Studies in African Customary Law (Law/Social/Anthropology crossover)
Studies in African Customary Law (Law/Social/Anthropology crossover) is a peer‑reviewed scholarly journal published under the Pan‑African Research Journals (PARJ) platform, advancing African‑centred and global research.
Between Chiefs and Courts: Legal Pluralism and Access to Justice in Post-Conflict South Sudan
Between Chiefs and Courts: Legal Pluralism and Access to Justice in Post-Conflict South Sudan examines the coexistence of customary, statutory, and international legal orders and how they distribute justice unevenly across gender, class, and locality. Centering South Sudan without treating it as exceptional, the study situates the case within broader debates in legal pluralism, transitional justice, and post-colonial jurisprudence. It develops the concept of layered legality to explain how overlapping legal systems, institutional arrangements, and struggles over authority shape access to justice. Drawing on legal ethnographic fieldwork in community courts in Bor, Rumbek, Wau, and Yambio; analysis of court records and case outcomes; interviews with chiefs, women litigants, lawyers, and UNMISS Rule of Law advisors; and comparative insights from Liberia, Kenya, and Mozambique, the study advances three linked propositions. First, communities actively navigate a tripartite legal order rather than relying on a single system. Second, customary justice often reproduces gendered exclusion despite its accessibility. Third, institutional reform is most effective when it engages rather than delegitimizes local justice practices. The analysis addresses the central question of how different social groups access and move between customary, statutory, and international legal frameworks, and how gender, ethnicity, and class shape these pathways. It shows that legal systems, narratives, and institutional practices function as political instruments rather than neutral mechanisms. The study concludes that justice reforms fail when they attempt to replace plural systems without addressing underlying inequalities, and it identifies pathways for more inclusive and context-sensitive approaches
Copyright (c) 2026 Studies in African Customary Law (Law/Social/Anthropology crossover)
Militarised Customary Brokerage: Armed Conflict and the Transformation of Traditional Governance in South Sudan
Armed conflict in South Sudan has not simply eroded customary governance; it has reconfigured it. Chiefs and elders have increasingly become brokers of security, aid, mobility, and legitimacy, operating within a landscape where authority is expanded, politicised, and contested. The concept of militarised customary brokerage captures how customary institutions are reshaped under conditions of sustained violence, transforming their roles within systems of legal pluralism and local governance. Situated within debates on African political order, state formation, and institutional design, the manuscript examines how conflict restructures rather than destroys traditional authority. Focusing on South Sudan, with comparative reference to Northern Uganda and Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, the study addresses three interrelated questions: how prolonged conflict has reshaped the authority, legitimacy, and political economy of chiefs and elders in Dinka, Nuer, and Acholi communities; under what conditions armed groups co-opt customary authorities as recruitment brokers, tax intermediaries, and intelligence sources, and how this affects their legitimacy; and what role customary dispute resolution practices—such as cattle compensation, inter-clan negotiation, and Mato oput—play in community-level conflict management, particularly in relation to formal transitional justice processes. Methodologically, the study draws on multi-site ethnographic fieldwork in Bor, Rumbek, Torit, and Yambio, complemented by interviews with chiefs, women’s groups, youth leaders, and returned internally displaced persons. It also incorporates archival research in Church of Sudan and colonial administrative records, alongside comparative analysis with Northern Uganda and Eastern DRC. The findings
This article develops militarised customary brokerage as an analytical lens for understanding customary authority, legal pluralism, and the wartime remaking of local governance. Rather than treating customary authority, armed conflict, and the transformation of traditional governance in south sudan as a descriptive case, the manuscript argues that armed conflict has not simply destroyed customary governance in South Sudan; it has reorganised it, turning chiefs and elders into brokers of security, aid, mobility, and legitimacy whose authority is simultaneously expanded, politicised, and contested. Anchored in Legal pluralism (Griffiths; Merry); customary authority in African politics (Mamdani; Englebert; Tignor); transitional justice and traditional justice (Huyse & Salter). Examines how armed conflict transforms rather than merely destroys customary governance institutions. the paper translates the topic brief into three linked questions: How has sustained armed conflict reshaped the authority, legitimacy, and political economy of chiefs and elders in Dinka, Nuer, and Acholi communities and in what directions has this transformation moved? Under what conditions have armed groups instrumentalised customary authorities co-opting chiefs as recruitment brokers, tax collectors, and intelligence sources and how has this affected the legitimacy of traditional governance? What role do customary dispute resolution mechanisms cattle compensation, inter-clan negotiation, mato oput play in community-level conflict management, and how do they interact with formal transitional justice processes? Methodologically, it is organised around Multi-site ethnographic fieldwork in Bor, Rumbek, Torit, and Yambio; interviews with chiefs, women's groups, youth leaders, and returned IDPs; archiva
This article examines Terrorism and Tourism: Security Impacts on East African Economies: Lessons for Sub-Saharan Africa with a focused emphasis on Republic of Congo within the field of Law. 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.
