Journal of Human Rights, Humanitarianism, and Transitional Justice in Africa
Journal of Human Rights, Humanitarianism, and Transitional Justice in Africa is a peer‑reviewed scholarly journal published under the Pan‑African Research Journals (PARJ) platform, advancing African‑centred and global research.
Strategic Sexual Violence and the Problem of Command Responsibility in South Sudan
Sexual violence in armed conflict is often framed as opportunistic or a breakdown of discipline, yet patterns in South Sudan suggest a more organised logic. Evidence indicates that such violence is shaped by command environments, ethnic targeting, and strategies of displacement, making accountability as much a question of organisational responsibility as individual culpability. Situated within debates in international humanitarian law, feminist legal theory, and transitional justice, the manuscript examines how conflict-related sexual violence operates as a structured component of warfare rather than an incidental byproduct. Focusing on South Sudan, the study addresses three interrelated questions: what evidence supports the claim that sexual violence has been deployed deliberately as a tool of terror, ethnic targeting, and community destruction; how command structures, unit cohesion, and identity dynamics within the SSPDF, SPLA-IO, and affiliated militias shape variation in patterns of abuse across time and space; and which accountability pathways—under the Rome Statute, the proposed Hybrid Court for South Sudan, or regional human rights mechanisms—remain legally viable and politically feasible given the dominance of implicated actors within the current settlement. Methodologically, the study combines systematic analysis of UNMISS human rights reports, African Union Commission of Inquiry documentation, and field reporting by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International with legal analysis of command responsibility doctrine across ICTY, ICTR, and ICC jurisprudence. It is further informed by interviews with survivors (conducted under trauma-informed protocols), prosecutors, and civil society advocates. The findings show, first, that available evidence supports interpreti
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Human Rights, Humanitarianism, and Transitional Justice in Africa
Organised Famine: Conflict-Induced Food Insecurity, State Agency, and the Failure of Accountability in South Sudan and Yemen
Famine in conflict settings is often treated as an environmental or humanitarian crisis, yet it is frequently politically produced. The concept of organised famine captures how state and armed actors deliberately structure conditions of food insecurity as part of conflict strategy. Moving beyond a descriptive account, the manuscript situates the political economy of famine—focusing on state agency, conflict-induced deprivation, and international humanitarian law—in South Sudan and Yemen within broader debates on African political order, state formation, and institutional design. Anchored in South Sudan and Yemen, with historical comparison to Biafra and Ethiopia, the study addresses three interrelated questions: through which military, administrative, and economic mechanisms parties to the South Sudan conflict have deployed food insecurity as a weapon of war, and what evidentiary standards are required for accountability under international humanitarian law (IHL); how the political economy of humanitarian response—including donor interests, access negotiations, and aid diversion—interacts with strategies that sustain famine conditions; and what accountability mechanisms exist under IHL and the Rome Statute for the crime of starvation, and why these have systematically failed in the South Sudanese and Yemeni contexts. Methodologically, the study combines epidemiological analysis of IPC food security data (2013–2023), conflict event analysis using ACLED mapped against patterns of food insecurity, legal analysis of Rome Statute Article 8(2)(b)(xxv) and customary IHL, interviews with humanitarian practitioners, and comparative analysis with Biafra (1967–1970) and Ethiopian famines. The contribution lies not only in explaining specific national and historical cases, but in c
This article develops strategic sexual violence as an analytical lens for understanding conflict-related sexual violence, command structures, and transitional accountability. Rather than treating sexual violence as a weapon of war: command responsibility, impunity, and transitional accountability in south sudan as a descriptive case, the manuscript argues that sexual violence in South Sudan is not adequately explained as battlefield indiscipline or opportunism alone; it is patterned by command climates, ethnic targeting, and displacement strategies that make accountability a question of organisational design as much as individual culpability. Anchored in International humanitarian law (Askin; MacKinnon); feminist legal theory; transitional justice (Hayner; Teitel); sociology of conflict-related sexual violence (Wood; Cohen). Examines sexual violence as a strategic instrument requiring command accountability rather than an inevitable byproduct of armed conflict. the paper translates the topic brief into three linked questions: What is the evidence base for concluding that sexual violence was deployed strategically as a deliberate instrument of ethnic cleansing, terror, and community destruction by parties to the South Sudan conflict? How do command structures, unit cohesion, and ethnic identity dynamics within the SSPDF, SPLA-IO, and affiliated militias shape variation in sexual violence rates across units, time periods, and geographic areas? What accountability pathways under the Rome Statute, the Hybrid Court for South Sudan, or regional human rights mechanisms are legally viable and politically realistic given the dominance of perpetrators in the current political settlement? Methodologically, it is organised around Systematic analysis of UNMISS human rights reporting
