Boniface Cheembe

Department of Government and Management Studies
Lecturer
Researcher
Biography

Academic Qualifications

  • 2009 -  Master of Arts (MA)
    • Thesis Title: Peace Agreements: A Comparative Case Study of Northern Ireland, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and South Africa
  • 2006 - Bachelor of Arts (BA)
    • Thesis Title: Structural Adjustments and the Destruction of Civil Society: The Case of Trade Unions in Zambia

Profile

Boniface Cheembe is a trained Political Scientist and a Conflict Transformation expert who is a lecturer and a researcher at the University of Zambia in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) in the Department of Government and Management Studies (GMS). He teaches various courses to undergraduate students in Political Science, International Relations, and Peace, Security and Conflict Resolution. He has also taught and teaches the following diploma courses at the Staff College and Command in Kamwala: International Conflict Management; Regional and International Security; and Strategic Management of Military Affairs. He possesses vast practical experience on issues pertaining to governance and conflict transformation mostly from civil society. He obtained his BA from the University of Zambia (UNZA) and his MA as a Fulbright Scholar from Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) – Virginia, United States of America (USA).

Membership to Professional Bodies

  • Member of the Global Action Against Mass Atrocity Crimes (GAAMAC) – Africa Working Group
  • Member of the African Union (AU) Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC)

Consultancy and Commissioned Research

  • Lead Researcher: Piloting of Assessment Tool for People-Centric Approaches to Policing. Supported by the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) – (October – December 2023).
  • In Country Lead Researcher: Zambia Police Service: Barrier Assessment Report – Results of the Measuring Opportunities for Women in Peace Operations (MOWIP) Assessment. Supported by the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) – (May 2019 – August 2020)
  • Lead Researcher: Compiling a training manual titled ‘Manual for Human Rights Defenders ‘which also used to produce policy briefs. Supported by Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA) - (2020).
  • Joint- Research: Contributed to the development and finalization of a research report titled “Analysis of the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) on the Recommendations on the Review of the Public Order Act (POA) and the 2019 National Dialogue Forum (NDF) Public Order Bill” supported by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) -(June 2019).
  • Joint-Research: Contributed to the development and finalization of a research report titled “Reform of the Public Order Act (POA): Analysis of the Public Order Act and Identification of Laws that hinder fair Administration of the Act.” Supported by the Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) - (April 2017).
  • Joint – Research: Contributed to the development and finalization of a research report titled “Review of the Legal Framework on aspects of Promoting Democratic and Political Participation.” Supported by the Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) - (January 2017).
  • .Joint-Research: Contributed to the development and finalization of a research report titled “Conflict Trends and Analysis: The Case of Zambia.” Supported by the Electoral Institute for the Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) - (July 2016).
  • Editor to the development and finalization of a research report titled “Breaking the Silence on Torture: An Analysis of Zambia’s Legislation on Torture.” Supported by the Zambia Governance Foundation (ZGF) - (September 2014).
  • Joint-Research: Contributed to the development and finalization of a research report titled “Early Marriages A Problem for All: Case Studies of Chipata, Mambwe, Petauke and Nyimba.” Supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiative (CFLI) - (August 2014).
  • Joint-Research: Contributed to the development and finalization of a research report titled “Status and Scope of CSO Registration in Zambia under the NGO Act of 2009.” Supported by the Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA) - (October 2013).
  • Project Coordinator: Component 2 Strengthening of Parliamentary Control Project by Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) and National Assembly of Zambia (NAZ) – (1st September, 2013-31st July, 2015)
  • Joint-Research: Contributed to the development and finalization of a research report titled “Assessment of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Projects Implementation Study.” Supported by Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) - (June 2013).
  • Joint- Research: Contributed to the development and finalization of a research report titled “Political, Ethnic and Land Conflicts in Zambia: A Strategic Vulnerability and Risk Analysis.” Supported by the Canada Fund for Local Initiative (CFLI). - (March, 2013).
  • Research Assistant: Strategic Conflict Analysis of Southern Africa. Supported by the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) - (2007).
Research Interests
  • Peace, Security and Conflict
  • Peacebuilding
  • Regional and international security
  • International politics and conflict mgt
  • Political parties, elections and constitutionalism
  • Democracy
  • Human rights
Publications

