Dorcas Ettang - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Dorcas Ettang

Drug abuse amongst African youths makes them vulnerable to numerous threats. Many easily succumb ... more Drug abuse amongst African youths makes them vulnerable to numerous threats. Many easily succumb to crime and violence.

Alternation Interdisciplinary Journal for the Study of the Arts and Humanities in Southern Africa, 2021

Journal of African elections, Oct 1, 2017

Democratic elections in Africa have drawn significant international interest because of their ten... more Democratic elections in Africa have drawn significant international interest because of their tendencies to generate conflict and violence. Unfortunately, this is not likely to change in the near future, especially with the prevalence of one-party dominance, electoral malpractices, patrimonial leadership and election violence in a number of African countries. Against this background the paper carries out a comparative analysis of presidential elections in Nigeria and South Africa between 1993 and 2016. It focuses specifically on their experiences with election violence, one-party dominance, voter dynamics, and how both countries rate against key global democratic indicators. In doing so, the underlying research question seeks to understand how both countries differ from these variables and what factors contribute to these differences. Using secondary data and responses to the National Democratic Institute (NDI) indicators, the paper argues that while both countries are key players within their respective regions, various factors are responsible for why they differ in their experiences with elections in particular and the democratic process in general. In carrying out an extensive empirical review of relevant literature, this paper is a starting point for comparing the state of democracy in two of the strongest economies on the African continent. The paper also attempts to understand the more recent and urgent experiences and the challenges of democracy in these two contexts. Finally, it presents objectives and challenges for the present and the future.

This report would not have been possible without content from the participants in the High-level ... more This report would not have been possible without content from the participants in the High-level Seminar, who candidly shared their perspectives and experiences of the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 locally and globally. Special mention goes to the women who shared their personal stories of their involvement in peace processes.

Conflict Trends, 2011

Once upon a time, peacekeeping operations tended to be calm and consensual. ... Today's peace... more Once upon a time, peacekeeping operations tended to be calm and consensual. ... Today's peacekeeping may take an entirely different form. There is less clarity about peace, the conflict might even be ongoing, with no clear views on who the parties to it actually are. ... Not taking sides may be difficult. ... The 'international community' is called upon to help in diverse situations of tragedy and emergency. ... In essence, instead of keeping the peace, the international community is invited to participate in the building of peace.

The relationship between peacekeeping and peacebuilding has gained increasing attention by those ... more The relationship between peacekeeping and peacebuilding has gained increasing attention by those who want to understand post-conflict environments and international interventions better. Opportunities to understand the peacekeeping-peacebuilding nexus are most often presented to practitioners who directly implement mechanisms to deal with conflict and post-conflict environments. As such, it is important to learn how practitioners understand the peacekeeping and peacebuilding relationship - particularly concerning roles, responsibilities and opportunities.

New scholarly literature that focuses on the currency of soft power is emerging in the analysis o... more New scholarly literature that focuses on the currency of soft power is emerging in the analysis of South Africa’s foreign policy. This nascent strand of discourse captures the nexus between the ideational value of soft power and Pretoria’s foreign policy. Within this analytical context, Ogunnubi and Ettang probe the agents, sources and subjects involved in the projection of South Africa’s soft power. These issues are critical, given the role and utility of soft power for achieving South Africa’s foreign policy ambitions, and recognizing the country’s important position in the African continent. The chapter stresses that the deepening of South Africa’s soft power capability and influence will depend largely on the extent of the strategic calibration between the communicative realms of actors, instruments and recipients.

The point of departure of this paper is that sustainable development can only occur in context of... more The point of departure of this paper is that sustainable development can only occur in context of peace. This article applies John Lederach’s Conflict Transformation Theory in the political sphere as a tool for representation and ensuring bottom-up, inclusive and locally led political processes. Asides from promoting the reduction of violence, conflict transformation theory also emphasises the need for social justice. In increasing social justice, citizens must have access to political processes and a voice in decisions that affect them. How do these assertions translate in diverse societies with multiple interests and demands? Can the current political party structures adapt and transform to address these needs and demands? This article will focus on the role of political parties in Nigeria and how they can contribute to true representation within the ideals of conflict transformation.

Introduction Approximately 25 presidential, legislative and local elections are planned in Africa... more Introduction Approximately 25 presidential, legislative and local elections are planned in Africa for 2011.2 The African Union (AU) has identified the forthcoming elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as ones that require special attention. This is because many parts of the country – including the Kivus, Bas-Congo, and Equateur Province – continue to experience violent conflicts. This environment sets the context for the upcoming multiparty elections scheduled for 28 November 2011. This Policy & Practice Brief provides an overview of electionrelated violence in the DRC while examining its electoral landscape. Furthermore, it analyses underlying and proximate threats as possible triggers for election-related violence. It also makes recommendations for the role of various stakeholders in the immediate management of election-related violence and ensuring a successful elections outcome.

