A project of WARA/WARC
Call for Papers
Peacemaking in West Africa:
Faith Communities and Their Role in Conflict
December 12 -15, 2010
Freetown, Sierra Leone
Spirituality and religious faith have been the stable factors, the central unifying factors in so many African communities. At the same time, they have also been key factors in terrifying division, marking members for ostracism or even death. The power of faith in West Africa may shape family structure, employment, and politics. The faith of a community is even in evidence as we approach it from afar, noting its religiously-inspired architecture. We seek in this international conference to explore the capacity of communities of faith to be part of West African reconciliation efforts. How does this process work? Who are the affiliated actors and which are the affiliated institutions to interact here? Conversely, what paths to destruction are embedded in ties to faith?
WARA/WARC is seeking paper proposals from African scholars, researchers, policyâmakers, and members of civil society on the following themes:
- Historical background of religious leaders in political and social dynamics of conflict in West Africa
- Interaction among various religious communities, including indigenous African religions
- Contemporary roles of religious leadership in consolidating peace
Proposals should be submitted via email to faithfreetown@gmail.com and should consist of
- A oneâpage abstract of the proposed conference presentation
- A twoâpage resume or CV
The deadline for receipt of applications is July 15, 2010. Applications received after that date will not be considered. Notification of acceptance will be made by mid-August. Those selected will be expected to submit a final draft of their presentation by December 1.
We will select 20 applications from African nationals working in West African institutions, and 10 from elsewhere.
-For the 20 candidates selected from West African institutions, the conference will cover all travel, as well as all local costs (transportation, lodging, and meals) for the duration of the conference.
– Other participants will be responsible for their travel, but once in Freetown, the conference will cover all local costs (transportation, lodging and meals) for the duration of the conference.
-All conference participants are expected to become members of WARA (dues to be paid on site).
-Observers will be required to pay a registration fee of $125 (or equivalent in Leones) and will be accomodated on a firstâcome, firstâserved basis.
-A number of leading African peacemakers are expected to attend and provide their contributions.
Conference academic coordinators:
Steve Howard
Director, African Studies and Institute for the African Child, Professor, Department of History, Ohio University
Penda Mbow
Professor, Media Arts and Studies Universite Cheikh Anta Diop
President, Mouvement Citoyen
Peace Project Coordinator
For more information, please contact Peace Project Coordinator, Henri-Pierre Koubaka, at koubaka@gmail.com