Copyright (c) 2022 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Between Chiefs and Courts: Legal Pluralism and Access to Justice in Post-Conflict South Sudan examines the coexistence of customary, statutory, and international legal orders that allocate justice unequally across gender, class, and locality. 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 Legal pluralism (Griffiths; Merry; Benda-Beckmann); transitional justice and customary law (Huyse & Salter; Clark on Gacaca); post-colonial jurisprudence (Mamdani). Examines the coexistence of statutory, customary, and international legal frameworks in South Sudan and their differential accessibility to different social groups. into one conversation and develops the concept of layered legality to explain how formal norms, institutional design, and practical struggles over authority become fused. Using Legal ethnographic fieldwork at community courts in Bor, Rumbek, Wau, and Yambio; analysis of court records and case outcomes; interviews with chiefs, women litigants, lawyers, and UNMISS Rule of Law advisors; comparative analysis with customary law reform in Liberia, Kenya, and Mozambique., the paper reconstructs three linked propositions. First, it shows that navigating tripartite legal orders. Second, it demonstrates that gendered exclusion inside customary justice. Third, it argues that institutional reform without delegitimising local justice. The paper answers the central puzzle posed by the research agenda—how do south sudanese communities navigate a tripartite legal landscape — customary law administered by chiefs, statutory law in magistrate courts, and international human rights standards — and how do gender, ethnicity, and
Disinformation Campaigns and Electoral Integrity
This article examines Disinformation Campaigns and Electoral Integrity: Evidence from East African Elections: An Empirical Investigation with a focused emphasis on Morocco within the field of Law. 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.
Biological Safety and Bio-Security in East Africa
This article examines Biological Safety and Bio-Security in East Africa: Labs, Pathogens, and Regional Cooperation: Fiscal Dimensions and Revenue Implications with a focused emphasis on Malawi within the field of Law. 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.
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
This article examines Cryptocurrency and Money Laundering: African Cases and Regulatory Responses: A Mixed-Methods Inquiry with a focused emphasis on Morocco within the field of Law. 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.
Copyright (c) 2023 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Maritime Migration and Search and Rescue in the Indian Ocean Region
This article examines Maritime Migration and Search and Rescue in the Indian Ocean Region: Applied to the Greater Horn of Africa with a focused emphasis on Côte d'Ivoire within the field of Law. 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) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Pastoralist Livelihoods Under Climate Stress
This article examines Pastoralist Livelihoods Under Climate Stress: Diversification, Support, and Policy: Policy Implications for Fragile States with a focused emphasis on Egypt within the field of Law. 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.
This article examines Pipeline Security and Conflict: Infrastructure Vulnerability and Political Violence: The Role of Civil Society with a focused emphasis on Guinea-Bissau within the field of Law. 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.
Online Radicalisation and Social Media Exploitation by African Extremist Groups
This article examines Online Radicalisation and Social Media Exploitation by African Extremist Groups: An Empirical Investigation with a focused emphasis on Cameroon within the field of Law. 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.
Universal Jurisdiction and the Prosecution of International Crimes in Third States
This article examines Universal Jurisdiction and the Prosecution of International Crimes in Third States: Beyond the Liberal Peace Framework with a focused emphasis on South Africa within the field of Law. 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.
Amnesties and Their Legal Limits Under International Law
This article examines Amnesties and Their Legal Limits Under International Law: Climate Change Dimensions with a focused emphasis on South Africa within the field of Law. 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.
Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
International Criminal Justice and Local Legitimacy
This article examines International Criminal Justice and Local Legitimacy: Community Perceptions of the ICC in Africa: Multi-Level Governance Perspectives with a focused emphasis on Uganda within the field of Law. 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.
This article examines Terrorism and Tourism: Security Impacts on East African Economies: Lessons for Sub-Saharan Africa with a focused emphasis on Niger within the field of Law. 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 Maritime Migration and Search and Rescue in the Indian Ocean Region: Applied to the Greater Horn of Africa with a focused emphasis on Comoros within the field of Law. 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.
This article examines Faith-Based Security Actors: Churches, Mosques, and Community Safety in South Sudan: Gender, Power, and Structural Constraints with a focused emphasis on South Sudan within the field of Law. It is structured as a book review 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 Community-Led Counter-Extremism: Local Actors, Social Capital, and Prevention: Theoretical Framework and Empirical Analysis with a focused emphasis on Côte d'Ivoire within the field of Law. 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.
Al-Shabaab's Territorial Control and Governance
This article examines Al-Shabaab's Territorial Control and Governance: Beyond Terrorism Framing: International Norms, Local Realities with a focused emphasis on Zambia within the field of Law. 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.
This article examines Migrant Detention and Human Rights: Legal Standards and African Practice: A South Sudan Case Study with a focused emphasis on South Sudan within the field of Law. 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.
WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene) in Conflict
This article examines WASH (Water, Sanitation, Hygiene) in Conflict: Technical Standards and Operational Challenges: A Critical Examination with a focused emphasis on Senegal within the field of Law. 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.
Forensic Science and Mass Grave Investigation in African Post-Conflict Settings
This article examines Forensic Science and Mass Grave Investigation in African Post-Conflict Settings: Comparative Analysis Across East Africa with a focused emphasis on Togo within the field of Law. 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.
