ABSTRACT One of the major challenges facing the Nigerian state today is armed banditry and other terrorist-related issues that are aided by several factors such as proliferation of small arms and light weapons (SALWs), porosity of borderlands and cross-border crimes. This article examines the nexus between armed banditry and food security in Zamfara state extrapolating from political and social quagmires in the state. While the loss of lives and property has become a feature of daily life in Zamfara state, little efforts have been made to identify the underlying causes of the crisis such as the impact of poor governance and underlying the economic drivers of the conflict. Methodologically, data were gathered through interviews in the most affected areas with farmers and other stakeholders across the state. The article found that the high rate of armed banditry in Zamfara has adversely impacted negatively on food security – agriculture, and transports through killing, kidnapping and seizure of farmlands which has undermined the agricultural activities and food supply as armed bandits perceived the environment to be favourable criminal opportunities. The study recommended among others that government should utilise surveillance equipment such as the use of drones to monitor the Zamfara state borderlines.

ABSTRACT This paper examines South Africa’s disability-friendliness from a criminal justice perspective, comparing it to Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana. Despite South Africa’s progressive legal framework, including ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, significant barriers persist for persons with disabilities in accessing justice. These include societal stigma, inaccessible legal procedures, economic hardship, lack of accommodations, and insufficient training for justice system personnel. Additionally, the absence of inclusive communication tools, such as sign language interpreters and Braille documents, impedes effective participation in legal processes. Structural challenges, including inconsistent policy implementation, resource constraints, and fragmented coordination among stakeholders, further marginalise persons with disabilities. These issues result in exclusion from justice, vulnerability to abuse, and systemic discrimination. Using a qualitative, human rights-based approach, this study identifies recurring barriers through case studies, desktop research, and thematic analysis. The paper calls for policy reform, disability-sensitive training, and investment in accessible infrastructure and assistive technologies. While limitations such as geographic focus and reliance on self-reported data are acknowledged, the study offers a foundation for future research on comparative policy analysis, intersectionality, and technological solutions. Addressing these challenges is essential for building a more inclusive and equitable justice system in South Africa.

ABSTRACT This study examines the role of community-based organisations (CBOs) in countering violent extremism (CVE) in North-East Nigeria, focusing on their funding sources and institutional connections. Employing an exploratory research design, the study investigates how CBOs' reliance on donor resources affects their involvement in CVE. The findings suggest that while the activities undertaken by CBOs are crucial in mitigating violent extremism in the region, their dependence on foreign donors for funding and training leaves them vulnerable to externally imposed CVE frameworks in North-East Nigeria. Therefore, the study recommends that the government prioritise CBOs as partners and stakeholders in CVE endeavours. By doing so, the government can prevent CBOs from relying too heavily on external donors and enable them to address the underlying issues contributing to individuals' susceptibility to violent extremism.

ABSTRACT Discourses on armed banditry in fragile states of the Global South such as Nigeria have attracted a considerable number of scholarly debates. Yet scholars know very little regarding the specific contexts and motivations for armed banditry in North Central Nigeria. This article seeks to fill this research gap. It adopts multiple case analyses methodology and provides a historical mapping of the rise and persistence of armed banditry. Drawing on the greed and grievance theory, the article offers original empirical and theoretical debate and explores a new conceptual model that seeks to deepen the understanding of armed banditry, motivations and links with state fragility. It critically examines the particular North Central contexts to illuminate broader dimensions of banditry and argues that there is a need to pay more attention to motivations for banditry and its implications for state fragility. Alternatively, it recommends counter-banditry strategies.

