I has been too long since I have published anything on this blog. After grad school I didn’t really know what to write about. Post-graduation from Brandeis University I packed my belongings and moved to Nairobi to be closer to my (then) partner, who at the time was working in Somalia. While in Kenya it […]
Author Archive
South Sudan: When It Started (working piece) Leave a comment
Gambian Exodus from Libya Leave a comment
Last night I witnessed 244 Gambian youths (ages 14-28) returning from Libya back to Ferefenni, The Gambia en route from Dakar via bus. The Red Cross/The Gambia were directly supporting the recently returned locals. After returning to Ferefenni, all 244 were stationed in the town’s radio station compound, of which was heavily guarded by armed […]
Insights on Casamance 1 comment
I just got done conversing with a high-ranking Senegalese working for a respected agency here in Casamance about the region’s conflict as well as how to approach peacebuilding here. A few tidbits from our conversation*. There is legitimatized fear that the turmoil and instability in Mali may carry over into Casamance. (And if this turns […]
Transportation and West Africa 1 comment
Since my days in Peace Corps I have been a big supporter to constructing and reconstructing roads as a mean for development in Africa (or anywhere, really). Roads mean access to hospitals, markets (to buy and sell goods), schools, etc. If the roads are horrid, like many in Africa, access to these important resources are […]
Why Pulaar? Leave a comment
People may wonder why I choose to learn Pulaar, as opposed to French, for my research and latest stint abroad. It is a good question. I also got the same question from Senegalese. So, I hope this post can address the question and any concerns. In Senegal, the official language is French. However, Senegal also […]
Peace in Casamance – Next Steps (Part 1) 3 comments
I know my blogging has been slim the last few months but to be honest my time here in Casamance has been pretty strict in terms of starting and conducting my research in the field. So, let me post a short piece for my audience. Also, I’ll note that this piece is a “Part 1” […]
Do No Harm, Peacebuilding, and Culture 2 comments
Below is a pending piece of the literature review for my Master’s Paper. Any thoughts or comments are appreciated. DNH has identified five categories of ‘peace capacities’ or connectors Anderson (1999, p. 24). They use the term ‘peace capacities’ in the text but I feel this term could also be the same as ‘conflict management […]
My Research in Casamance 4 comments
As most of you know I served in Peace Corps/The Gambia between 2008-2010. The Gambia is surrounded by Senegal (I call Senegal the ‘pac man’) with ocean at the west. I lived just south of The Gambian River far upcountry in the country’s bush-area, and was never too far from The Senegalese border at any […]
The ‘Angry’ Development Worker/ Conflict Management Professional 1 comment
I am taking time out from eating my lunch (peanut sauce with bits of chicken over rice) and from studying (how to negate commands in Pula Fuuta) to type this post. I hope it makes sense to those who know me, and for those who can relate to the context. E misaal (for example in […]
Senegal – Part 1 Leave a comment
To Whom That Will Read This, I told a few people that I would be keeping current on my blog to update the rest of the world of my status in Senegal. Forgive me as I left Boston on May 26th and got into Dakar, Senegal on May 27th – thus I am past due […]