an Afrocentric peace and development. There are also strategic concerns on the loss of confidence in the AU peace and security agenda by member States. The paper concludes with the recommendation that the APSA, beyond reviewing its operations, urgently needs to adapt to the new security demands and geopolitics of the region.

Africa's Energy Transition

Kristóf Stölczer — 2025-04-17

Africa stands at a crossroads in its journey toward an energy transition framed by climate impacts, increased energy demands, and the drive for sustainable development. This article looks at the energy landscape of the continent, emphasizing regional differences, infrastructure development, and geopolitical factors. North Africa is making progress in integrating renewable and nuclear energy new futures, while the state of affairs in sub-saharan Africa is hampered by feeble economies and unstable governance. It emphasizes the need to invest in sustainable energy forms, especially solar, wind and green hydrogen, and the question of nuclear energy in energy supply to meet increasing demand. Major challenges still exist money — missing infrastructure, financial gaps and public scepticism. It further underscores the role of partnerships outside of the continent, namely BRICS and China, and the role they playin developing Africa’s future energy through technology and finance transfer. It also explores the potential of mining critical minerals, which are crucial for renewable energy technology, as well as the social, economic and environmental issues associated with extraction. Infrastructure development becomes a linchpin of energy access and economic prosperity while, public-private partnerships and regulatory reform become facilitators. The report concludes that Africa’s energy transition is transformative but will require well coordinated and inclusive efforts in governance, financing and technology to deliver a sustainable and equitable energy future for the continent.

Aspects of cyber defence in Africa

Attila Dér — 2025-04-17

When we think of Africa, cybersecurity is not the first word that comes to mind. But over the last 20 years, Africa's technological development has accelerated dynamically. In an increasing number of African countries, increasingly sophisticated and complex Information and Communications Technology systems are being built. The spread and use of the Internet is an indispensable prerequisite for access to global trade. The rapid growth of smartphones and mobile internet use has enabled many people to connect to the online world for the first time, opening up many new opportunities in trade, education and health services. Unfortunately, however, this development trend also has its drawbacks, such as the growing number of cyber-attacks, which, incidentally, underline the need for and relevance of my research. According to global surveys, the countries most at risk of cyber-attacks are in Africa. The importance of cyber security is therefore being recognised in an increasing number of African countries. In this article, I will discuss the cybersecurity policies of several African states and compare them on the basis of key professional indicators. I will also sketch a general picture of the current situation and some thoughts on future challenges.

TECHNOLOGY AND MARITIME SECURITY OF AFRICAN COASTS

Shreya Goyal — 2025-04-17

ABSTRACT

This paper seeks to discuss the use of new-age technology for maritime safety and security in the African waters for ensuring economical and effective exploration of sea resources. The paper deals with two main variables - technology and maritime security in African waters. Technology enhances surveillance, communication, information sharing, access control etc. which also decreases marine insecurities. Terrorist activities start on the terrestrial land but eventually make their way to the waters, making the sea a hotspot for illegal activities. This paper seeks to investigate how piracy, illicit oil bunkering, unreported and unregulated fishing, attacks on unmanned submersibles, etc. in the coastal zone of the African continent are major maritime menaces. This impedes the optimum exploration of the sea resources. Innovations in Africa’s maritime security have led to greater regional coordination and cooperation. Moreover, the 5+5 dialogue between North Africa and Southern Europe, the Yaoundé Code of Conduct (2013) and the Djibouti Code (2009) are some of the main pillars to this issue. The paper undertakes qualitative and quantitative methodologies to study the problem of terrorism with a special focus on the Gulf of Guinea. The paper contends that though the implementation of science and technology requires massive investment, it is the most favorable path to address security threats at sea and boost sea exploration efforts. Since the technology for effective implementation of maritime security and optimum utilization of sea resources are at a nascent stage of development, much would depend on international cooperation and the development of an international regime.