Both developing and developed countries have felt the impact of COVID-19 on global politics and t... more Both developing and developed countries have felt the impact of COVID-19 on global politics and trade. The African continent faces new threats in addition to already existing challenges like poor infrastructure, underdevelopment and weak institutions. Through an analysis of official speeches and UN reports on the emerging developments around COVID-19, this paper explores the impact of the pandemic on Africa and answers the critical question of the potential and place for Africa’s international relations in a post-COVID world. While many argue that COVID-19 has further deepened the gap between Africa and the developed world, this paper argues that it has also created opportunities for innovation and a re-emergence of Africa as a more vital continent in global politics and far removed from its colonial legacy. This study finds that Africa’s vast resources and wealth of experts; its innovative local industries and rapid response potential; its active community and grassroots; its commi...

12Scholars and practitioners have varying perspectives on the definition of peacebuilding, as the... more 12Scholars and practitioners have varying perspectives on the definition of peacebuilding, as the concept is extremely broad and conflicts around the globe diverse. In spite of the widespread debate on its instrumentalities, there is common agreement on the goals of peacebuilding. Peacebuilding seeks to prevent, reduce, transform and help people recover from structural and other forms of violence. It empowers people to foster relationships

South Africa has experienced several xenophobic or Afrophobic attacks against foreign nationals b... more South Africa has experienced several xenophobic or Afrophobic attacks against foreign nationals by some South Africans. However, in 2017 the focus shifted to Nigerian nationals who were blamed for drug abuse and trafficking among other issues in South Africa. These attacks strained diplomatic relations, and business between Nigeria and South Africa. A significant number of studies suggest that South Africa and Nigeria are playing a crucial role in drug trafficking. For example, According to a 2017 publication by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Nigeria and South Africa, respectively, are the top two of the highest cocaine transit points, and this has apparent negative effect on both countries and their relationship as well as the rest of the continent. This chapter explores the relationship of these two African giants, their role and potential role in the fight against drug trafficking. While instances of inter-country intelligence and information sharing have e...

A research report based on a workshop held in Durban, South Africa from 14-15 April 2011 organise... more A research report based on a workshop held in Durban, South Africa from 14-15 April 2011 organised by the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) in partnership with the African Union Peace and Security Department The workshop The purpose of the workshop was to inform the development and assist the African Union in identifying and articulating clear and specific needs of the mediation and post-conflict reconstruction and development pools of the Peace and Security Department Civilian Standby Roster.

Contemporary states continue to battle with inter-group tensions, resulting in violent conflict. ... more Contemporary states continue to battle with inter-group tensions, resulting in violent conflict. Ethno-religious violence in Plateau state in north central Nigeria is a case in point. While violent conflicts of an ethnic and religious nature have long existed, since 2004, conflicts in this state have become increasingly violent, more frequent and more deadly, calling for a comprehensive and strategic response. Academics and practitioners have identified peace-building as a potential response to resolve violent conflict in divided societies. The United Nations has relied on comprehensive peacebuilding frameworks to provide a holistic and strategic response to violent conflict and its causes. Guided by conflict transformation theory, this study aims to contribute to the debate on how peace-building can resolve sub-national complex identity conflicts by addressing their root causes and preventing direct violence. It develops a comprehensive and strategic peace-building framework for Plateau state as it grapples with high levels of ethno-religious tension and violent conflict between warring identities. While peace-building frameworks generally have a national focus, this study develops a framework with a sub-national focus. This is due to the fact that peacebuilding efforts tend to be centralised and focus on the national level and capital cities, while neglecting sub-national and local entities. The study will contribute to ongoing research and practice on how peace-building can be practically applied to sub-entities or federating units within countries and what this implies for the design and implementation of peace-building processes at these levels. In pursuing this broad objective, the study mainly utilises conflict transformation theory. This theory broadly focuses on reducing violence, addressing injustices and rebuilding relationships in societies experiencing protracted conflict. Using focus group discussions and semi-structured key informant interviews with a wide range of actors and institutions, both at the top and grassroots levels in Plateau state, the study identifies relevant programmes, policies and institutions in the framework and avenues through which the state as the primary actor can address the underlying causes of the conflict and reduce violence. It also responds to the gaps in literature on the relevance and applicability of conflict transformation theory in Africa. The conclusions of this study can be summarised in two broad statements. Firstly, a peace-building framework is required to design and implement peace efforts that specifically target subnational levels. Secondly, peace efforts in Africa need to be decentralised and inclusive in identifying the most appropriate responses for conflict transformation. vi

Africa Conflict Monitor, 2013

A key threat to peace and security in the East African region is the spread of small arms. These ... more A key threat to peace and security in the East African region is the spread of small arms. These weapons facilitate crime, permit insurrection and threaten security and stability at all levels, from local to regional. The illegal flow of small arms is the East African region's second major security threat. Member states of the East African Community (EAC) battle with illicit small arms trade through a variety of means. The five partner states of the EAC - Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda - signed a Regional Protocol on Peace and Security (RPPS) in the Tanzanian capital Dar es Salaam on 17 February 2013 that may prove a way forward to curb illegal small arms sales. Although the broader focus of the protocol centres on peace and security efforts in the region, including combating terrorism, trans-border crimes and piracy, the prevention of genocide, disaster management, the handling of refugees, curbing cattle rustling and curbing high levels of crime in general, a key ...