Countries & Continents

Conflict in Chad has internal, regional, and international dimensions, and it is inextricably linked with the ongoing conflict in Darfur. The Institute has focused on Chad as part of its work on Sudan and its neighbors. In October 2008, the Institute co-sponsored a multi-stakeholders consultation on Chad.

Nigeria faces a series of critical challenges. Elections are looming for the spring of 2011 and this always generates severe tensions.  Pressure will be on the electoral commission and other officials to conduct more credible elections than most previous elections.  While violence in the Niger Delta subsided temporarily after an amnesty was declared for rebels in 2009, kidnapping and sabotage of oil installations are on the rise again. The amnesty process suffered several serious shortcomings. Violent conflict between Christians and Muslims in northern Nigeria, and particularly in Plateau State and Bauchi, seems to allude containment.

The Institute's engagement in Zimbabwe aims to document the efforts and roles of the key civil society groups in Zimbabwe and the region that are working to promote a negotiated solution to the crisis; support civil society efforts to resolve the crisis; and work with regional and diaspora groups to prevent or reduce conflict caused by the growing number of Zimbabwean refugees.