The ecosystem of coups in West Africa: implications for Democracy and Regional Peace

Faroukou Mintoiba — 2025-04-17

The Sahel region of Africa, characterized by political and security fragility has been the theatre of coups that significantly challenged democracy and peace consolidation. Most of the coups operated in recent years have been led by military juntas, who often claim their facts as motivated by governance crises, corruption, and social injustice. This phenomenon, recurrent since the post-independence period, constitutes a significant challenge to political stability and governance in the region, raising questions on the real ability of coups to be positioned as real governance alternatives likely to propose sustainable solutions. Departing from a historical analysis of coups and cases studies of the most recent episodes (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso), this article delves into the main causes and factors of coups namely bad governance, socio-political instability, and the recent uprising security concerns. Taking reference to the democracy theories and that of regional security, the article studies the extent to which coups represent an effective alternative to the governance crisis in Africa and how they affect regional peace and democratic stability. The analysis concludes by arguing that far from being a valid solution to governance challenges, coups only contribute to exacerbating in most cases already existing structural challenges while undermining democracy.

Comparative Analysis of the European Union and the United States of America Democracy Promotion Strategies in Nigeria

Christopher Amrobo Enemuwe — 2025-04-17

This research addresses the question of external efforts to promote democracy in Nigeria. Samuel Huntington observed that the ‘Third Wave’ of democracy catalysed a rise in global democracies following the 1970s, notably influencing sub-Saharan Africa by the century's close. It is essential to recognize that many African countries, including Nigeria, face considerable challenges arising from the dominance of authoritarian governments and the variety of ethno-religious divisions rooted in colonial history. In the wake of numerous elections since 1999, Nigeria continues to grapple with the complexities of democratic consolidation, contending challenges such as electoral malpractice and human rights violations. By utilizing a comparative case study methodology to explore the parallels and distinctions between the United States (US) and the European Union (EU), the analysis revealed that despite a notable convergence in the dual strategies adopted by both actors—striking a balance between democratic principles and geostrategic concerns such as security, socio-economic development and migration and insufficient funding for democracy-related initiatives—this impedes any substantial advancement in democratic development in Nigeria. Consequently, this research contributes to understanding the dynamics of external democracy promotion in Africa. This research contributes theoretically by examining the interplay between democratic principles and geostrategic priorities in external democracy promotion, and empirically by revealing how the dual strategies of the US and EU—marked by insufficient funding and competing interests—hinder democratic consolidation in Nigeria.

A NATIONAL SECURITY PERSPECTIVE ON ARMED BANDITRY IN NORTHWEST NIGERIA

Abubakar Abdulkadir Alkali — 2025-04-17

This study seeks to explore the negative impacts of armed banditry in North-west (NW) Nigeria from a national security standpoint. The qualitative research design was used in the study to examine pertinent discourses with respect to armed banditry in the NW region and Nigeria’s national security. The paper adopts the theory of functionalism given that it provides a framework for all the stakeholders in a whole-of-society approach to collaborate and interact as a functional structure in addressing the menace of armed banditry. The study identified socio-economic impediments as a major underlying factor that trigger armed banditry attacks. The paper argues that armed banditry has affected educational development in the NW region and disrupted economic activities with huge consequences on Nigeria’s national security. The study found that weak local government administration, prevalence of porous borders, criminal justice impediments, and inter-agency rivalry were major challenges affecting the efforts of the government in addressing the menace of armed banditry. The paper proffered some strategies to curb the spate of armed banditry in the NW region. These included increasing investment in human security, effective border management, and streamlining the roles of security and law enforcement agencies amongst others.

Branding the Ballot: How the Labour Party Shaped Voter Behaviour in Nigeria’s 2023 Presidential Election

OKEREKE Nwaonuma Okoro — 2025-04-17

This paper investigates the Labour Party’s branding strategies and their impact on voter behaviour during Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election. Emphasising candidate positioning, digital interaction, and grassroots mobilisation, it underscores the party's attraction to youthful urban dwellers through social media and reform-based messaging

Adopting a qualitative case study approach, data were gathered through in-depth interviews with Labour Party officials, political analysts, and voters, together with focus group discussions and social media content. Thematic analysis showed that although digital branding invigorated urban voters, limited rural reach, driven by cultural affiliations and ethnicism, limited widespread electoral outcomes

The findings underline the role of political branding in influencing voter behaviour in fledgling democracies. The study advocates for integrated approaches, incorporating digital and grassroots strategies. This paper enriches African political marketing literature, providing knowledge for parties working to improve voter participation.

