Violent Extremism: Risk and resilience in Kenya
In October 2011, the Kenyan government sent troops to Somalia under Operation ‘Linda Nchi‘ (Protect the Country). Aiming to create a security buffer zone, the intervention followed armed attacks and the abduction of foreign nationals in Kenya. However, the country continues to face the threat of armed attacks by extremist groups, particularly in Kenya’s northeast […]
Communicating in Troubled Times: A Conversation on Media and Democracy ahead of the 2017 Elections
The way media interacts with political and civil society actors frames critical moments in the political history of a country, such as contested elections or controversial electoral campaigns. In the wake of Kenya’s 2007 elections and the ensuing crisis, society blamed mainstream media outlets for feeding the violence. A journalist, Joshua Arap Sang, was indicted […]
Community Resilience to Violent Extremism
On 12 August 2016, the Rift Valley Forum hosted the launch of a report by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) on Community Resilience to Violent Extremism. This new report, based on research conducted in collaboration with Sahan Africa, examines how violent extremism is spread through localized conflicts and how extremist groups manipulate grievances to […]
Dadaab: City of Thorns
To charity workers, Dadaab refugee camp is a humanitarian crisis. To the Kenyan government it is an economic burden and a ‘breeding ground for terrorists’. To the Western media, it is a dangerous no-go area. But to its half a million residents seeking sanctuary, it is their last resort. In May, the Kenyan government announced […]
If We Ever Get Out of Here
Many people fleeing conflicts hope that refugee camps would be a temporary home while they await peace and stability to return to their home countries. Unfortunately, many have ended up staying in the camps for decades. On Thursday 1 December 2016, the Rift Valley Forum and the Church of Sweden screened the documentary, If we ever […]
Development and its Discontents: Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa
Over the past decade, African countries have experienced significant economic growth rates. Despite this, most face a myriad of developmental challenges, and public dissatisfaction with how governments are addressing corruption and delivering public services. There is a common perception that government is run for the benefit of the few, rather than all its citizens. On Thursday 17 November 2016, the […]
Daniel Large discusses the information economy
Daniel Large discusses the information economy on the 2005 RVI Sudan Course in Rumbek, Sudan.
Atta al-Battahani explains local & state government
Atta al-Battahani explains local & state government on the RVI Sudan Course 2005 in Rumbek, Sudan.
Gérard Prunier discusses the history of Darfur
Gérard Prunier discusses the history of Darfur on the RVI Sudan Course 2005 in Rumbek, Sudan.
My Mother Will Not Come to Juba Report Launch
In South Sudan, delays in the formulation of a new national constitution have led to growing public concern. My Mother Will Not Come to Juba: South Sudanese Debate the Constitution is the record of a series of public lectures and discussions held at the University of Juba in March 2013. The launch of the report, which is […]