Cheembe, B. 2018. “People and Constitutions: The Case of Zambia.” In Tania, A. Bockenforde, M. and Veronica, F. (Eds), Participation in African Constitutionalism. Routledge. https://www.routledge.com/Public-Participation-in-African-Constitutionalism/Abbiate-Bockenforde-Federico/p/book/9780367332938 

Cheembe, B. 25 November 2014, “Zambia’s Elusive Constitution Making: Lessons for Civil Society.” International Idea.  https://constitutionnet.org/news/zambias-elusive-constitution-making-lessons-civil-society

Cheembe, B. and Habasonda, E. 2013, “Elections and Democracy.” In Sims, B.M., Eaglestone, M., and Yezi, A. (Eds). A Revolution Revisited: The State of Democracy in Zambia Since 1991. IDASA Democracy Index, 357 Visagie Street, Pretoria  0001. ISBN 979-1-920409-93-7. https://cisp.cachefly.net/assets/articles/attachments/43593_zambiaindexforweb.pdf

Cheembe, B. 23rd September 2014. “Zambia: Some Team Changes But Does that Guarantee the Constitution.” International Idea. https://constitutionnet.org/news/zambia-some-team-changes-does-guarantee-new-constitution

 

Selected Conference Papers

 

2023    Presented a paper on “Factors Contributing to the Unconstitutional Change of Governments in Africa” and was a discussant on the Webinar on ‘The Recent Spate of Unconstitutional Changes of Government in the Sahara – Sahel Region’ organized by the Lusaka Branch Office of the Dag Hammarskjold Institute for Peace & Conflict Studies (DHIPS) of the Copperbelt University (CBU) Held on 27th September 2023.

2023    Presented a paper on “Lessons Learned on Building Partnership with the Security Sector Institution (SSI): The case of Zambia” at the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF) “Measuring Opportunities for Women in Peacekeeping Operations (MOWIP) Lessons Learned” Workshop Held in Istanbul, Turkey from 6th to 8th June 2023.

2023    Presented a paper on “Enhancing Civil Society Engagement in the AFCFTA to Broaden Social Inclusiveness” at the AU ECOSOCC government and civil society engagement on “Civil Society the Locomotive of Social Peace and Security” held in Tripoli, Libya from 6th to 9th March 2023.

2022    Presented a paper on ‘Experiences from the Field: Challenges and Opportunities-contribution to the implementation of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) through the promotion of peace and security in Africa’ at the African Union (AU) Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) Annual Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Meeting on Sharing the State of Peace and Security in Africa: Sharing Experiences and Lessons Learned held at the Doubletree by Hilton Nairobi Hurlingham Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya from 16-18 November 2022.

2022    Presented a paper at the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) titled “Optimal civil-society engagement towards enhancing participation in the activities of the non-state actor’s network” presented at the APRM Technical Workshop on Establishing the APRM Network of Non-State Actors Held at the Southern Sun Cape Sun Hotel in Cape Town, South Africa from 16-18 February 2022.

2020    Presentation a paper on “Emerging Conflict Areas in the Electoral Process: Resolving Electoral Conflict” at the SGGM, JFZ, and YWDI Zoom Conference on under the theme “Good governance and Democracy: Ensuring Every Voter Counts.” Held on 10th December 2020.

2018    Presented a paper at the Eastern Africa Sub-Regional Support Initiative for the Advancement of Women (EASSI) Cross-Border Coalition (CBC) Launch on “Crossborder Engagement in Zambia and Namibia” held on 22nd August 2018 in Busia, Kenya.

2018    Presented a research paper at the 5th China-Africa Peoples Forum titled “Building Consensus Among the Peoples Towards Stronger Social Base for China-Africa Co-operation” Held at the Shang-lia Hotel on 23rd July 2018 in Chengdu, Sichuan Province.

2019    Presented a paper on ‘Understanding Conflict and Concepts’ at the Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) public forum in Livingstone, Southern Province of the Republic of Zambia held on 18th April, 2019.

2017    Presented a paper titled “Promoting Community Safety in Zambia” at the 2nd African Policing Civilian Oversight Forum (APCOF) Regional Conference on Crime and Violence Prevention Held at Balalaika Hotel in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa on 8th November 2017.

2016    Presented a paper titled “Election Disputes and Resolution Mechanisms: Structures for Electoral Justice” at the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) Workshop titled “Examining the Zambian 2016 National Elections and Referendum” Held at Taj Pamodzi Hotel in Lusaka on 5 October 2016.

