Peace and Security in Africa and the African Diaspora Conference 2023

Conference Rationale

The study of peace and security has traditionally focused on the role of states in these matters, using a realist approach. However, in recent years, research has expanded to include broader structural factors such as gender issues, basic needs, and inequalities among different groups, both locally and globally. One issue that has received international attention is the challenges faced by Black communities worldwide, who have historical roots in Africa and maintain cultural and economic ties with African societies. Despite global efforts to promote democracy, inequality and intolerance remain significant challenges for Africans and their descendants. This has led to systemic discrimination and identity-based conflicts, resulting in structural and direct violence in many countries. While some governments have implemented initiatives to address inequality and discrimination, progress has been minimal and gradual, and comprehensive, evidence-based approaches are needed to dismantle long-standing institutional and societal discrimination. This requires a concerted effort from academic and research institutions, national and international organizations, and civil society groups worldwide.

Conference Objectives

The University of Missouri’s Department of Black Studies will hold its 2023 Annual Fall Conference on October 12-13, which will be the first international conference focused on "Peace and Security in Africa and the African Diaspora." The conference's objective is to make the peace and security of Black communities a global research priority, promote knowledge generation, and impact national and international policies. Additionally, the conference aims to establish a sustainable global network of institutions and scholars to support this research agenda. It hopes to complement the efforts made by academic and research institutions in Africa, the Caribbean, Central and South America, North America, Europe, and Asia.

Conference Themes

The following are the main topics for discussion during the conference:

Theoretical and conceptual approaches to understanding conflict and peace in Africa and the African diaspora.
Policing, conflict, and peace in Africa and the African diaspora.
The role of race, ethnicity, class, and religion in conflict and stability in Africa and the African diaspora.
Regional and economic communities in peace and security in Africa.
The role of the diaspora in promoting peace and security in Africa.
Migration, conflict, and peace in Africa and the African diaspora.
The involvement of corporations in peace and conflict in Africa and the African diaspora.
The impact of foreign states on African peace and security.

Online: Register here.

Date: October 12-13, 2023

In-person and Online Keynote Address: “Burying the Sins of our Collective Past: Why Rewriting and Covering up Difficult History Doesn’t Work” by historian Dr. Brian Mitchell

Dr. Mitchell is the Director of Research and Interpretation at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, where he leads a team of historians in studying the collection of over 50,000 Abraham Lincoln documents. He is also a prominent interpretive voice at the institution, sharing unique stories through exhibits and programs.

In addition to his work at the library, Dr. Mitchell is the co-author of "Blood in Their Eyes: The Elaine Massacre of 1919" and author of the award-winning graphic novel "Monumental: Oscar Dunn and His Radical Fight in Reconstruction Louisiana."

Join us for Dr. Mitchell's keynote on Friday, October 13, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the Arts & Science Building, Room 114, on the MU campus.

Listen to the pre-lecture interview here.

Panel 1: Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding 8:30-10:00

Moderator: Angela Danso Gyane, PhD Student, Political Science, University of Missouri

The Theory of Domination as the Bane of Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding Processes in Cameroon - Christian Nkstow Mafany, The University of Yaounde
Conflict Mitigation, Peace Building, and Factors Influencing Peace, Conflict, and Security of Somaliland - Abdisamad Hassan Mohamed, University of Hargeisa
Women, Cultural Practices and the Restoration of Peace in Traditional Societies of Northern Cameroon - Ada Djabou, University of Yaounde
The Nqel, a Traditional Mechanism for the Prevention and Resolution of Conflicts in the Seereer Community - Diome Faye, Cheikh Anta Diop University
The Role of Cousinhood Pleasantry in Senegalese Peace Building - Birane Sene, Cheikh Anta Diop University

Panel 2: Governance and Security 10:10-11:40

Moderator: Angela Danso Gyane, PhD Student, Political Science, University of Missouri

A New Framework for Peace and Security: ECOWAS and the Changing Dynamics of Regional Integration in West Africa - Kehinde Olusola Olayode, Obafemi Awolowo University
Governance and Migration in West Africa: A Prognosis - Hanse Gilbert Mbeng Dang, University of Douala and University of Yaounde
The Role and Place of History in the Definition and Operationalization of Security and Defense Governance in Africa - René Ngek Monteh, University of Yaounde
Democratization Process in Cameroon: Actions and Reactions of US Ambassadors and the Government (1989-1994) - Obama Belinga Christian Theophile, University of Ebolowa

Panel 3: Climate Change and Land Conflicts 11:50-12:40

Moderator: Daive Dunkley, Professor, Black Studies, University of Missouri

How Climate Change Induced Land Conflicts and Food Insecurity in Africa: Findings from the Study of Herdsmen-Farmers Crises in Nigeria - Philip Onyekachukwu Egbule, University of Delta
Africa at Crossroad: Climate Change and the Crises of Poverty and Insecurity in West Africa - Temitope Fagunwa, Osun State University

Lunch Break 12:40-1:40

Panel 4: Migration and Identity 1:40-3:00

Moderator: Denise Brown, PhD Student, Political Science, University of Missouri

Migration and Conflict, from the Ethnic and Territorial Identity to Civic Identity in the Tibati Chiefdom: The Positive Function of Conflict - Abbo Mohamadou, University of Maroua
Criminal Migration in the Border Areas of Central African States: An Unseen Character in Search of Peacebuilding - Dr. Sali, University of Maroua
Resurgent of Engaging African Diasporas for Peace Process and Post-Conflict Settings in Africa - Moti Daba Fufa, Pan Africanist

