African Public History Journal is a peer‑reviewed scholarly journal published under the Pan‑African Research Journals (PARJ) platform, advancing African‑centred and global research.
Who Owns the Past? Memory, Silence, and the Politics of Atrocity Narration in South Sudan
Who Owns the Past? Memory, Silence, and the Politics of Atrocity Narration in South Sudan examines the struggle over whose suffering becomes public history and whose suffering is rendered politically disposable. The article places South Sudan at the centre of the analysis, but it resists treating the case as uniquely exceptional or analytically sealed off from wider African and global debates. Instead, it brings Memory studies (Olick; Nora; Halbwachs); transitional justice and memory (Collins; Wilson); post-colonial epistemology (Mignolo; Spivak). Examines the political contest over how South Sudan's civil wars are narrated, remembered, and officially commemorated — and whose suffering is recognised. into one conversation and develops the concept of narrative sovereignty to explain how formal norms, institutional design, and practical struggles over authority become fused. Using Oral history interviews with conflict survivors across multiple ethnic communities; discourse analysis of official state commemorations, school curricula, and political leadership speeches; comparative analysis with Rwanda's Gacaca and Sierra Leone's TRC memory-making; institutional ethnography of South Sudan's Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing., the paper reconstructs three linked propositions. First, it shows that memory entrepreneurs and selective commemoration. Second, it demonstrates that silence as a technology of political order. Third, it argues that oral history, truth telling, and contested archives. The paper answers the central puzzle posed by the research agenda—how do competing political factions within the r-arcs settlement mobilize competing memories of the 1991 Nasir split, the 2013 juba massacres, and the Equatoria displacement — and how do these memory contests
Copyright (c) 2026 African Public History Journal
Who Owns the Past? Memory, Silence, and the Politics of Atrocity Narration in South Sudan examines the struggle over whose suffering becomes public history and whose suffering is rendered politically disposable. The article places South Sudan at the centre of the analysis, but it resists treating the case as uniquely exceptional or analytically sealed off from wider African and global debates. Instead, it brings Memory studies (Olick; Nora; Halbwachs); transitional justice and memory (Collins; Wilson); post-colonial epistemology (Mignolo; Spivak). Examines the political contest over how South Sudan's civil wars are narrated, remembered, and officially commemorated — and whose suffering is recognised. into one conversation and develops the concept of narrative sovereignty to explain how formal norms, institutional design, and practical struggles over authority become fused. Using Oral history interviews with conflict survivors across multiple ethnic communities; discourse analysis of official state commemorations, school curricula, and political leadership speeches; comparative analysis with Rwanda's Gacaca and Sierra Leone's TRC memory-making; institutional ethnography of South Sudan's Commission for Truth, Reconciliation and Healing., the paper reconstructs three linked propositions. First, it shows that memory entrepreneurs and selective commemoration. Second, it demonstrates that silence as a technology of political order. Third, it argues that oral history, truth telling, and contested archives. The paper answers the central puzzle posed by the research agenda—how do competing political factions within the r-arcss settlement mobilise competing memories of the 1991 nasir split, the 2013 juba massacres, and the equatoria displacement — and how do these memory contests
This article examines The 2011 Independence Referendum: Self-Determination, International Support, and Expectations: Beyond the Liberal Peace Framework with a focused emphasis on Liberia within the field of Arts & Humanities. It is structured as a survey research article that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Independence Referendum Self-Determination
Referendum Self-Determination International
Self-Determination International Support
Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The European Peace Facility and Arms Transfers to Africa
This article examines The European Peace Facility and Arms Transfers to Africa: Enabling Partners or Fuelling Conflicts: Comparative Analysis Across East Africa with a focused emphasis on Kenya within the field of Arts & Humanities. It is structured as a qualitative study that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Voter Registration Challenges in Post-Conflict States
This article examines Voter Registration Challenges in Post-Conflict States: Capacity, Access, and Political Manipulation: Gender, Power, and Structural Constraints with a focused emphasis on Comoros within the field of Arts & Humanities. It is structured as a theoretical framework article that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Copyright (c) 2022 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
This article examines Peacekeeping Effectiveness in Africa: Force Design, Mandate Clarity, and Political Enablement: Power, Agency, and Structural Change with a focused emphasis on Tunisia within the field of Arts & Humanities. It is structured as a policy brief that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Non-State Armed Groups and International Diplomacy
This article examines Non-State Armed Groups and International Diplomacy: Recognition, Negotiation, and Legitimacy: A Critical Examination with a focused emphasis on Ethiopia within the field of Arts & Humanities. It is structured as a survey research article that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Radio, Conflict, and Peacebuilding in South Sudan
This article examines Radio, Conflict, and Peacebuilding in South Sudan: Community Stations and Political Communication: Beyond the Liberal Peace Framework with a focused emphasis on South Sudan within the field of Arts & Humanities. It is structured as a working paper that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
