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Articles 1 - 30 of 560

Full-Text Articles in African Studies

International Mediation In The Sudan Conflict: A Critical Appraisal And Alternative Tracks, The Initiative Research And Analysis Committee The Sudanese Initiative To Stop The War And Build Peace Aug 2026

International Mediation In The Sudan Conflict: A Critical Appraisal And Alternative Tracks, The Initiative Research And Analysis Committee The Sudanese Initiative To Stop The War And Build Peace

The Journal of Social Encounters

Extensive international intervention is one of the most prominent features of the ongoing war in Sudan since early 2023. As a result of the conflict that erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, Sudan is witnessing what is widely recognized as one of the most severe humanitarian crises in modern history; It has been characterized by massive displacement, large-scale refugee flows, and famine, along with widespread human rights violations and crimes against humanity—both direct and indirect consequences of military operations that have raged across thirteen of Sudan’s states, where the Rapid Support Forces are actively …


Unraveling The Roots Of Violent Extremism In Sudan: Challenges And Pathways To Peace, Fawzi Ahmed Abdullah Slom Aug 2026

Unraveling The Roots Of Violent Extremism In Sudan: Challenges And Pathways To Peace, Fawzi Ahmed Abdullah Slom

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.


Review Essay: African Americans, Sudan, And The Politics Of Solidarity, Walter Hill Aug 2026

Review Essay: African Americans, Sudan, And The Politics Of Solidarity, Walter Hill

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.


The Rights Of Religious Minorities In Sudan: A Case Study Of Armenians, Jon Armajani Aug 2026

The Rights Of Religious Minorities In Sudan: A Case Study Of Armenians, Jon Armajani

The Journal of Social Encounters

This essay examines the constitutions of the Republic of Sudan and minority rights, with a focus on Armenians in that country.  It provides (1) the demographics of Sudan; (2) an overview of the Armenians of Sudan; (3) a history of Sudan’s constitutions; (4) an analysis of their provisions and related laws on minority rights, citizenship, naturalization, and inheritance; (5) an overview of Sudan’s civil war, which began on April 15, 2023, and (6) a concluding section which analyzes risks to Armenians and other religious and ethnic minorities in Sudan.


Patterns Of Age At First Birth And Child Spacing Behaviour Among Women In Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria, Ismaila O. Orire Aug 2026

Patterns Of Age At First Birth And Child Spacing Behaviour Among Women In Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria, Ismaila O. Orire

The Journal of Social Encounters

Age at first birth influences the length of a woman's reproductive years and affects fertility behavior including choices of child spacing which have profound influence on future population structure and dynamics. This study examines women’s demographic and social characteristics; identified their ages at first birth and relationship with status of marriage; their child spacing behavior; contraceptive usage; and duration of breastfeeding after child birth. Primary source of data was questionnaire administered to women of reproductive age representing three age cohorts whose ages range between 35-44, 25-34 and 15-24 years respectively. Systematic random sampling technique was adopted to ensure representativeness and …


Rethinking Women, Peace And Security In Southern Africa: Patriarchy, Policies, And Perspectives, Kgomotso Komane Aug 2026

Rethinking Women, Peace And Security In Southern Africa: Patriarchy, Policies, And Perspectives, Kgomotso Komane

The Journal of Social Encounters

Southern Africa is a relatively peaceful region, however, it has witnessed a range of diverse, multiple and ongoing conflicts that have prompted various peace interventions from the Southern African Development Community (SADC), neighbouring countries and international actors. An astounding pattern is revealed when observing the involvements of all the actors in the peace interventions. What is revealed is that, till present day, women remain marginalised in peace processes despite existing structures and policies that reaffirm their rightful participation in these processes. Rethinking women’s role in peace and security is necessary because existing approaches to peace are shaped by patriarchal norms. …


"They Will Put You Out Of The Synagogues”: An Exegesis Of John 16:1-4a And Its Application To The Persecuted Christians In Northern Nigeria, Chiemeka Iwuagwu Jun 2026

"They Will Put You Out Of The Synagogues”: An Exegesis Of John 16:1-4a And Its Application To The Persecuted Christians In Northern Nigeria, Chiemeka Iwuagwu