Panel 5: African Diaspora 3:10-4:30

Moderator: Michael Limmer, PhD Student, History, University of Missouri

Leadership Crisis or Paradigm Change: African-Americans and the Contemporary Struggle for a Just Society - Papa Malick BA, Cheikh Anta Diop University
Find a Home or Return Home: A Study on The Yoruba Diaspora In Cote D’Ivoire - Winlade Isreal, University of Bologna
African Diasporas and Science and Technology: A Critical Analysis of an Ever-Changing Phenomenon for Africa's Development - Hanse Gilbert Mbeng Dang, University of Douala
Role of Race, Ethnicity, Class, and Religion in Conflict and Stability in Africa and the African Diaspora - Rev. Sekenwa Moses Briska, Lutheran Church of Christ

Panel 6: Peace and Spirituality 4:40-6:00

Moderator: Daive Dunkley, Professor, Black Studies, University of Missouri

Peace and Spirituality in Africa: The Example of Mouridism in Senegambia - Abib Sene, Cheikh Anta Diop University
The Grievance Theory versus Transnationalism and the Cameroon Anglophone Question, 1961-2017 - Reymond Njingti Budi and Christian Nkatow Mafany, Universität Kassel and University of Yaounde
Escaping Foreign Heteronomy in Central Africa: Manufacturing Strategic Autonomy - Edouard Epiphane Yogo
African Peace Philosophy versus Western Peace Paradigms in the Management Conflicts in African States - Celestin Tagou, Protestant University of Central Africa

Panel 7: Economic Factors and Peace 8:30-10:00

Moderator: Denise Brown, PhD Student, Political Science, University of Missouri

Infrastructure Development and Conflict Dynamics: Analyzing the Nexus in China- Africa Relations - Abdou Rahim Lema, Montreal University
The Role of Economic Factors in the Relationship between Migration, Conflict, and Peace in Africa - Abraham Ename Minko, Istanbul University
China’s military support to Zimbabwe and its implications for peacebuilding - Enock Ndawana, University of Johannesburg
EU Border Externalization Policies, their Impact on Mobility - Ouhemmou Mohammed, Ibn Zohr University

Panel 8: African Conflicts and the African Union 10:10-11:20

Moderator: Denise Brown, PhD Student, Political Science, University of Missouri

Assessing the CFA Franc Zone in Crisis Time - Laure Gnassou, Economist
Ethiopian-Tigray War: A Litmus Test For African Union’s Vision of Silencing the Guns in Africa - Akinkunmi Afeez Akinlabi, Obafemi Awolowo University
Ecowas Peace and Security Intervention in West Africa: The Case of Mali - James Olusegun Adeyeri, Lagos State University
Boko Haram: A Never-ending Threat in West and Central Africa - Mamadou Badiane, University of Missouri

Panel 9: Women, Activism, and Police Brutality 11:30-12:20

Moderator: Willie Mack, Assistant Professor, Black Studies, University of Missouri

Feminist and Queer Activism in Nigeria’s #EndSars Movement Against Police Brutality - Ololade Faniyi, Bowling Green State University
“‘Batons, Bullets, Triggers’: Black Women Activists and Police Brutality in Rapsody’s and Janelle Monáe’s Music and Writing” - Holly Burgess, Marquette University

Lunch Break 12:20-1:20

Panel 10: Structural Racism and Identity Politics 1:20-2:30

Moderator: Angela Danso Gyane, PhD Student, Political Science, University of Missouri

Structural Racism of the Black Community in the Arab World - Yahya Osman Youssouf, Amoud University and Hargeisa University
Fabricated Idealized Solution for the Practical Problems; the Normative Solution of Political Elites for the Demands of the People under the Identity Political System of Ethiopia - Biruk Wondimu Chemere, Werabe University
Peace, Security, and Identity Politics in Nigeria and Tanzania: A Transformative Social Policy Perspective - Newman Tekwa, University of South Africa

Panel 11: Military, Security, Human Trafficking, and Human Rights 2:40-4:00

Moderator: Michael Jirik, Assistant Professor, Black Studies, University of Missouri

Western Military Bases in Africa and the fight Against Armed Criminal Gangs in the Sahel (1960-2013) - Mah Bruno Celestin, University of Maroua
The Triple Nexus – The Clan, Conflict, and Diaspora from Africa: A Somaliland Experience - Ayan Yusuf, University of Hargeisa
The Horn of Africa: From Bright Hopes in the 20th to Dismal Decades of the 21st Century - Tseggai Isaac, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Transnational Human Trafficking and Nigeria’s External Image on Human Rights - Andre Ben Moses Akuche, Kennedy Nsan, Patricia Chinyere Ikeh, and Vincent Muoneke Chukwuemeka, Obafemi Awolowo University, Madonna University, and Nnamdi Azikiwe University

Keynote Address: Friday, October 13, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the Arts & Science Building, Room 114, on the MU campus

“Burying the Sins of our Collective Past: Why Rewriting and Covering up Difficult History Doesn’t Work” by historian Dr. Brian Mitchell