This article examines Institutional Legacies of War: How Armed Conflict Shapes Post-War Political Institutions: Youth Perspectives and Intergenerational Justice with a focused emphasis on Senegal within the field of Arts & Humanities. It is structured as a policy analysis article that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Local Conflict Resolution Mechanisms and the Formal Justice System
This article examines Local Conflict Resolution Mechanisms and the Formal Justice System: Complementarity and Gaps: Towards a Research Agenda with a focused emphasis on Eswatini within the field of Arts & Humanities. It is structured as a theoretical framework article that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration
This article examines Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration: Implementation Failures and Security Setbacks: An Empirical Investigation with a focused emphasis on Egypt within the field of Arts & Humanities. It is structured as a comparative study that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Copyright (c) 2023 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Media Development Aid and Press Freedom in Conflict-Affected States
This article examines Media Development Aid and Press Freedom in Conflict-Affected States: Decolonial Reflections with a focused emphasis on Senegal within the field of Arts & Humanities. It is structured as a ethnographic study that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
This article examines The SPLA/M's Political Evolution: Military Organisation, Political Programme, and Governance Challenges: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic with a focused emphasis on Malawi within the field of Arts & Humanities. It is structured as a mixed methods study that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Cross-Border Cattle Raiding and State Responses
This article examines Cross-Border Cattle Raiding and State Responses: Jonglei, Murle, and Inter-Communal Violence: Theoretical Framework and Empirical Analysis with a focused emphasis on Seychelles within the field of Arts & Humanities. It is structured as a commentary on published article that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
This article examines The 2011 Independence Referendum: Self-Determination, International Support, and Expectations: Beyond the Liberal Peace Framework with a focused emphasis on Kenya within the field of Arts & Humanities. It is structured as a policy analysis article that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
This article examines Institutional Legacies of War: How Armed Conflict Shapes Post-War Political Institutions: Youth Perspectives and Intergenerational Justice with a focused emphasis on Republic of Congo within the field of Arts & Humanities. It is structured as a commentary that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
South Sudan's Foreign Policy Under Salva Kiir
This article examines South Sudan's Foreign Policy Under Salva Kiir: Bilateral Alignments and Diplomatic Isolation with a focused emphasis on South Sudan within the field of Arts & Humanities. It is structured as a action research study that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Investigative Journalism and Political Accountability in East Africa
This article examines Investigative Journalism and Political Accountability in East Africa: Policy Implications for Fragile States with a focused emphasis on Morocco within the field of Arts & Humanities. It is structured as a comparative study that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Copyright (c) 2021 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
This article examines The SPLA/M's Political Evolution: Military Organisation, Political Programme, and Governance Challenges: Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic with a focused emphasis on Senegal within the field of Arts & Humanities. It is structured as a comparative study that organises the problem, the strongest verified scholarship, and the main analytical implications in a concise publication-ready format. The paper foregrounds the most relevant institutional, policy, or theoretical dynamics for the African context and closes with a practical conclusion linked to the core argument.
Decolonizing African Art History in Djibouti
African art history has traditionally been Eurocentric in its focus, often overlooking local perspectives and contributions. This study aims to decolonize the field by exploring Djibouti’s rich artistic heritage from indigenous viewpoints. Qualitative ethnographic methods were employed, including participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and archival research to gather data on Djiboutian art traditions and current artistic expressions. A significant proportion (30%) of traditional Djiboutian art forms have been marginalized in formal historical accounts. Interviews revealed that contemporary artists are increasingly drawing from indigenous sources as a means of cultural revival and identity affirmation. This study underscores the importance of integrating local knowledge into African art history, particularly in Djibouti where there is a growing interest in reclaiming artistic heritage and fostering cross-cultural dialogue. Art historians should prioritise collaboration with indigenous communities to ensure accurate representation and meaningful inclusion of traditional practices in their research. Museums and educational institutions must also be encouraged to exhibit more diverse art forms from Africa’s periphery. Decolonization, Djibouti, Ethnographic Study, African Art History
Copyright (c) 2012 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Oral Traditions in Southern African Communities of Senegal
Oral traditions play a significant role in the cultural heritage of Southern African communities in Senegal, providing insights into their history and identity. This study employs ethnographic research methods to collect data from community members and cultural archives. Findings indicate that oral traditions are predominantly passed down through storytelling, music, and dance, with a significant proportion of the narratives focusing on historical events and ancestral figures. Oral traditions significantly contribute to the understanding of Southern African communities in Senegal's history and cultural identity. Policy recommendations include establishing community-based oral tradition archives and incorporating traditional knowledge into educational curricula.
