HELP SAVE THE ANCIENT MANUSCRIPTS OF TIMBUKTU
Please click on the title above to learn more and to sign the petition save the ancient manuscripts of Timbuktu and the learn more about the situation in Mali endangering this ancient knowledge.
West African Research Association
Founded in 1989, WARA’s mission is to promote research and scholarly exchange between West African and US scholars and institutions. WARA supports the production and dissemination of knowledge on West Africa and the diaspora through its research fellowships, conferences, and publications; and through the many programs headquartered at WARA’s research center in Dakar, Senegal.
The West African Research Center (WARC) in Dakar, Senegal is WARA’s overseas headquarters and provides point of contact for researchers from throughout West Africa and their colleagues from the US and elsewhere. It provides scholars with a rich array of resources and supportive services including a research and film library, digitization lab, seminar rooms, computer and wireless Internet access, an on-site cafe, and a program of conferences, seminars, lectures, and other scholarly and artistic projects.
Become a WARA Member/ Renew Your Membership
Not sure if your membership is current? Contact us at west.african.research.association@gmail.com. We can help answer any questions and address any thoughts, or suggestions.
Browse through the website to learn more about WARA and how you can be involved. And don’t forget to “Like” us on facebook.
WARA NEWS
Don’t miss this SPECIAL issue of ACPR!
Edited by I. Wm. Zartman, this special issue features diverse voices of emerging African scholars. It includes papers by West African scholars from the December 2009 conference, “Peacemaking in West Africa: Historical Methods and Modern Applications.”
WARC Pays Tribute to AROA President
Professor Ibrahima Thioub
Professor Ibrahima Thioub, faculty in the Department of History, University Cheikh Anta Diop, was recently awarded an honorary degree (Docteur Honoris Causa) by the University of Nantes, France. Professor Alain Supiot, Director of the Institute for Advanced Studies at the University of Nantes, wrote:
Thioub in his doctoral gown in Nantes
“….instead of reducing this history (of the slave trade) to an analysis of the relations (of Africa) with Europe, Professor Thioub has brought to the fore the internal relations of oppression and exploitation (within the African communities themselves) without which such a trade would never have been possible…..”
“Professor Thioub’s academic pursuits and findings are a lesson and an encouragement to all those who still believe in the virtues of Kant’s credo: sapere aude: be bold enough to use and express your own mind.”
The West African Research Center was among the first institutions to be invited to attend the ceremony in Nantes. Unfortunately time and a crowded agenda did not allow the director to attend. The Center chose to celebrate the event by inviting Professor Thioub to give a public lecture on the topic:”Politics and Violence in Africa: Democracy in its Infancy or the Culture of Predation“.The Senegalese historian boldly addressed the topic. While blaming Europe for centuries spent draining Africa’s human and natural resources, Professor Thioub did not spare local dignitaries who took advantage of the heinous trade.
Professor Thioub proudly wearing the boubou offered by WARC with his wife and grandson on his left, and WARC director, Ousmane Sene, on his right
The lecture was attended by a crowd of more than 80, including many regular attendees of WARC’s events who praised the Center for contributing to the cultural vibrancy in Dakar: “Le WARC est l’une des rares institutions à offrir cette animation culturelle et intellectuelle de qualité ici à Dakar.”
At the end of the lecture, Professor Thioub was offered a beautifully tailored and embroidered gown by WARC.
Media and Conflict: A Conference of West African journalists and researchers
Praia, Cape Verde, December 12- 14, 2011
Conference Participants in Praia, Cape Verde
The final conference of The West African Peace Initiative (WAPI), a major project of the West African Research Association, brought together researchers and journalists from 14 West African countries. This exchange between journalists and researchers led to rich discussions and to a commitment to continuing collaboration across national and professional boundaries in the interest of building and maintaining sustainable peace in the region.
West African Muslims and their Contributions to the U.S. Culture
From right to left: Prof. Erin Augis- Ramapo College, Wheeler Winstead- Howard University, Prof. Ousseina Alidou- Rutgers University, Prof. Mbye Cham- Howard University, Prof. Fallou Ngom- Boston University, and Stephanie Guirand- West African Research Association (WARA)
On Tuesday October 12th, 2011, Montgomery College and Howard University hosted three WARA scholars, Prof. Erin Augis of Ramapo College, Dr. Fallou Ngom of Boston University, and Dr. Ousseina Alidou of Rutgers University, for a symposium entitled West African Muslims and their Contributions to U.S. Culture.