In an effort to understand the phenomenon of islamist groups in Africa and elsewhere, we went beyond sensational media headlines to the historical roots of current events as we examined groups such as Boko haram, Seleka, and Al-Shabaab. We considered such issues as cultural values, global interests, socioeconomic conditions, and human rights.
PROGRAM
A full program with a summary of each presentation and biographical details of each speaker is available here. The Symposium poster is available here.
9:30 Registration
10:00 Welcoming Remarks
10:00 - 11:30 The Interplay of Politics and Religion
The Rationality of Abusing Civilians in Civil War
Jacob D. Kathman, Associate Professor in Comparative Politics and International Relations, Department of Political Science, University at Buffalo
Historical Perspectives on Jihadism in Africa: The Religious Logic of Boko Haram
Ndubueze Mbah, Assistant Professor of African History, Department of History, University at Buffalo
11:30 - 12:30 Lunch
12:30 - 2:00 The Interplay of Terrorism and Modernity
Terror, Jihad, and Modern Society
Martin Klein, Professor Emeritus of History, University of Toronto
What are the Islamist Solutions to Post-Colonial Crises in West Africa? Rethinking Competing Muslim Modernities in Mali
Bruce Hall, Associate Professor of History, Duke University
2:00 - 3:00 Focus on Human Rights
Challenges to Human Rights Research and Documentation in Central and East Africa
Maria Burnett, Senior Researcher, Africa Division, Human Rights Watch
Terrorism and State Culture: Creating a Human Rights Agenda in Somalia (via Skype)
John Foley, Advocacy & Research Manager with the East and Horn of Africa Human Rights Defenders Project (EHAHRDP)
3:00 - 4:00 Wrap-Up and General Discussion
Sponsors: Alison Des Forges Memorial Committee; University at Buffalo Department of History, Department of Political Science, Humanities Institute, Office of the Vice Provost for International Education. Co-Sponsors: Buffalo State College’s The Anne Frank Project, Muslim Public Affairs Council of Western New York, University at Buffalo Baldy Center for Law and Social Policy.
This symposium honors the life and work of human rights activist Alison Des Forges (1942-2009). For more information, email Roger Des Forges at rvd@buffalo.edu, Ellen Dussourd at dussourd@buffalo.edu or Shaun Irlam at irlam@buffalo.edu.