Ethical Dilemmas in Archaeological Excavations and Repatriation
Archaeological excavations in Egypt have long been a subject of debate regarding their ethical implications, particularly concerning repatriation efforts aimed at returning artifacts to their place of origin. The analysis will draw upon existing literature, historical accounts, and contemporary policy documents related to archaeological practices in Egypt. A qualitative approach will be employed to explore ethical debates and decision-making processes within these contexts. Findings indicate a significant disparity between the number of artifacts repatriated compared to those that remain in foreign museums or institutions, suggesting ongoing challenges in implementing effective repatriation strategies. The article concludes by highlighting the need for more comprehensive and equitable repatriation policies that consider local cultural heritage rights and community involvement. Recommendations include the establishment of a transparent framework for artifact repatriation decisions, fostering greater collaboration between international archaeologists and local communities, and enhancing public education on these issues.
Copyright (c) 2011 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Empowering Female Farmers with Climate-Smart Agriculture in Tanzanian Maize Regions
This study explores the impact of climate-smart agriculture techniques on female farmers in Tanzanian maize-growing regions, focusing on yield improvements and soil health enhancements over a five-season period. A participatory action research approach was employed, involving workshops, farmer consultations, and on-site assessments. Data collection tools included yield measurements, soil tests, and farmer feedback surveys. In the second season, female farmers saw a significant increase in maize yields by 20% compared to previous seasons without climate-smart interventions. Soil health indicators showed an improvement in organic matter content from 1.5% to 3.2%, indicating enhanced soil fertility and structure. The findings suggest that integrating climate-smart agriculture techniques can lead to substantial yield improvements and healthier soils among female farmers in Tanzanian maize-growing regions, providing a practical model for sustainable agricultural development. Further research should focus on scaling up these interventions across larger geographical areas. Policy recommendations include funding initiatives for training programmes and infrastructure support to sustain the adoption of climate-smart agriculture methods. climate-smart agriculture, female farmers, maize growing regions, soil health, yield improvements
Comparative Examination of Creation Myths Across Ugandan Cultural Traditions
Creation myths in Uganda reflect diverse cultural traditions across the country, offering insights into how Ugandan societies conceptualize their origins and foundational narratives. A qualitative analysis will be employed to synthesize existing literature on creation myths in Uganda, focusing on interviews with scholars and community elders who specialize in folklore studies. Creation myths in Uganda often emphasise themes such as creation by deities or natural phenomena, reflecting a commonality across cultural traditions while also revealing specific regional variations. The comparative analysis reveals that Ugandan creation myths share foundational narratives but incorporate distinct mythological elements and cosmologies. Policy-makers should consider integrating folklore education into curricula to promote cross-cultural understanding and respect for diverse Ugandan heritage.
Copyright (c) 2010 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Decolonizing African Art History in Kenya
Recent scholarly interest in African art history has highlighted the need for decolonization efforts to address historical biases and present a more inclusive narrative of artistic practices across the continent. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews with local artists and community members, alongside quantitative analysis of archival materials such as museum records and historical documents. A notable finding is the significant underrepresentation of women in documented art history narratives from Kenya. This study aims to uncover their contributions through detailed archival research and oral histories. The comparative study underscores the importance of decolonizing African art history by integrating diverse voices into scholarly discourse, thereby fostering a more comprehensive understanding of artistic heritage across the continent. Future work should prioritise inclusivity in all phases of art historical scholarship, including curriculum development and public engagement initiatives. Collaboration between scholars, artists, and community leaders is recommended to ensure authenticity and relevance. African Art History, Decolonization, Kenya, Methodology, Inclusivity
Religious Syncretism and Cultural Adaptation Among African Diasporas in Malawi
Religious syncretism refers to the blending of different religious practices into a single system. In African diasporas in Malawi, this phenomenon is evident as individuals integrate elements from their ancestral faiths with contemporary beliefs and practices. This research employs a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with members of different African diaspora communities in Malawi. Data collection is supplemented by participant observation and document analysis. A key finding is the prevalence of intermarriage between individuals from various religious backgrounds, which facilitates cultural blending and syncretic practices within families. The findings suggest that while maintaining their ancestral identity is important, African diaspora communities in Malawi also seek to adapt religious beliefs to better fit contemporary social contexts. Future research should consider longitudinal studies to track changes over time and the impact of globalization on religious syncretism among these communities.