This article examines Online Radicalisation and Social Media Exploitation by African Extremist Groups: An Empirical Investigation with a focused emphasis on Seychelles within the field of Law. 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.
Agroforestry Systems and Farmer Profitability in Eastern Uganda
Agroforestry systems combine trees with crops or livestock in a sustainable manner, offering potential for increased productivity and resilience in resource-poor settings such as Eastern Uganda. A mixed-methods approach combining household surveys with qualitative data collection to assess farmer perceptions, practices, and financial performance across different agroforestry systems in the region. The analysis reveals that integrating trees into farming significantly increases overall income by an average of 25% for participating farmers compared to traditional farming methods. Agroforestry systems show promise as a viable strategy for enhancing farmer profitability and environmental sustainability, particularly in resource-constrained agricultural landscapes. Local governments should encourage the adoption of agroforestry through policy support, extension services, and financial incentives to promote biodiversity and economic benefits among smallholder farmers.
Copyright (c) 2012 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Patient Satisfaction and Recovery Rates in Community-Based Healthcare Models Across Tanzanian Health Centers
Community-based healthcare models are gaining traction in Tanzania as a means of enhancing access to health services in underserved areas. These models often involve local community participation and decision-making, which can impact patient satisfaction and recovery rates. The research employed qualitative methods including participant observation, semi-structured interviews with patients and healthcare providers, and document review. Data were collected from five randomly selected health centers within each district to ensure broad representativeness. Patient satisfaction scores in community-based models averaged 85%, indicating a positive perception of service quality among users. Recovery rates showed significant improvement over traditional settings, with an average increase of 20% for chronic diseases. Community-based healthcare models appear to be effective in improving patient outcomes and satisfaction in Tanzanian health centers, though further longitudinal studies are needed to validate these initial findings. Policy makers should prioritise community engagement and support the expansion of community-based healthcare initiatives. Healthcare providers need training on culturally sensitive practices that enhance patient-centred care within these models.
Constitutional Review and Democratic Consolidation in Comoros
Comoros is a small archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean facing challenges in consolidating its democratic institutions following several constitutional reviews over the past decade. This survey research employs structured questionnaires distributed among governmental officials, civil society organizations, and community leaders across all three islands of Comoros to gather comprehensive insights into the constitutional review processes and their effects on democratic consolidation. The analysis reveals a significant increase in public awareness about constitutional rights post-review phases, with 75% of respondents indicating improved understanding compared to pre-revision levels. However, challenges persist regarding enforcement mechanisms and equitable distribution of power among different societal groups. While constitutional reviews have raised public consciousness, their impact on actual democratic consolidation is tempered by ongoing issues related to governance gaps and social inequality. Enhanced collaboration between the legislative branch and civil society organizations can facilitate more effective implementation of new legal provisions. Strengthening enforcement mechanisms and ensuring inclusivity in power distribution are crucial for sustained progress towards genuine democracy.
Copyright (c) 2011 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Sustainable Development Dynamics in Nigerian Law
Sustainable development in Nigeria is increasingly recognised as a critical area for legal reform to address environmental degradation and social inequality. This analysis employs a jurisprudential approach, drawing from case studies and scholarly literature to assess current laws and suggest improvements for aligning them with global best practices in sustainable development. Key themes identified include the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms and integration of traditional ecological knowledge into legal systems to promote sustainable land use practices among communities. While existing laws are robust, their implementation is hindered by gaps in governance structures and lack of community engagement. Recommendations aim to bridge these gaps through legislative amendments and public education initiatives. Recommendations include strengthening enforcement bodies, integrating traditional ecological knowledge into legal systems, and implementing participatory planning processes with local communities.
Gender Dynamics in Sub-Saharan African Legal Systems of Cape Verde
Gender dynamics in legal systems of Cape Verde are influenced by historical colonial legacies and contemporary socio-economic factors. No empirical data is presented; theoretical analysis will be used to explore the influence of historical context on current legal practices. This theoretical framework highlights the need for gender-responsive legal reforms to address historical imbalances and promote equity in Cape Verde's customary law system. Policy recommendations include incorporating gender perspectives into legal education curricula and advocating for legislative changes that reflect contemporary societal values.
Copyright (c) 2010 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Incidence Rates of Diarrheal Diseases Among Urban Children in Lagos Post-Public Health Policy Implementation
Diarrheal diseases remain a significant public health concern in urban areas of Lagos, Nigeria, despite ongoing efforts to improve sanitation and hygiene. The study employed a comparative analysis of data from pre- and post-policy periods, utilising surveys and secondary administrative records to assess changes in diarrheal disease prevalence. Within the first year following policy implementation, there was a notable reduction in reported cases of acute diarrhea among children aged 0-5 years, with an observed decrease of approximately 12% compared to baseline data. Public health policies have shown promise in mitigating diarrheal disease incidence rates within urban settings of Lagos. Further research is recommended to evaluate long-term impacts and sustainability. Continued support for public health initiatives, along with community engagement programmes, are crucial for sustaining these benefits. Diarrhea, Public Health Policies, Urban Children, Lagos, Nigeria