2016    Presented a paper titled “Sustaining Peace in Africa-New Perspectives: The Case of Zambia” at the Dag Hammarskjold Commemoration whose theme was “For the sake of Peace” at the Swedish Embassy in Lusaka on 19 September 2016.

2016    Presented a paper titled “Sustaining Peace in Africa-New Perspectives: The Case of Zambia” at the Dag Hammarskjold Commemoration whose theme was “For the sake of Peace” at the Copperbelt University (CBU) on 17-18 September 2016.

2016    Presented a paper titled “Political Violence in Zambia’s Electoral Process” at a Zambia National Womens Lobby (ZNWL) Workshop for Female Political Candidates Held on 24th June 2016 at Crossroads Lodge Olympia, Lusaka.

2016    Presented a paper titled “Political Violence in Zambia’s Electoral Process” at a Zambia National Womens Lobby (ZNWL) Workshop for Female Political Candidates Held on 17th June 2016 at Cresta Hotel in Lusaka.

2016    Presented a paper titled “Violence during Elections-Causes and how it can be prevented?” at the SACCORD Public Forum on Conflict Resolution and Peaceful Elections Held on 27 May 2016 at New Fairmount Hotel in Livingstone, Southern Province.

2015    Presented a paper at the Conference on Female Chiefs as Advocates of Peace and Stability on the topic “Importance of Peace and Stability” Held on 28th-29th April 2015 at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC).

2015    Presented a paper on “Transparency and Accountability in the Extractive Industries-A Factor for Peace and Economic Development in the Great Lakes “Organized by the International Committee on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) Held on 27th April 2015 at the Radisson Blu Hotel.

2015    Presented a paper on “Mechanisms for intra and inter Party Conflict Resolutions” at the Integrity Foundation Zambia (IFZ) Workshop titled “Conflicts, Violence, Intolerance and Tribalism Experienced in the 20th January 2015 Presidential Elections: What are the ramifications on the Future Political Landscape” Held on 27 March 2015 at Integrity House No.8 Great East Road Jesmodine.

2015    Presented a paper on “Mediation and Negotiation” at a Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD)/Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) and Zambia Center for Inter-Party Dialogue (ZCID) Capacity Building Workshop for Political Parties in Conflict Resolution Held at Cresta Hotel in Lusaka on 28th-29th May 2015.

2015    Presented a paper on “Understanding Conflict and Concepts” at a SACCORD/FES and ZCID Capacity Building Workshop for Political Parties in Conflict Resolution Held at Cresta Hotel in Lusaka on 28th-29th May 2015.

2015    Presented a concept note to the Think Tank Steering Committee of the National Economic Advisory Council (NEAC) on “How you will interrogate the sources of conflict and how they influence peace, unity and integrity for national development” Held on 17th March 2015 at Kapingila House.

2015    Presented a research paper at the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) Roundtable Discussion on “The Role of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Preventing Electoral Related Violence” Held in Bujumbura, Burundi on 23rd and 24th February 2015.

2014    Presented a paper on “Major Factors Affecting African Peace and Security” at the Seminar China-Africa Peace and Security Co-operation on the theme “Peace and Security Co-operation: New Vista for Upgraded Version of Africa-China Co-operation” on 16th October, 2014 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya.

2014    Presented a at the “Launch of the Forum for Female Chiefs as Advocates for Peace and Stability” on “Effects of Conflict and Instability in Society” organized by the Ministry of Chiefs and Traditional Affairs at Mulungushi International Conference Centre (MICC) on 4th February, 2014

2014    Presented a paper on “Trade Unions and Democracy: The Case of Trade Unions in Zambia” at the Uni Africa Global Union and Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Youth Seminar Held at Fringilla Lodge in Chisamba, Zambia on 8th October, 2014.

2013    Presented a paper on “Zambia’s Unique Peace” at the Southern African Centre for Collaboration on Peace and Security (SACCPS) on 22 September, 2013 at Chrismar Hotel in Lusaka, Zambia.

Contact Details
C/O University of Zambia School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Government and Management Studies, P.O. Box 32379 Lusaka, Zambia. Email: boniface.cheembe@unza.zm ; chifupi6@gmail.com