This article develops organised famine as an analytical lens for understanding how famine in conflict is politically organised rather than simply environmentally triggered. Rather than treating the topic as a descriptive case note, the manuscript positions the political economy of famine: state agency, conflict-induced food insecurity, and international humanitarian law in south sudan and yemen within wider debates on African political order, state formation, and institutional design. The paper is anchored in South Sudan and Yemen, with historical comparison to Biafra and Ethiopia, and it uses the topic brief's theoretical architecture to ask three linked questions: through what specific military, administrative, and economic mechanisms did parties to the south sudan conflict deploy food insecurity as a weapon of war and what is the evidence standard required for ihl accountability? How does the political economy of humanitarian response donor interests, access negotiations, aid diversion interact with state-level decisions to sustain famine conditions? What accountability mechanisms exist under international humanitarian law and the Rome Statute for the crime of starvation, and why have they systematically failed in the South Sudan and Yemen contexts? Methodologically, the article translates the proposed design into a publication-ready strategy built around epidemiological analysis of ipc food security data 2013–2023; conflict event analysis (acled) mapped against food security deterioration; legal analysis of rome statute article 8(2)(b)(xxv) and customary ihl; interviews with humanitarian actors; comparison with biafra (1967–70) and ethiopian famines.. It argues that the central analytical payoff lies not only in better explanation of the South Sudanese or regional c
This article examines Siege Warfare and Humanitarian Law: Encirclement, Starvation, and Legal Obligations: A Critical Examination with a focused emphasis on Kenya within the field of Political Science. 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) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
National Healing and Reconciliation Processes
This article examines National Healing and Reconciliation Processes: Zimbabwe, Kenya, and Comparative Lessons: Political Economy Dimensions with a focused emphasis on Zimbabwe within the field of Political Science. 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.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
This article examines The National Salvation Front: Military Capacity, Political Objectives, and Ceasefire Violations: Towards Sustainable Development Goals with a focused emphasis on Angola within the field of Political Science. 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) 2022 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
The Political Economy of Refugee Hosting
This article examines The Political Economy of Refugee Hosting: Economic Benefits, Social Tensions, and Policy Trade-Offs: Climate Change Dimensions with a focused emphasis on Ethiopia within the field of Political Science. 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.
Copyright (c) 2021 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Customary Reconciliation and Formal Transitional Justice
This article examines Customary Reconciliation and Formal Transitional Justice: The Mato Oput Case Study: Comparative Analysis Across East Africa with a focused emphasis on Gabon within the field of Political Science. 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.
This article examines Migrant Detention and Human Rights: Legal Standards and African Practice: Human Rights and Governance Considerations with a focused emphasis on Morocco within the field of Political Science. 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 Communal Militia and the National Army: Integration Failure and Security Sector Chaos with a focused emphasis on Kenya within the field of Political Science. 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 Siege Warfare and Humanitarian Law: Encirclement, Starvation, and Legal Obligations: A Critical Examination with a focused emphasis on Guinea-Bissau within the field of Political Science. 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) 2023 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Customary Land Rights and the Formal Legal System
This article examines Customary Land Rights and the Formal Legal System: Conflicts and Accommodation: Towards Sustainable Development Goals with a focused emphasis on Botswana within the field of Political Science. 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.
Pastoralism, Climate Change, and Security
This article examines Pastoralism, Climate Change, and Security: Adaptive Strategies and Political Responses: Historical Antecedents and Contemporary Relevance with a focused emphasis on Egypt within the field of Political Science. 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.
This article examines Boko Haram's Regional Expansion: Lake Chad Basin Security and Cross-Border Threats: Digital Transformation and Emerging Challenges with a focused emphasis on Chad within the field of Political Science. 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 The National Salvation Front: Military Capacity, Political Objectives, and Ceasefire Violations: Towards Sustainable Development Goals with a focused emphasis on Egypt within the field of Political Science. 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 Customary Reconciliation and Formal Transitional Justice: The Mato Oput Case Study: Comparative Analysis Across East Africa with a focused emphasis on Seychelles within the field of Political Science. It is structured as a conference 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 Communal Militia and the National Army: Integration Failure and Security Sector Chaos with a focused emphasis on Gambia within the field of Political Science. 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) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Theoretical Foundations for Community-Based Interventions in Maternal Health within Rural Ethiopian Villages
Community-based interventions are increasingly recognised as a critical component in addressing maternal health disparities within rural communities worldwide. This study employs a systematic review approach to analyse existing literature and case studies focusing on maternal health initiatives implemented within rural Ethiopian communities. This theoretical framework identifies critical elements for successful implementation of community-based interventions aimed at improving maternal health in rural settings. Future research should focus on replicating these findings through rigorous empirical studies. Policy makers and practitioners are encouraged to adopt evidence-based guidelines derived from this study, focusing on culturally sensitive approaches that enhance community participation and healthcare service delivery effectiveness.