Obsculta

This paper offers an exegesis of John 16:1-4a, a pivotal passage in Jesus' Farewell Discourse that warns the disciples of impending persecution, including expulsion from synagogues. Situating the text within the historical and literary context of the Johannine community, it explores how this forewarning reframes suffering as an integral aspect of faithful witness rather than divine abandonment. Drawing on key scholarly works, the analysis engages literary structure, historical reconstruction of community experiences, and theological motifs such as dualism and Christology. The paper then applies these insights to the plight of Christians in northern Nigeria, a region marked by violent persecution, …


Review Of African Migration And The Novel: Exploring Race, Civil War, And Environmental Destruction, Joseph L. Mbele Mar 2026

Review Of African Migration And The Novel: Exploring Race, Civil War, And Environmental Destruction, Joseph L. Mbele

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.


Review Of Chosen Peoples: Christianity And Political Imagination In South Sudan, John Ashworth Mar 2026

Review Of Chosen Peoples: Christianity And Political Imagination In South Sudan, John Ashworth

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.


Review Of Speaking Of Trust: Religion And Mutual Aid In Southwest Kenya, Dennis Kilama Mar 2026

Review Of Speaking Of Trust: Religion And Mutual Aid In Southwest Kenya, Dennis Kilama

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.


Review Of Responses To Insecurity In Africa: The Challenge Of Peacebuilding, Peter J. Quaranto Mar 2026

Review Of Responses To Insecurity In Africa: The Challenge Of Peacebuilding, Peter J. Quaranto

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.


Investigating The Relationship Between Noun Classes And Plant Folk Taxonomy In Chasu Language Of Kilimanjaro Region In Tanzania, Peter Rabson Mziray Nov 2025

Investigating The Relationship Between Noun Classes And Plant Folk Taxonomy In Chasu Language Of Kilimanjaro Region In Tanzania, Peter Rabson Mziray

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

The current study investigates the relationship between noun classes and plant folk taxonomy in Chasu (G 22). The study focuses on two objectives: the first objective is to describe the plant folk taxonomy in Chasu and the second objective is to determine the relationship between noun classes and plant folk taxonomy in Chasu. Data were collected from rural villages in Same and Mwanga districts by using free listing, field interviews (jungle-walk-and-identify), and written texts containing Chasu plant names. The findings reveal that Chasu folk taxonomy reflects different ethnobotanical categories; including a unique beginner which is mmea/mimea ‘plant(s)’, and three life …


Review Of: The Life And Thought Of H. Odera Oruka: Pursuing Justice In Africa, Robert Press Sep 2025

Review Of: The Life And Thought Of H. Odera Oruka: Pursuing Justice In Africa, Robert Press

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.


Review Of: Election 2024 South Africa: Countdown To Coalition, Gary Prevost Sep 2025

Review Of: Election 2024 South Africa: Countdown To Coalition, Gary Prevost

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.


Darfur And Sudan Recommended Webinars Sep 2025

Darfur And Sudan Recommended Webinars

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.


Escalation Pathways To The April War And The Dynamics Of Sudan's Political Economy, Salih Mustafa, Osama Hassan, Nagi Alassam Sep 2025

Escalation Pathways To The April War And The Dynamics Of Sudan's Political Economy, Salih Mustafa, Osama Hassan, Nagi Alassam

The Journal of Social Encounters

This paper analyzes the escalation processes that led to the outbreak of the April 2023 war in Sudan, based on Wolfram Lacher's theoretical framework of "escalation processes". The paper focuses on tracing the escalatory trajectories that preceded the war, analyzing the complex interplay between structural, political, and economic factors, as well as the impact of the political economy on the dynamics of the conflict and its escalation to full-scale war.


The Sudanese Identity In The Mirror Of Colonial And Post-Independence History, Abdalla Galaleldeen Sep 2025

The Sudanese Identity In The Mirror Of Colonial And Post-Independence History, Abdalla Galaleldeen

The Journal of Social Encounters

After independence, Sudan’s political elite adopted colonial-inspired policies that sought to divide the country into North and South (Arabs versus Africans). This policy was further reinforced by the civil wars and by the failures of the Sudanese political elite to construct a cohesive national identity. In the post-independence period, one elite group aligned itself with an Arab identity, while another embraced an African identity. Logically, therefore, both identities—Islamic-Arab and African—encompass the majority of the population. Yet, while Islamists and Africanists each claimed to represent this majority, neither addressed the contradictions inherent in their positions. As the tension between the Islamic-Arab …