Intra-gender Victimization

Stephen Andrew — 2025-04-17

Appreciable women’s political participation in Nigeria is yet to be a reality even after several years of advocacies, policies and litigations and a court order. Women’s poverty, patriarchy, culture, religious among other factors beyond women’s control have often been highlighted as being responsible for hindering their political participation. Springing from the perspective of victim culpability introduced into victimology by Mendelsohn, this paper argues that there are some forms of passive and active intra-sexual victimization that actually are lending support to these other limiting factors already identified by most scholars. Intra-sexual victimization among women expresses itself through failed socialization function, ineffective negotiation, intra-sexual envy and unhealthy rivalry, greed and selfishness, failure to make significant difference with few opportunities. etc. To this end, it is recommended that in the pursuit of this course, women be more united, take advantage of their socializing function, invest more in personal development, shun all forms of corrupt practices, take more deliberate steps towards mentorship and sponsorship of potential and suitable female candidates, explore the informal mode of negotiation and practice the principles of nego-feminism.

The Haitian Revolution, 1791-1804: Slave Insurgency as a Background to the Abolition of Slavery

Moses Yakubu — 2025-04-17

This paper examines the indocility of slaves in the fight against slavery. It re-establishes slave insurgency in the Caribbean as a key precursor for the promulgation of the Acts of Emancipation by European nations in the 19^th century. The slave revolution in Haiti and insurgencies generally in other states were significant precipitators of the liberation of slaves. Unfortunately, while discussing the abolition of the slave trade, studies continue to expend much attention on initiatives such as humanitarian movements and Christian religious organisations, thereby relegating the influence of slave insurgency in Haiti to the background. Besides, one area of neglect in the reconstruction of black history, and the slave trade and its abolition, is the significance of the Haitian revolution in the emancipation process. Explanations on the emancipation of slaves have significantly excluded the Haitian insurgency. Therefore, it is the position in this paper to re-appraise the importance of slave insurgency, particularly the Haitian revolution, in the emancipation of slaves and the subsequent abolition of the slave trade. The study seeks to establish slave insurgency and its attendant wanton destruction of lives and property, as a plausible background narrative for the Acts of Emancipation. The study reveals that African slaves were not docile as they fought and revolted against human travesty. The conclusion here is that the ultimate emancipation of slaves significantly had its roots in the Haitian insurgency.

Keywords: Slave Insurgency, Haitian Revolution, Acts of Emancipation, Africa, Caribbean

Climate Climate change in Ethiopia

Linda Adjaoud — 2025-04-17

Ethiopia is a country where there is a lots of fauna and flora. The country has a rich historical and cultural background. It is ethnically diverse. However, there is a lot of poverty in the country, which makes the fight against climate change very difficult. Many people leave the country due to extreme weather, but there is an internal migration, too. Climate change is due to human activity which can be direct or indirect. It can be said that Ethiopia is fighting climate change and receiving support, but the problem of climate change is so extreme and fast-paced that it is very difficult to compete with it. Climate change affects every living things on Earth: humans, mamals, fish, insects or plants. It is particularly problematic in countries where many people are already in need, where wars are raging, and where epidemics are ravaging. Animals cannot find shelter, food or water. They also feel the extreme weather, just like humans. The problem of the Nile Dam is causing conflicts between Egypt and Ethiopia. The dam may bring prosperity to Ethiopia, but water shortages to Egypt, and a consequent decline in living standards.In 2019, 350 trees were planted by the habitants.It was part of the state green program. Schools and public institutions had to be close at that time.