On 12 December 2023, Mathu Joyini, South Africa’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, told the 10th Emergency Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly, that the large-scale Israeli military operation in Gaza, following the 7 October attacks, had ‘illustrated that Israel is acting contrary to its obligations in terms of the Genocide Convention’.
The past months have seen the programme visit three communities where we have not previously been: Middleburg, Montagu and Port Alfred. Their picturesque surroundings belie the problems experienced by residents. In all of the communities, poverty and unemployment loom large over the lives of residents.
The world’s institutions are ill-prepared and inadequately designed to effectively address global challenges such as major power conflict, pandemics, the climate catastrophe, refugee crisis, violent extremism, illicit profiteering from natural resources and the regulation of artificial intelligence systems.
As we approach the end of 2023, the Data for Governance Alliance in Africa (D4GA), of which the IJR is a consortium partner, can look back on a highly productive year.
In Kenya, the prosecution of Pastor Paul Mackenzie, who urged more than 400 followers to fast to death in the Shakahola forest to “meet Jesus”, is underway. MacKenzie faces possible terrorism charges, among others.
As South Africa prepares to commemorate the National Day of Reconciliation on the 16th of December – as well as the hard-won Rugby World Cup holiday – the IJR proudly announces the release of the 2023 South African Reconciliation Barometer survey.
Violence has left a lasting mark on many African countries, revealing the urgent need for effective approaches to healing and rebuilding. With the ongoing conflicts within countries in the SAHEL and west-, southern and east African regions, the scars of history underscore the importance of transitional justice and peacebuilding initiatives. The violence that has affected countries across Africa points towards the need the importance of capacitating communities, on the African Union Transitional Justice Policy (AUTJP).
Mozambique, a country grappling with a persistent insurgency, has become the second case study for the OSISA project, titled "Shifting Narratives on Violent Extremism in Africa." As part of this project, the objective of a recent trip was to delve into community perspectives on the root causes of the insurgency, evaluate current approaches to addressing extremism, and analyse the potential for innovative strategies, including aspects of transitional justice. This article presents the key findings and takeaways from the research conducted in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province.
The recent successful 15th BRICS Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa, has established the foundation for the emergence emergence of a multipolar world order. African countries have been arguing and agitating for a transformation of the multilateral system to reflect the realities of the twenty-first century. There were more than 42 countries officially expressing an interest in joining the BRICS grouping and the recent inclusion of six, Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE), which includes major members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), is an indication that the formation is open to future expansion.
Annually, on August 9th, South Africa joins in unity to commemorate Women's Day. This day holds deep historical and cultural significance, paying tribute to the bravery, resilience, and strength of women across the nation. Beyond its role as a mere public holiday, Women's Day in South Africa stands as a compelling reminder of the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the continuous efforts required to foster an equitable and all-encompassing society.