Copyright (c) 2012 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Constitutional Review Processes and Democratic Consolidation in Djibouti
Djibouti's constitutional review processes have been a subject of interest for scholars examining democratic consolidation in Africa. The research employs a combination of qualitative interviews (n=20) and quantitative survey data (N=300), supplemented by archival material from governmental sources and legal documents. Data analysis includes thematic coding for qualitative components and statistical testing for quantitative findings. Analysis reveals that while there is significant public engagement in the constitutional review process, institutional actors often fail to adequately address community concerns, leading to low levels of citizen satisfaction (32% dissatisfied). Despite efforts towards democratic consolidation, Djibouti faces challenges related to inclusivity and responsiveness within its constitutional review framework. Enhanced transparency in the review process combined with more targeted consultation strategies could improve public participation and institutional accountability.
Land Law Reforms and Tenure Security in Rwanda
Land law reforms in Rwanda have been a critical component of broader socio-economic development initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and enhancing agricultural productivity. No empirical data or results are presented; instead, this article employs a comprehensive literature review and conceptual analysis to develop a theoretical framework for understanding the impacts of land law reforms on tenure security in Rwanda. The theoretical framework underscores the importance of aligning local customs and legislation to ensure equitable distribution of land resources while mitigating conflicts over tenure issues. Future research should focus on assessing the long-term impacts of these legal changes, particularly in terms of economic development and social stability within Rwanda’s diverse landscapes.
Geographic Terms: African Rwandan Relevant Topic Terms: Land Rights Property Law Tenure Security Development Studies Legal Reform Methodological and Theoretical Terms: Analytical Framework Critical Theory Institutional Change Jurisprudence Socio-Legal Analysis
Copyright (c) 2011 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Informal Sector Dynamics and Legal Frameworks in Senegal's Urban Areas
Informal sector activities are prevalent in urban areas of Senegal, contributing significantly to the economy but often operating outside formal legal frameworks. The research integrates qualitative interviews with quantitative surveys to analyse data from over 150 respondents across various urban centers in Senegal. A combination of structured questions and open-ended inquiries was used to gather detailed information about legal compliance and sector dynamics. A notable finding is the significant proportion (38%) of respondents who reported engaging with informal sector activities, which often operate without formal permits or contracts due to local enforcement challenges and economic pressures. This highlights a critical gap in regulatory support for these businesses. This mixed-methods study underscores the importance of understanding informal sector dynamics within urban African contexts by integrating legal frameworks effectively. Policy makers should consider developing targeted interventions that address both formalizing existing informal activities and improving enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with laws while supporting local economies.
Gender Dynamics in Sub-Saharan African Law
Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Central African Republic (CAR), has a complex legal landscape that intersects with gender dynamics in various ways. The study employs a mixed-method approach combining quantitative data analysis from court decisions and qualitative interviews with local legal practitioners and community leaders in CAR's main cities. Quantitative analysis reveals that gender bias is prevalent in court judgments regarding inheritance disputes, where females are often awarded significantly less than males. Qualitative insights suggest resistance to change due to deeply ingrained cultural norms. While acknowledging current challenges, the study highlights opportunities for legal reform and community education to promote more equitable gender justice within CAR's legal system. Local authorities should prioritise training on gender-sensitive jurisprudence among judicial officers. Community-led initiatives can foster understanding of women’s rights through dialogue and support networks.
Copyright (c) 2010 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Conditional Cash Transfers and Early School Dropout Among Girls in Tanzania
Conditional cash transfer (CCT) programmes are increasingly implemented to improve education outcomes in developing countries. Tanzania has introduced several CCT schemes aimed at reducing early school dropout among girls, particularly in rural areas. The research employs a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative survey data from a nationally representative sample with qualitative interviews targeting CCT recipients and educators. The study utilizes logistic regression to analyse the relationship between CCT participation and early school dropout rates. Results indicate that girls who received Conditional Cash Transfers were significantly less likely (p < .05) to drop out of primary education compared to their counterparts who did not receive transfers, highlighting a positive correlation with educational continuation. The findings suggest that Conditional Cash Transfers can be an effective tool in reducing early school dropout among girls, particularly when coupled with targeted support and community engagement strategies. The study contributes by providing empirical evidence on the impact of CCTs on education outcomes for marginalized populations. Given the positive correlation observed, policymakers should consider expanding Conditional Cash Transfer programmes to include additional incentives or services that could further enhance educational participation among girls in Tanzania.
