CALL FOR ABSTRACTS African-centred Solutions in Peace and Security (AfSol) The Institute for Peace and Security Studies (IPSS) of Addis Ababa University is pleased to announce the call for abstracts for the 2nd workshop on African-centred Solutions in Peace and Security. The workshop will be held on 6 - 7 March 2015 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Theme of the workshop The main objective of this second AfSol workshop is to advance the development of AfSol as “a strategy in action” based on the conviction of pan-African philosophy, African ownership and leadership” (First AfSol Workshop report). This second workshop aims to establish AfSol as a well-defined conceptual framework, which can provide analytical tools for policy implementation. It will build upon the consensus that was reached by the experts in the first workshop, from 26-27 September 2014, which entails three important pillars of AfSol, namely, commitment, ownership and shared values (go to http://www.ipss-addis.org/ for full report). The first workshop established that the African public is not a static being but a progressive and evolving one. Africans should not only discuss the past and present but also shape their future by actively debating and constructing a common vision indicting who we are and what we want to achieve. Vision 2063 of the African Union (AU), reflects and pursues this “through a people-driven process for the realization of the vision of the AU for an integrated, people-centred, prosperous Africa, at peace with itself”. To achieve this vision, capacity building of African citizenry and institutions grounded in principles of ownership, commitment and shared values is crucial. Therefore, this workshop aims to explore and synthesize cases of intervention, which reflect these principles. We welcome abstracts in English and French. The selection of cases will be guided by the following parameters: 1. Cases of intervention in the context of South Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Burkina Faso or Mali: Please follow the link (Case Synopsis) to read the synopsis on each case study to understand the focus area of this research project clearly. However, cases from other African countries are also welcome. 2. Cases of intervention at the formal level (African Union, RECs and national official entities), and citizen-driven or civil society interventions: We are particularly interested in the synthesis and thick analysis of unique African elements of such interventions- ‘what social, cultural and political factors influenced them, what contributed to their success or what seemed to hinder them?’ Ultimately, we aim to gather crosscutting themes that would inform policy-makers, civil society and academicians, and advance the replication of effective interventions across Africa. Procedure Please submit your abstracts (max. 500 words) by 31 January 2015 to IPSS ([email protected]). Upon review by an IPSS committee, selected applicants will be notified to prepare: 1. A presentation of the intervention case at the second AfSol Workshop; IPSS will cover travel and accommodation costs for workshop participants. The participants should submit their power points or any other presentation materials before 28 February 2015. 2. A final paper to be submitted by 15 April 2015. Papers, subject to peer review, will be considered for inclusion as chapters in an edited volume to be published by IPSS. Guidelines for the papers will be discussed during the workshop. Authors will receive a modest honorarium upon submitting their papers. Contact Please, send inquiries about the workshop to [email protected]