Journal of Central and Eastern European African Studies

The Non-Profit Making Organisations (NPOs) and the Dilemma of Combating Transnational Crimes in a Digitalized Era

Eunice Akullo, Yona Wanjala — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The paper is premised on the argument that States may find themselves in a dilemma, as they seek to counter transnational crimes, more so and subjects of this paper, illicit money transfers/money laundering and terrorism financing, and doing so with great caution not to restrict the Not-for-Profit Organisations (NPOs) operations. anecdotal evidence suggests that NPOs are caught up as the unintended ‘victims’ of FATF Recommendation-8-based-regulatory and policy frameworks- particularly of the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing. while this is so, there is a paucity of literature interrogating the impact of such regulatory and policy frameworks on the NPO sector, even with its uncontested contribution to development and the fight against terrorism. The paper argues that the Sector’s contribution to this important debate is essential for ensuring that they comply with the intended need to protect against terrorism and money laundering while also working in an environment that doesn't jeopardize their contribution to development. Drawing from some of the findings of a recent study undertaken by the Defenders Protection Initiative (DPI) focusing on 5 African countries, the paper revisits the discourse on NPOs and money laundering and terrorism financing presenting an overview of the state of civic space specifically, the operational environment of NPOs in East Africa as impacted upon by the AML/CTF regulatory frameworks. Tapping in the synthesized views of industrial experts (NPO Sector experts) on this matter consulted during the study, the paper unmasks the evolving dilemma of balancing the enforcement of the regulatory framework curbing transnational crimes on one hand and restraining State securitization of the NPO sector since it's prone to exploitation. The paper makes recommendations as emerged from the study aimed purposely at balancing the friction between the regulation of NPOs as against the need to fight terrorism financing and money laundering.

Work of a Local NGO VETO, in Contrast with the International Organisations in the Eastern Congo

Péter Gergő Juhász, Csaba Szeremley — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The history of the Democratic Republic of Congo has been one of long, unpeaceful turmoil. Even before the establishment of the state, there has been continuous fighting for decades, displacing and killing millions of inhabitants across this land in Central Africa. Evidence suggests that noneof the peacekeeping efforts could make valuable, long-lasting contributions while generations after generations grew up in a hostile environment. In this paper, based on empirical data gathered through research by local organisations(VETO, VACNET), we examine the wide range of deradicalisation and reintegration practices that try to rehabilitate war-affected people through mainly agricultural activities. We are also assessing the effectiveness of these activities and outline the need for further research. Finally, this paper demonstrates that local organisations may have the best means and chances to deradicalise and reintegrate people successfully.

Responsibility for Uganda’s Children Born in Captivity

Eunice Akullo — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The responsibility to protect doctrine attributes the first responsibility for protecting vulnerable persons to the government in which they live. It is only in circumstances where a country is unwilling and unable to offer such protection that external intervention is permitted. The response to persons formerly associated with the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) (those abducted and those born in captivity) indicates action by both the government of Uganda and external actors (especially international NGOs). Following the reinsertion and start of a new life of the affected persons among communities in Uganda, concern has emerged in some literature, regarding their well-being- specifically their reintegration and integration challenges. Hence, concerns for such long-term integration and reintegration cause questions of responsibility to re-emerge. Using field data from research conducted by Akullo (2019), this chapter provides a discourse analysis of the common discourses that emerged from the research participants in the study. The analysis of these discourses reaffirms the view on the responsibility to protect and also highlights the importance of culture in re-enforcing the primary role of the state in guaranteeing protection. There is also hope that the political discourse can be reinforced by outcomes of litigation processes linked to the trials of top LRA commanders at The Hague and in Uganda. The paper is therefore important for understanding how to govern this group of war-affected children.

The ISCAP in the Shadow of the Russian-Ukrainian War

Tibor Pintér — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0200

After the shock of the coronavirus, the world was hit by another blow: the Russian-Ukrainian war. This had a number of effects on the world, causing inflation and an energy price explosion. In the case of Africa, even food security was at risk due to the decline in Russian and Ukrainian grain.

However, what is chaos for the world is an opportunity for jihadist movements to gain strength, as the burden on citizens increases social discontent. The situation in sub-Saharan East Africa is no different. The Islamic State's youngest province, ISCAP (Islamic State of Central Africa Province), created in 2019, remains dangerous, although the jihadist movements that make it up are not achieving the spectacular successes of the past. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) is based in the Congo-Uganda border region, while al-Shabaab in Mozambique has emerged in the northern province of Cabo Delgado. Their exact links to the Islamic State are not fully known, but recent reports suggest that the Islamic State of Somalia may be a center of back-and-forth communication between the two parties.

The study focuses on ISCAP and the period since the Russian-Ukrainian war. In other words, what trends can be observed, how dangerous they could be and, most importantly, what opportunities they face and what kind of response is coming from the security forces. For the status of jihadist organisations, I refer to Stig Jarle Hansen's book Horn, Sahel and Rift, published in 2019. For the others, I rely on reports, analyses and, above all, recent news that may bring about changes in the way things have been done so far, one example being the LNG project being built in Cabo Delgado.