The Conflict In Sudan: An Overview, Mad Gabriel Sep 2025

The Conflict In Sudan: An Overview, Mad Gabriel

The Journal of Social Encounters

It has been more than two years since the war erupted in Sudan. Although the crisis initially started between two warring parties, it has expanded beyond the two with the involvement of multiple actors. However, the current conflict is complicated and has deep historical origins. It increased after the 2019 revolution, with the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) battling for power and control. On the other hand, the situation has deteriorated dramatically, as the economy suffered from the continuation of the war, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Additionally, Health systems have crumbled, schooling has …


Sudan: A War Of Atrocities Report Of The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission For The Sudan, - Annual Report Of The United Nations High Commissioner For Human Rights And Reports Of The Office Of The High Commissioner And The Secretary-General Sep 2025

Sudan: A War Of Atrocities Report Of The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission For The Sudan, - Annual Report Of The United Nations High Commissioner For Human Rights And Reports Of The Office Of The High Commissioner And The Secretary-General

The Journal of Social Encounters

This report documents attacks on civilians and objects essential for their survival in Sudan. It concludes that both parties to the conflict violated international human rights and humanitarian law, with most violations amounting to war crimes. The Rapid Support Forces’ conduct may also constitute crimes against humanity, including persecution and extermination. The report calls for accountability and sets out a roadmap for justice.


Introduction: Continuing The Exploration Of The Darfur And Sudan Crisis, Mawa Mohamed, Ron Pagnucco Sep 2025

Introduction: Continuing The Exploration Of The Darfur And Sudan Crisis, Mawa Mohamed, Ron Pagnucco

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.


The Late Father Rev. John Anthony Kaiser: “A Case For Justice”, Mbuthi Gathenji Sep 2025

The Late Father Rev. John Anthony Kaiser: “A Case For Justice”, Mbuthi Gathenji

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.


On The 25th Anniversary Of The Political Assassination Of A Human Rights Hero From Minnesota, Fr. John Kaiser, Ron Pagnucco, Peter Kimeu Ngui, Elizabeth M. Brown, Mary Wangari Sebastian Sep 2025

On The 25th Anniversary Of The Political Assassination Of A Human Rights Hero From Minnesota, Fr. John Kaiser, Ron Pagnucco, Peter Kimeu Ngui, Elizabeth M. Brown, Mary Wangari Sebastian

The Journal of Social Encounters

We here at St. John's University (SJU) in Minnesota, a co-publisher of the JSE, share a special connection with Fr. John Kaiser, the subject of these articles in his honor. Fr. Kaiser was born in a parish in the Diocese of St. Cloud in 1934, in which the university is located, and graduated from SJU's preparatory high school and matriculated at SJU for two years before leaving to join the U.S. Army in 1954. He later entered the seminary and in 1964 was ordained a priest in the Mill Hill religious order, which sent him to Kenya. In August 2000, …


Engaging The Somali Diaspora: A Case Study Of One Agency’S Community Programming Approach, Farhia Abdi Sep 2025

Engaging The Somali Diaspora: A Case Study Of One Agency’S Community Programming Approach, Farhia Abdi

The Journal of Social Encounters

This case study investigates how a local community agency engages with the Somali diaspora to design and implement culturally responsive services, such as the Settlement and Integration Program. It also explores the potential of fostering meaningful dialogue with community members to inform the development of culturally sensitive programming. The research question guiding this study was developed by findings from previous research, which highlighted the significance of community engagement, sustained dialogue, and the necessity for agencies to design clearly defined programs. These programs should prioritize active participation from community members in both the creation and implementation of tailored initiatives.


Hezbollah's Military Setback: From Strategic Strength To Political Dilemma—A Comprehensive Analysis, Habib Albadawi Sep 2025

Hezbollah's Military Setback: From Strategic Strength To Political Dilemma—A Comprehensive Analysis, Habib Albadawi

The Journal of Social Encounters

This study examines the unprecedented military transformation of Hezbollah from 2024 to 2025, analyzing how technological superiority and strategic constraints have fundamentally altered the effectiveness of irregular warfare organizations. Through extensive analysis of organizational adaptation, technological disruption, and external dependencies, this research investigates the paradox of how advanced military capabilities, when constrained by external dependencies, can become operational liabilities rather than strategic assets. The study employs multiple theoretical frameworks to understand this transformation and its implications for future irregular warfare.