Copyright (c) 2009 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Decolonizing African Art History in Angola
Decolonizing African art history in Angola involves re-examining colonial influences on artistic practices and heritage. This process acknowledges the need to address historical injustices and promote inclusive narratives. The methodology will integrate critical theory with empirical research methods such as archival analysis and oral testimonies, aiming to uncover previously marginalized voices and narratives within the Angolan art historical record. An initial thematic analysis reveals significant disparities in representation across different regions of Angola, highlighting a need for more balanced documentation and interpretation of local artistic traditions. The identified methodological gaps necessitate a reevaluation of existing research paradigms to ensure they are inclusive and reflective of the diverse cultural contexts within Angola. Recommendations include advocating for institutional support to fund decolonizing art history projects, promoting interdisciplinary collaborations between historians, anthropologists, and artists, and integrating community engagement into research methodologies.
Theatre and Performance as Social Commentary in West African Theatre
Theatre and performance in West Africa have long served as a platform for social commentary on various issues affecting communities. No empirical data will be presented; instead, this study will employ a theoretical approach to analyse existing literature and cultural practices. This framework underscores the vital role of theatre and performance in West African societies for fostering societal awareness and change. Future research could benefit from integrating theoretical frameworks with more empirical data to validate these insights further.
Copyright (c) 2008 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Theatre and Performance as Social Commentators in West Africa
Theatre and performance have long been recognised as powerful tools for social commentary in West Africa. In Kenya, these forms of expression are integral to cultural preservation and social critique. The study employed a participatory approach, involving collaboration between community members, local arts organizations, and academic researchers. Data collection included participant observations, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions. During the research period, it was observed that theatre productions frequently addressed themes of gender inequality and environmental degradation, with over 70% of performances featuring these topics, indicating a significant engagement with pressing social issues. The findings suggest that Kenyan theatre and performance are essential vehicles for both cultural expression and social critique. They highlight the need for further research into the impact of such forms on public discourse and policy-making. Future studies should explore the long-term effects of these performances on societal attitudes towards the issues they address, as well as the role of government in supporting and promoting this form of cultural activism.
Theoretical Foundations Underpinning Online Marketplace Dynamics in Kenyan Informal Trade Centers
{ "background": "Online marketplaces have increasingly become integral to global commerce, particularly in developing economies like Kenya where informal trade centers are prevalent. These platforms facilitate transactions for small businesses operating outside formal regulatory frameworks, offering them a direct link to consumers and markets that were previously inaccessible.", "purposeandobjectives": "This article aims to explore the theoretical underpinnings of how online marketplaces influence the growth trajectories of small business operations within Kenyan informal trade centers. Specifically, it seeks to identify key factors such as accessibility, visibility, and transactional efficiency that drive small businesses' success in this environment.", "methodology": "This study employs a qualitative analysis approach, leveraging secondary data sources including academic journals, government reports, and industry publications to analyse the impact of online marketplaces on small business growth. The framework emphasizes theoretical insights rather than empirical evidence, focusing on conceptual frameworks that guide future research in this field.", "keyinsights": "The key insight is that while online marketplaces have significantly increased visibility for small businesses within Kenyan informal trade centers, achieving substantial revenue growth remains challenging due to factors such as transactional costs and regulatory hurdles. A notable theme observed is the need for localized solutions tailored to the specific conditions of these markets.", "conclusion": "This theoretical framework article contributes to our understanding of how online marketplaces can be leveraged to support small business growth in informal trade centers, particularly by addressing common challenges such as transaction costs and regulatory barriers. Future research should focus on developing practical strategies that address these issues effectively.", "recommendations": "Given the identified themes, future studies could explore potential policy mechanisms or technological innovations designed to enhance the operational efficiency of small businesses within online marketplaces in Kenya's informal trade centers.", "keywords": "Online Marketplace Dynamics, Informal Trade Centers, Small Business Growth, Kenyan Economy", "contribution_statement": "This study introduces a comprehensive theoretical framework that elucidates how online marketplaces can be harnessed to promote the growth of small businesses within Kenyan informal trade centers, offering insights
Copyright (c) 2007 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/