In June, the Rift Valley Institute will hold the 2020 annual field courses. Now in their seventeenth year, each course examines a different sub-region within eastern and central Africa: Sudan and South Sudan, the Great Lakes and the Horn of Africa. They offer a dawn-to-dusk programme of lectures, seminars, panel discussions and debates. Bringing together new research, fresh analysis, established and emerging experts, the courses consider current political and development challenges in their historical, social and economic context. The courses are designed for diplomats, development practitioners, researchers and the private sector—both those living and working in the region or those about to start. The fee for each course is USD 4,250, payable in advance. If you would like to participate in an RVI field course, you can apply online now. Applications are considered in order of receipt.
Sudan and South Sudan Course
31 May – 6 June
The Sudan and South Sudan course covers all areas of Sudan, South Sudan, and the borderlands between them. It analyses the causes of current conflicts in the Sudans and the prospects for resolution. The 2020 Course will be directed by Alden Young and Nicki Kindersley.
Horn of Africa Course
14-20 June
The Horn of Africa Course examines the Somali-speaking lands, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Djibouti and northern Kenya. It explores the historical and contemporary features that make the Horn the world’s most crisis-ridden region. The 2020 Course will be directed by Michael Woldemariam and Ken Menkhaus.
Great Lakes Course
21-27 June
The Great Lakes Course examines current developments in Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and the DRC, the roots of conflict in the region and the challenges to institutional reform. The course is in English and French, with simultaneous translation. The 2020 Course will be directed by Yolande Bouka and Jason Stearns.
