S3 E10:The role of state institutions in preventing violent conflict: A case of Angola

In conversation with Dr Eduardo Kapapelo

In this episode, Dr Eduardo Kapapelo who was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy degree (DPhil) from the Centre for Human Rights at the Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria discusses his doctoral thesis. In his thesis, Dr Kapapelo identifies how reforming the state and its institutions are vital not only for the prevention of violence, but for the establishment of democratic governance. His dissertation titled “The Role of State Institutions in Preventing Violent Conflict in Angola” explores the nature of Angola’s institutions and how they have created conditions under which individual rights and liberties are undermined. This thesis argues that overly- centralised states have a hand in contributing towards the emergence of conflict and that the design of the state, through its institutions, is paramount in safeguarding individual rights and in doing so, preventing the occurrence and or resurgence of violence. Furthermore, the thesis contends that while there are both global and regional mechanisms for the protection of human rights which promote values of peace, inclusiveness and democratic governance, states are still the main actors in international politics. As such it is their responsibility to structure institutions which would reflect such values based on their local contexts and realities.

Dr Eduardo Kapapelo is the Project Coordinator of the Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition. The Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court Competition is  presented by the Centre for Human Rights based at the Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, in partnership with the Academy on Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, Washington College of Law, American University and the United Nations Human Rights Council Branch (HRCB) at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). He has extensive academic and research qualifications as well as strong strategic and operational management skills, combined with a history of working in complex demanding and high pressure environments. He has a strong research background on the African and European human rights systems, laws and policies and is well versed in the analysis of international and comparative law, state building and governance in Africa, African and European security policy, foreign policy analysis, international political economy and participatory governance.

Dr Kapapelo has a proven track record of developing collaborations with various stakeholders from government to academia, multilateral institutions to civil society and political actors. He has a successful history of raising and managing funds for non-profit organisations from major donors, foundations, and members. He has published a number of media articles. He has published a media article, originally published on AfricLaw titled, “Democracy in times of COVID-19: a time for introspection?”. To contact Dr. Eduardo Kapapelo, you can email him on eduardo.kapapelo@up.ac.za

This conversation was recorded on 20 May 2021.

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