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The African Gourmet

The African Gourmet

Where plants heal, stories are a map, and kitchens remember ancestors.

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A Legacy Resource, Recognized Worldwide

For 19 years, The African Gourmet has preserved Africa's stories is currently selected for expert consideration by the Library of Congress Web Archives, the world's premier guardian of cultural heritage.

Trusted by: Wikipedia • Emory University African Studies • University of Kansas • University of KwaZulu-Natal • MDPI Scholarly Journals.
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Rebellion vs. Mutiny in Africa: International Law Definitions

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📁 African facts 📁 African history 📁 International Law Definitions 📁 Rebellion vs. Mutiny

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Map showing African countries involved in World War II conflicts, illustrating borders and colonial divisions
Examples of Conflict in African History

International Law Conflict Types, Definitions, and Examples of Conflicts in Africa

International law recognizes distinct types of conflicts. Throughout Africa's history, many have unfolded — including insurgencies, military invasions, mutinies, rebellions, and coup attempts. Words have power. The choice of terminology significantly influences how the media and the public interpret African conflicts. Calling an invasion a war could mislead people into thinking it is a balanced, two-sided struggle.

Border Incident

A border incident is an armed confrontation between the military forces of two countries or between a military and civilians in a neighboring state, often without strategic objectives. Eritrea and Ethiopia’s long-standing border tension escalated into the 1998 Eritrean-Ethiopian War.

Learn more about how Ghana’s border dispute mirrored larger regional tensions in the Ghana–Togo Border Closure of 1986.

Coup d'état

A coup d’état occurs when a regime is suddenly and illegally displaced by a small elite group, often involving military forces. In March 2012, a military coup in Mali overthrew the elected government, destabilizing the region.

Explore recurring coup patterns in Africa’s political landscape in African Coups and Political Instability.

Rebellion

A rebellion is an uprising or armed resistance by a popular movement against an established government or rival ethnic or tribal groups. Liberia’s long civil war (1989-2003) exemplifies rebellion evolving into large-scale conflict.

Discover why many African rebellions evolve into full-scale wars in Why African Rebellions Turn into Civil Wars.

🌍 Did You Know?

The Eritrea–Ethiopia Border Commission (EEBC) ruled in 2002 that the flashpoint town of Badme legally belonged to Eritrea. However, Ethiopia occupied it until 2018 — sixteen years later — when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed finally accepted the decision, helping earn him the Nobel Peace Prize.

Frequently Asked Questions About Conflict Definitions

What is the difference between a rebellion and a mutiny?

A rebellion is a civilian or popular uprising against a government, while a mutiny is a revolt by military personnel against their commanders or government.

What does international law say about insurgencies?

International law defines insurgency as an organized movement aiming to overthrow a government or secede through subversion and armed conflict, not necessarily amounting to war.

How does the UN classify foreign military intervention?

The UN views foreign military intervention as the deployment of external forces into a country, often sanctioned under humanitarian or peacekeeping mandates.

Can a coup d'état be legal under international law?

No. A coup d’état is always considered an illegal seizure of power, violating constitutional and international norms of governance and sovereignty.

Why are precise conflict definitions important?

Clear terminology prevents misinformation and helps the public and policymakers distinguish between domestic unrest, invasion, and full-scale war.

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Recipes as Revolution

Recipes as Revolution

When food becomes protest and meals carry political meaning

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African woman farmer

She Feeds Africa

Before sunrise, after sunset, seven days a week — she grows the food that keeps the continent alive.

60–80 % of Africa’s calories come from her hands.
Yet the land, the credit, and the recognition still belong to someone else.

Read her story →

To every mother of millet and miracles —
thank you.

Working Hands of Africa

The labor and love that feeds a continent

Hands holding African fruit

African Culture & Traditions

Harvest & Heritage
Hands preparing fufu

How Fufu Explains Politics

Food & Power
Farming hands in Africa

Slow Food Disappearance

Farming & Tradition
Hands with plantains

The Universal Plantain

Cooking & Community

Africa Worldwide: Top Reads

Africa × World: Editor's Picks

Cross-continental food, science, history, and cultural exchanges from the archive

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African Gourmet FAQ

Archive Inquiries

Why "The African Gourmet" if you're an archive?

The name reflects our origin in 2006 as a culinary anthropology project. Over 18 years, we've evolved into a comprehensive digital archive preserving Africa's cultural narratives. "Gourmet" now signifies our curated approach to cultural preservation—each entry carefully selected and contextualized.

What distinguishes this archive from other cultural resources?

We maintain 18 years of continuous cultural documentation—a living timeline of African expression. Unlike static repositories, our archive connects historical traditions with contemporary developments, showing cultural evolution in real time.

How is content selected for the archive?

Our curation follows archival principles: significance, context, and enduring value. We preserve both foundational cultural elements and timely analyses, ensuring future generations understand Africa's complex cultural landscape.

What geographic scope does the archive cover?

The archive spans all 54 African nations, with particular attention to preserving underrepresented cultural narratives. Our mission is comprehensive cultural preservation across the entire continent.

Can researchers access the full archive?

Yes. As a digital archive, we're committed to accessibility. Our 18-year collection is fully searchable and organized for both public education and academic research.

How does this archive ensure cultural preservation?

Through consistent documentation since 2006, we've created an irreplaceable cultural record. Each entry is contextualized within broader African cultural frameworks, preserving not just content but meaning.