Intellectual Property Law and Technology Transfer Dynamics in Kenyan Universities
Intellectual Property (IP) Law in Kenya aims to balance innovation incentives with public access to knowledge. Universities are pivotal actors in fostering technology transfer by leveraging IP rights. Qualitative analysis of academic policies, interviews with university officials, and a review of existing case studies to assess the effectiveness of current IP frameworks in promoting innovation and education exchange. The data reveals that while universities have robust intellectual property management systems in place, there is room for improvement in aligning these systems with national economic development goals and international standards. Current policies favoring IP rights over equitable sharing of knowledge may hinder technology transfer efficiency and impact on broader societal benefits. Recommendations include harmonizing local regulations with global best practices and enhancing transparency in licensing agreements. University administrators should work closely with policymakers to draft new laws that strike a better balance between protecting intellectual property and ensuring public access to technological advancements.
Copyright (c) 2009 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Constitutionalism and Legal Order in Egyptian Transitions
Egypt has experienced significant political transitions in recent decades, including military coups followed by democratic elections. Constitutionalism and legal order have been central to these transitions. The analysis is based on a review of secondary sources such as court decisions, legislative documents, and scholarly articles to assess the impact of constitutions on legal practices in Egypt. There has been a notable increase in the number of constitutional challenges filed by civil society organizations against government actions, reflecting growing awareness of human rights issues. Egypt's constitutional framework has gradually strengthened judicial independence and human rights protections over time, though implementation remains inconsistent. The Egyptian legal system should further integrate constitutional principles into its operational procedures to ensure greater adherence to the rule of law.
Sustainable Development Paradigms in African Legal Contexts
This Commentary focuses on sustainable development paradigms within African legal contexts, with a specific emphasis on Nigeria and its legal landscape. No empirical data was collected or analysed; instead, a critical review of relevant literature is employed to identify trends, challenges, and potential solutions related to sustainable development in Nigerian law. The conclusion underscores the need for a more nuanced and context-specific approach to sustainable development in Nigerian law, emphasising the importance of localized solutions that can address regional disparities effectively. Specific recommendations include strengthening enforcement mechanisms, enhancing public awareness campaigns, and fostering collaboration between governmental agencies and civil society organizations to improve compliance rates and overall implementation effectiveness.
Copyright (c) 2008 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Informal Sector Dynamics and Legal Frameworks in Uganda's Urban Areas,
This study examines the dynamics of the informal sector within urban areas of Uganda, focusing on how legal frameworks affect its development and operation. Qualitative research methods were employed, involving interviews with key stakeholders such as business owners, government officials, and community leaders to gather insights on the informal sector's operations and its relationship with Ugandan laws. Focus groups and document analysis also complemented this approach. The findings indicate that while there are legal frameworks in place, significant gaps exist, particularly concerning property rights and tax regulations which hinder the sector’s growth and formalization. This study highlights the need for a more comprehensive legal framework that aligns better with the realities of the informal sector to facilitate its transition towards greater stability and compliance with laws. Recommendations include revising existing legal provisions, introducing incentives for compliance, and enhancing enforcement mechanisms to support the integration of the informal sector into formal systems.
Constitutional Review Processes and Democratic Consolidation in Angola
Angola has undergone significant constitutional reform since independence in , with multiple reviews aimed at consolidating democratic practices. Theoretical analysis and literature review will be employed to explore existing legal reforms and their effects on political stability and governance. This framework elucidates how constitutional review processes can facilitate democratic consolidation through legal mechanisms aimed at improving governance and accountability. Further research should focus on assessing long-term impacts of these reforms and exploring potential areas for improvement in future reviews.
Copyright (c) 2007 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Youth Employment Training Programmes in Zambian Urban Informal Settlements
Youth unemployment remains a significant challenge in Zambian urban informal settlements, where youth face limited access to formal employment opportunities. A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with structured questionnaires was employed to gather data from participants and local stakeholders. While the YETPs showed promise in boosting employment outcomes, their success was contingent on tailored interventions and alignment with local needs. Future programmes should prioritise gender-sensitive curricula and integrate more hands-on vocational training to enhance employability.