Nonviolence as a Decolonial Principle: Limits and Possibilities of Mainstreaming Peace Studies in Africa

In recent years, peace studies has gained increased significance with new programs and courses emerging worldwide. An example of this trend is the project of the Association of Catholic Universities and Higher Institutes of Africa and Madagascar (ACUHIAM). The ACUHIAM’s project aimed at mainstreaming peace studies within Africa. It offers not only unique insights into this current trend but also the chance to explore the intersection of peace studies, epistemic violence, and decolonial theory. The concept of epistemic violence often remains marginalised within the discourse about violence, and thus, to achieve non-violent peace studies, a decolonial theory approach can help to address this. There is still a gap in the literature using decolonial theory approaches to analyse empirical data in peace studies. Therefore, we developed a coding system based on Grosfoguel’s concept of coloniality of power, knowledge, and being is developed to create an empirical bridge. The data conducted through semi-structured expert interviews is then analysed using this system. Eventually, these empirical outcomes might assist the implementation of the project by outlining the principles that are essential for non-violent and sustainable peace studies.