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211. Tanzania and Statoil: What Does the Leaked Agreement Mean for Citizens?

Author:
David Manley and Thomas Lassourd
Publication Date:
08-2014
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Natural Resource Governance Institute
Abstract:
The leak in July 2014 of an important addendum to a production sharing agreement (PSA) between Norwegian national oil company Statoil and the government of Tanzania has ignited a debate on whether Tanzania “got a good deal” from granting these extraction rights for a block now expected to produce large amounts of commercial natural gas. The debate demonstrates a public appetite for explanations from the government on the country’s management of its nascent oil and gas industry. Potentially at stake are billions of dollars of potential revenues that could boost socio-economic development in Tanzania if it becomes possible to extract these gas resources. An NRGI financial analysis suggests that the deal is not out of line with international standards for a country that had no proven offshore reserves of natural gas at the time when the original contract was signed. Thus claims that the addendum is on its face grossly unfair to Tanzania appear to be premature. The outgoing managing director of Tanzania’s national oil company TPDC gave an estimate of the government’s take of 61 percent, a figure that our own model determined to be plausible under a reasonable set of assumptions. There are some caveats to this result which we explain in the body of the main briefing.
Topic:
Corruption, Natural Resources, Tax Systems, Accountability, and Revenue Management
Political Geography:
Africa, Tanzania, and Sub-Saharan Africa

212. Challenging the Conventional: Can Truth Commissions Strengthen Peace Processes?

Author:
The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ)
Publication Date:
06-2014
Content Type:
Special Report
Institution:
The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ)
Abstract:
This joint report by ICTJ and the Kofi Annan Foundation explores common assumptions about why truth commissions are created in the wake of armed conflict and what factors make them more likely to succeed – or fail. It arises from a high-level symposium hosted by the two organizations in November 2013, which provided an opportunity for policy makers, practitioners, and scholars with significant experience in peacebuilding and transitional justice to discuss and reflect on truth commissions and the challenges of addressing accountability in peace negotiations. The report includes a foreword by Mr. Kofi Annan, a summary of discussions, two analytical papers, five case studies, and a set of conclusions.
Topic:
Transitional Justice, Accountability, Armed Conflict, Truth and Reconciliation, and Truth Commissions
Political Geography:
Global Focus

213. Possibilities and Challenges for Transitional Justice in Mali

Author:
Virginie Ladisch
Publication Date:
09-2014
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ)
Abstract:
This briefing paper examines the potential in Mali for appropriate and effective transitional justice approaches that are reflective of the primary concerns and demands of citizens. Over 30 interviews were conducted with a wide range of actors in Bamako, including representatives of the state, judiciary, religious organizations, civil society, and international organizations. It concludes that positive steps have been taken toward advancing accountability in the country, but victims and civil society remain critical of the lack of integration among different transitional justice mechanisms as well as the government's top-down approach in a context where the local and communal are of primary importance.
Topic:
Government, Transitional Justice, Accountability, Institutions, and Community
Political Geography:
Africa and Mali

214. Case Against Germain Katanga and Mathieu Ngudjolo

Author:
Michèle Laborde-Barbanègre, Guy Mushiata, and Meritxell Regue
Publication Date:
05-2014
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ)
Abstract:
This briefing paper provides an overview of the proceedings against Germain Katanga and Mathieu Ngudjolo before the International Criminal Court. The conviction and sentence against Katanga signifies the first final judgment of the ICC.
Topic:
Criminal Justice, Accountability, and International Criminal Court (ICC)
Political Geography:
Africa and Democratic Republic of Congo

215. Case Against Callixte Mbarushimana and Sylvestre Mudacumura

Author:
Michèle Laborde-Barbanègre, Guy Mushiata, and Meritxell Regue
Publication Date:
06-2014
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ)
Abstract:
This paper provides a description of the brief proceedings against Callixte Mbarushimana and Sylvestre Mudacumura before the International Criminal Court.
Topic:
Criminal Justice, Accountability, and International Criminal Court (ICC)
Political Geography:
Africa and Democratic Republic of Congo

216. Case Against Thomas Lubanga

Author:
Michèle Laborde-Barbanègre, Guy Mushiata, and Meritxell Regue
Publication Date:
05-2014
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ)
Abstract:
This briefing paper provides an overview of the proceedings against Thomas Lubanga before the International Criminal Court since the start of the prosecutor’s investigation in 2004 until the 2012 decisions of Trial Chamber I concerning the verdict, the sentence, and reparations. It identifies the most important rulings and issues surrounding the case.
Topic:
Criminal Justice, Accountability, and International Criminal Court (ICC)
Political Geography:
Africa and Democratic Republic of Congo

