Multilingualism, Conflict and Conflict Resolution in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities of Language Practice and Policy

Eduardo Mondlane University

Centre for African Studies

Department of Historical e Political Studies &

Department Language and Communication

In partnership with

University of Essex

 

Presents

MCCRA Maputo Round Table Concept Note

Multilingualism, Conflict and Conflict Resolution in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities of Language Practice and Policy

“Multilingualism, conflict and Conflict resolution in Africa: Challenges and Opportunities of Language Practice and Policy” or MCCRA is an international research project based at the University of Essex, UK, with involvement of five African countries: Mozambique, Uganda, Camerron, Nigeria and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It seeks to question the extent to which the practice of multilingualism shapes violent conflicts and the search for their resolution in Africa. The project has completed a first phase of data collection through fieldwork trips (with collection of individual interviews and focal group discussions) and digital ethnography in all five countries. While we prepare for the second phase of data collection, our team in Mozambique organizes this round table as a space to share preliminary findings, and to gather comments and suggestions from different partners and stakeholders. The event will be hosted at the Centre for African Studies at the Eduardo Mondlane University, in Maputo, on a hybrid format: online through Zoom and presential at the Room 47.  The team leaders and all researchers involved in the research in the five countries are invited to share their preliminary findings at this event. In this format, we expect to host six to seven speakers, including two researchers based in Mozambique. We can also invite researchers whose current work can be related to our research topic to share and discuss their studies with our team.

 

Summary of the event:

Venue: Centre for African Studies, Maputo

Date: 22 April 2026

Speakers / Part 1:

Brian Philips                                              

Omomayowa, Abati                                  

Ioanna Sitaridou                                       

Hawa Muhammed & Tata Sunjo         

Speakers / Part 2:

Surer Mohammed

Tracey Costley

Stephanie Diepeeven

Chapane Mutiua

Discussant: Domingos do Rosário/Calton Cadeado

Moderator/Chair: Zeferino Ugembe/Hélio Maúngue