Terrorism Threats and Rising Bullion Van Robbery Attacks in Ghana

Richard Andoh — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0200

Bullion van robbery attacks have emerged as a significant security threat in Ghana in recent years. They pose grave consequences for national security and social, political, and economic stability. This paper provides an overview of Ghana’s rising bullion van robbery attacks. In the paper, realism theory is used to portray the rate of bullion van robberies and their daringness. The subsequent analysis illuminates the factors contributing to the rise of these attacks, including the current economic downturn, socioeconomic problems, and corruption complicity. It explores the potential involvement of organised crime syndicates. The paper recommends a multifaceted approach involving enhanced collaboration between security agencies. It also involves stringent regulation and oversight of cash transportation, technological innovations in security systems, and improved training for law enforcement personnel. Additionally, it emphasises the importance of public awareness campaigns and citizen engagement to foster a collective response to combat bullion van robberies. The paper concludes that the rising trend of bullion van robbery attacks in Ghana requires immediate attention from both the government and the private sector. A comprehensive strategy encompassing preventative measures, swift response mechanisms, and robust law enforcement efforts is imperative to mitigate the risks posed by these attacks. This will safeguard the nation's security and socioeconomic stability.

The Security Policy Effects of the Algerian-Moroccan-Spanish Debate on Gas on Europe in the Light of the Russian-Ukrainian War

Zsolt Szabó — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0200

The following research aims at analysing the energy and security challenges that faces the current MENA region in accordance with the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. It tries to give a comprehensive look upon the situation that defines today’s political and economic world. At the beginning, it starts with the assessment of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and its consequences on Europe and the Maghreb. In the next part, it focuses on the various issues that complicate the situation in North Africa regarding energy and security factors. Then the article goes on to describe the gas pipelines that connects the two areas (Europe and North Africa) and it clarifies the threats that hinder the cooperation between them. With a short introduction of the role of Tunisia in this debate, the research finally tries to explore the possibilities in renewable energy resources regarding the substitution of Russian energy supplies on the European market. In the conclusion, the article wanted to give a short and brief, but thourough analysis about the energy and security situation in the region and what solutions are there for the parties to ensure their interests in this complex political, economic and security competition.

The Challenges and Opportunitites in Management of Intercommunal Conflicts in Kenyan ASAL Region

Robert Ndungú — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0200

There are a number of reasons that have shaped the dynamics of intercommunal disputes throughout time in Kenya's ASAL (Arid and Semi-Arid Lands) regions, which provide the historical framework for these conflicts (Mkutu, 2020) (Omuse, 2018) (Nicholas, 2018). Understanding this historical backdrop offers insights into the complicated intercommunal disputes in ASAL and their underlying causes. With roughly 38% of Kenya's population, the ASALs make up 89% of the nation. More than 90% of the wildlife that sustains the tourism sector and accounts for 12% of Kenya's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is found in these regions, while 70% of the national livestock herd, with an estimated worth of Ksh. 70 billion, is located in the ASAL regions (ROK, 2022). The challenges and opportunities in the management of inter-communal conflicts in ASAL regions in Kenya have been extensively studied and discussed by researchers, scholars, and practitioners.

Israel's Relations with Emerging African States

Attila Novák — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0200

Israel developedits relations with African countries relatively early. The initial boom in the 1950s was followed by a slowdown in the 1960s and then, in many respects, a standstill after the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Israel was seen by many African countries as an anti-colonial power, which gradually changed over time. In 1957, the Jewish state recognized the independence of Ghana, and in 1958 it set up a separate organization, the Agency for International Development Cooperation (MASHAV), to assist the newly independent African states. In 1963, it established a new embassy in Nairobi, Kenya.

Based on newly discovered Hungarian state security documents, this paper will give an insight into how Hungary – as a member of the Soviet-led Eastern European socialist bloc – in the early 1960s and 1970s, viewed its relations with Israel and African countries, and the information and political-ideological patterns on which it based its approach. The state security surveillance (through the Hungarian diplomatic missions) later covered not only Israel, but also the American Jewish organizations which, according to the agencies, had been in contact with African states and organizations at the instigation of Israel. Archival sources with a strongly anti-imperialist tone and bearing the imprint of Soviet state security suggest that the treatment of Israel as an enemy occurred in this region before the 1967 break-up, i.e. the diplomatic freeze did not significantly affect the way the Jewish state's relations with the emerging African nations were viewed.

Beyond Judgements and Emotions

László Pálfi — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0200

Steve Crump: Koevoet: South West African Police Counter-Insurgency Operations During the South African Border War 1978-1984

Book Review “Russia in Africa. Resurgent Great Power or Bellicose Pretender?” by Samuel Ramani

Nikolay Medushevsky — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0200

Samuel Ramani: Russia in Africa - Resurgent Great Power or Bellicose Pretender?

Book Review of “Wartime North Africa: A Documentary History, 1934–1950” Edited by Aomar Boum and Sarah Abrevaya Stein

Bálint Somkuti — Sun, 14 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0200

Aomar Boum and Sarah Abreveya Stein: Wartime North Africa: A Documentary History, 1934–1950,