Journalist, Researcher, Writer
Rift Valley Institute:
Voting for Change - Sudan Elections Project
Episode 1: Discussion with Professor Justin Willis
In this audio series we discuss election models adopted in Sudan's modern history, as well as the key choices available for policymakers who are involved in election design. Professor Justin Willis of Durham University shares his thoughts.
Episode 2 (Arabic): المدونة الثانيه من مشروع انتخابات السودان- حوار مع بروف منزول العسل - جامعة الخرطوم
في الحلقة الثانية من السلسلة الصوتية 'انتخابات السودان' نناقش- على الرغم من الاستياء الشعبي من الأحزاب والعمليات السياسية - الدور الذي يمكن أن يلعبه المجتمع المدني في تحقيق الديمقراطية من خلال انتخابات حرة ونزيهة.
Episode 1: Sudan's Electoral Future
Professor Munzoul, Dean of Scientific Enquiry at Khartoum university explores to what degree has electoral management and the role of the National Elections Council (NEC) determined the success and quality of elections? Moving forward in the post revolution period, should the projected 2024 elections rely on the existing network of experienced administrators or aim to create a new generation? In Debate with Professor Justin Willis of Durham University on how electoral politics actually work, how campaigns are run, how different grassroots politics have actually been between liberal election like 1986 and the NCP's elections.
Recorded, edited and scripted by David Meffe.
Published October 2021
African Arguments:
Debating Ideas Series
Conflict Research Programme:
South Sudan Research Panels 2020
Episode 1: Red Sea Politics in the Horn of Africa - The Role of Civil Society
The Horn of Africa and the Middle East are inextricably linked, historically, culturally, and geographically. But more than ever, the region is plagued by competition between global and regional power, and the rise of short-term transactional politics that do not address the serious challenges facing peace, security, and democratisation in this rapidly changing environment. What role then does civil society play in this arena, and how can they work together across this divide to help promote human rights and sustainable development? This podcast speaks to researchers, civil society actors, journalists, and other key stakeholders about the strategic relationship between states in the Red Sea and how to address emerging challenges in the Horn of Africa.
Episode 2: Outlining an African Feminist Agenda
The Horn of Africa is often seen as a zone of conflict and human rights abuses, but it is also the site of civic activism, nonviolent revolutions and rising feminist movements. This Civil Society Dialogue in the Horn of Africa podcast hosts a discussion with an all-women cast of activists and researchers reflecting on an African feminist agenda for the region.
Edited and scripted by David Meffe.
Published January 2021
This three-part podcast series is based on insights and experiences from the South Sudan Research Panel meeting 2020, part of the Conflict Research Programme at the London School of Economics. The podcasts feature research findings and perspectives on peace and security amidst ongoing political violence and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan.
Episode 1: The Panel on the Pandemic
Two researchers detail COVID-19’s ongoing impact, as well as the challenges facing South Sudanese refugees in Egypt.
Episode 2: The Panel on Peace and Security
Three South Sudanese thought leaders present their research and insights into the current conflict situation in South Sudan.
Episode 3: Reflections on patriarchy and sexual violence
Discusses patriarchy, toxic masculinity and why sexual and gender-based violence has proliferated in domestic settings and displacement sites, as well as within conflict sites.
Edited and scripted by David Meffe.
Published August 2020
On the Legal Frontline:
Lawyers as Humans Rights Defenders in the East & Horn of Africa
Legal activists in the East and Horn of Africa sub-region navigate a complex legal terrain and are routinely subjected to intimidation and violence due to their human rights work. This podcast series is based on consultations with a vanguard of lawyers, paralegals, and activists working towards the application of the law with a human rights approach. They are acutely aware that the law has often been used as a political instrument and a shield for violations, but they are striving to harness it to pursue human rights and justice. Their initiatives are vital to counteract the widespread injustice and inequality that fuel political instability and violence.
Part One: Strategic Litigation
Part Two: Legal Aid
Part Three: Community Empowerment
See the companion policy brief here.
Hosted, scripted, and edited by David Meffe.
Published January 2020.
Justice Networks:
Legal Networking in War-Torn South Sudan
In this first Justice Networks podcast, South Sudanese lawyers and paralegals share ideas on how to secure access to justice in the context of protracted violent conflict, especially for victims of sexual violence. The podcast was produced under the ‘Regional justice networks: action research with human rights defenders in Eastern Africa’ Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF) grant, held by Dr Rachel Ibreck of Goldsmiths, University of London, in partnership with Justice Africa and DefendDefenders, the East and Horn of African Human Rights Defenders Project.
Among the contributors are the lawyers of STEWARDWOMEN, the Centre for Inclusive Governance Peace and Justice, and the Justice and Human Rights Organisation (JAHRO), as well as paralegals trained by the Community Empowerment for Progress Organisation (CEPO) and South Sudan Law Society.
The podcast was recorded during a meeting at Justice Africa’s office in Juba in September 2019.
Scripted and edited by David Meffe.
Published July 2020.