217. Reflections on ICC Jurisprudence Regarding the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Author:
Michèle Laborde-Barbanègre and Roxane Cassehgari
Publication Date:
09-2014
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
The International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ)
Abstract:
This briefing paper analyzes and reflects on the development of the ICC prosecutor’s strategy and application of procedural rules, since operations began at the International Criminal Court more than a decade ago. The mixed results of the court’s first cases, which arise from the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, underscore that the ICC, as a complementary forum, is not mandated to investigate and prosecute all international crimes. National courts must step in. The paper recommends, among other reforms, that the court explore new ways to adapt the Rules of Procedure and Evidence to take into consideration the important role and participation of civil society.
Topic:
Civil Society, International Law, Criminal Justice, Accountability, and International Criminal Court (ICC)
Political Geography:
Africa and Democratic Republic of Congo

218. African Union Transitional Justice Policy Framework in Practice: Implementing Accountability Measures

Author:
Jasmina Brankovic
Publication Date:
05-2013
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation (CSVR)
Abstract:
Based on work by Naomi Roht-Arriaza, this brief focuses on a central aspect of transitional justice: preventing impunity for past human rights abuses. Drawing on lessons from Latin America, the brief outlines several accountability processes available to African Union member states and African civil society organisations, the strengths and challenges of implementing these official processes at the national level and strategies for promoting accountability that have proven useful in diverse country contexts. It discusses regional litigation and domestic prosecutions, as well as reparations, truth telling and community‐based justice mechanisms.
Topic:
Human Rights, Transitional Justice, Accountability, and African Union
Political Geography:
Africa, South Africa, and Latin America

219. Public Financial Management and Fiscal Outcomes in Nigeria : Empirical Evidence

Author:
Kanayo Ogujiuba and Harrison Okafor
Publication Date:
06-2013
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
African Heritage Institution (AfriHeritage)
Abstract:
This study analysed the relationship between public financial management systems and fiscal outcomes in Nigeria. The findings indicate that institutional factors such as corruption and literacy rate affect the institutional pillars of PFM in Nigeria. The pillars include governance structure, accountability, transparency and predictability. Poor budget coordinating institutions, lack of respect for the rule of law, weak fundamentals of appropriation templates and contract management and poor accounting systems are the critical factors undermining the ability of these pillars to positively influence fiscal outcomes in Nigeria. Thus, the need to critically improve the index of capture, budget institutions and the coordination of the MDA’s capital budgeting system through integrated and systematic accounting system cannot be overemphasized.
Topic:
Finance, Accountability, Fiscal Policy, and Economic Management
Political Geography:
Africa and Nigeria

220. Mega Sporting Events, Real Estate, and Urban Social Economics – The Case of Brazil 2014/2016

Author:
Thêmis Aragão and Wolfgang Maennig
Publication Date:
08-2013
Content Type:
Working Paper
Institution:
Chair for Economic Policy, University of Hamburg
Abstract:
These events promise to improve the urban quality of life and to induce social legacy because of investments in urban infrastructure, transportation, and sporting facilities. Our analysis of the case of Brazil, especially in Rio de Janeiro (host of the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympic Games) shows that such benefits may differ locally and may accentuate the process of socio-spatial segregation. Urban projects often include forced evictions of low-income populations and the consequent expansion of social segregation. In public opinion, mega events are also responsible for increasing rents and (real estate) prices. However, such inflationary phenomenon occurs in most Brazilian cities, including non-host cities. The appreciation of real estate is explained largely by population and economic growth and the reduction of interest rates through mortgage programs, as well as reduced social inequality. Public investments in mega events account for only approximately 0.15% of Brazilian GDP from 2007 to 2016 and are thus too small to be responsible for the (increasing) social problems. Obviously, the perceived lack of public accountability for mega event finances as well as the perceived lack of susceptibility to social issues by the mega sporting projects may harm the public opinion of mega events. International sporting federations should thus have every interest in ensuring that their mega events target social inclusion and pay more attention to the needs of local urban and social policies.
Topic:
Sports, Accountability, World Cup, Transportation, Housing, Real Estate, Urban Planning, and FIFA
Political Geography:
Brazil and South America