ABSTRACT The Ethiopian state has been struggling with political violence and ethno-national rivalry. The intermittent political instability and conflicts have generated catastrophe and enmity. Ethiopia may be on a path that cannot be sustained. Ethiopia is currently in a fragile condition and has started the process of sliding into state failure. Besides, the study aimed at exploring the sources of political tragedy in Ethiopia with articulating the quest for reconciliation in the country. Accordingly, a qualitative research approach was employed with the utilisation of primary and secondary data sources. Meanwhile, the study found that the major sources of the crisis encompass an ethnic federalism (ethnic and language-based politics), a controversial state and nation building process, the presence of twisted interests and ambition of political elites, and poor political leadership of the country. Thus, the fate of the country, whether to be united or divided or perished relies on genuine and all inclusive dialogue with reconciliation/compromise.

ABSTRACT Terrorism remains a global security threat. Despite its longevity, many of its aspects remain unstudied. This article assesses the SANDF senior officers’ perceptions on terrorism. This assessment is undertaken with the intention to determine whether there is a need for a security sector reform in South Africa to address a potential terrorist threat. Quantitative data was obtained from 280 senior officers of the SANDF through survey questionnaires. The data was analysed using descriptive statistics from Version 26 of IBM SPSS Computer Program. Although South Africa has not experienced large-scale terrorist attacks, the respondents exhibit substantial apprehension about the potential for such an event. Furthermore, the respondents demonstrate a heightened scepticism in the government’s general response towards terrorism. Finally, there exists a widespread deficiency in the respondents’ confidence on the efficacy of the anti-terrorism policy framework in addressing and preventing terrorism in South Africa. These findings suggest that there might be a need for a holistic approach to security sector reform to effectively combat and prevent terrorism in South Africa.

ABSTRACT This study uses evidence at the local level to show how an authoritarian state, Ethiopia, undertakes community policing at the local level. On the one hand, the central state seeks to penetrate and control populations, but on the other hand, it also wants to improve the image of the police and central government. This research suggests that, at a very local level the Ethiopian state has partially achieved this despite a history of central-local tension, alongside crime and social disorder reduction. Some community policing programmes (Neighbourhood Watch Programmes, beat definition, and demarcation activities) are enhancing community agency and collective effectiveness, as well as inclusion, but positives need to be balanced by key challenges affecting the community policing empowerment process, notably political interference in the local processes and the use of local meetings to silence critical voices within the community. We examine what this looks like at the level of one community within Addis Ababa, with the aim of analysing the local nuances of how central-local power balance is still operating at the micro level within Ethiopia.

ABSTRACT The South African Defence Industry has undergone several changes over the past decades, with the end of Apartheid seeing the industry transform itself from a practically self-sufficient one to a smaller one, embedded into foreign firms and achieving international success. However, the recent past has not been kind to the industry, and the calls for government support appear unheeded. By performing an extended literature review, this research attempts to determine whether the second-tier label given to the South African Defence Industry is accurate and if the nation’s changes have affected this categorisation. Further, by comparing its characteristics to those of similar nations’ and exploring African defence industries, it is effectively a contemporary examination of South Africa’s place in the international arms industry.

ABSTRACT This study investigates the dynamics of African traditional justice systems in four African countries: Sierra Leone, Malawi, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. These countries have a rich history of traditional justice systems deeply rooted in their respective societies. These systems are regarded as essential elements of African communities, embodying unique philosophies, rituals, and practices that have historically played a crucial role in resolving conflicts and fostering peace. The evolution of law and order in these African countries has been heavily influenced by these traditional justice systems, contributing to the establishment of a robust governance structure. By conducting an analysis of customary justice frameworks in the sub-Saharan African context, this study examines the perceptions of local populations regarding the traditional justice system as a legitimate institution. It explores how the traditional justice system can function as an alternative or complementary form of justice within traditional societies. Drawing on previous research conducted in Sierra Leone, Malawi, Uganda, and Zimbabwe, this study reveals the challenges associated with integrating traditional justice systems into the broader legal framework. Nevertheless, it concludes that the integration of these systems can contribute to a comprehensive approach to sustainable peace-building, conflict resolution, and the establishment of a just rule of law in these African countries.