Living Heritage, Resilience And Ethically Informed Infrastructures In Malawi, Martha B. Lerski, Frank Puluputu Mwale Jun 2025

Living Heritage, Resilience And Ethically Informed Infrastructures In Malawi, Martha B. Lerski, Frank Puluputu Mwale

Publications and Research

Rooted in a rural community’s needs, this paper explores how historically, and ethically informed infrastructures can support community engagement towards identification, documentation, and dissemination of local, traditional, and indigenous knowledge relating to climate change. The paper examines climate adaptation and sustainability issues through the lenses of community organizing and Library & Information Science best practices. It draws on a growing body of literature identifying a role for expanded epistemological and subject discipline perspectives. While the impacts of climate on material culture are increasingly recognized, intangible, and biocultural heritage have not received as much attention. Living heritage traditions and knowledge systems …


Review Of Ordinary Whites In Apartheid Society: Social Histories Of Accommodation, Gary Prevost Mar 2025

Review Of Ordinary Whites In Apartheid Society: Social Histories Of Accommodation, Gary Prevost

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.


Religious Bodies Crime Control Strategies In Lagos Slums, Nigeria, Lateef Adeyemo Mar 2025

Religious Bodies Crime Control Strategies In Lagos Slums, Nigeria, Lateef Adeyemo

The Journal of Social Encounters

In Lagos' slum areas, where crime and social instability are rampant, religious bodies are uniquely positioned to influence positive change. This study adopted a qualitative, cross-sectional approach, guided by social disorganisation and stakeholder theories, to examine their impact. Purposive sampling was used to select 61 participants for in-depth interviews and key informant interviews. Findings indicate that religious bodies primarily engage youth through sermons and occasional events but lack structured crime control mechanisms. Key challenges include community resistance, limited police collaboration, resource constraints, and threats from violent youth. Furthermore, doctrinal concerns and fear of backlash hinder interfaith collaboration, with some …


Social Solidarity & Philanthropy In African Contexts, Dennis Kilama, Patricia Snell Herzog, David P. King Mar 2025

Social Solidarity & Philanthropy In African Contexts, Dennis Kilama, Patricia Snell Herzog, David P. King

The Journal of Social Encounters

Within Western contexts, philanthropy has been conceptualized as formal and organizational, with less emphasis on its informal contours. This paper identifies social solidarity as crucial to understanding philanthropy in African contexts. The first section explores concepts of philanthropy, such as reciprocity and cooperation. Second, recognizing solidarity as a key aspect of philanthropy, we review how social solidarity has been theorized and studied. Third, we illustrate how philanthropy in Kenya and Uganda is embedded within specific contexts. Philanthropy can be found in horizontal (formal), vertical (informal), and hybrid forms. Alongside formal philanthropy, efforts to benefit others in Africa often emerge informally …


Right To Education And Access To Schooling: Understanding The Role Of Students’ Transportation Challenges In Selected Junior Secondary Schools In Ilorin, Nigeria, Usman Bolaji Abdulkadir, Egbinola Temitope Anuoluwa Mar 2025

Right To Education And Access To Schooling: Understanding The Role Of Students’ Transportation Challenges In Selected Junior Secondary Schools In Ilorin, Nigeria, Usman Bolaji Abdulkadir, Egbinola Temitope Anuoluwa

The Journal of Social Encounters

No abstract provided.


Working Paper: The Role Of Nafeer And Social Networks In Sudan’S Humanitarian Response And The Challenges For International Aid, Mazin Sharfi Mar 2025

Working Paper: The Role Of Nafeer And Social Networks In Sudan’S Humanitarian Response And The Challenges For International Aid, Mazin Sharfi

The Journal of Social Encounters

This paper explores the integral role of Nafeer, a traditional Sudanese communal practice, and social networks in addressing humanitarian crises, focusing on the ongoing 2023 conflict. Nafeer, rooted in rural agricultural settings, has evolved to mobilise urban communities for emergency responses, while social networks extend social support beyond family ties, providing a complementary layer of resource-sharing. Both systems, decentralised and grassroots in nature, contrast sharply with formal international aid structures. The research highlights how Nafeer and social networks mobilise resources through traditional means, such as mobilising social capital and economic resources including remittances, and modern mechanisms, like crowdfunding. It underscores …