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Tool on African Traditions and the Preservation of Humanity in Warfare

As a means of demonstrating the relevance and applicability of international humanitarian law (IHL) to stakeholders on the African continent, as well as to stimulate reflection and enliven debate around IHL in Africa, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) undertook in 2018 to examine the historical relationship between Africa and IHL, as reflected in traditions and values.

 

The research conducted by the ICRC resulted in the launch in 2021 of a Tool comprising of 11 practices and related illustrations highlighting African traditions and values that correlate with international legal obligations under IHL. These incorporate local traditions and values from peoples living in the areas corresponding today to the states of Ghana, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Kenya, Nigeria, and the broader Sahel region. The Tool was updated in 2025 to include additional practices from people living in the areas corresponding to today’s Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Mauritania, and the broader Central and East African regions.

The Tool comes in a number of formats all highlighting the collected practices, related illustrations and the relevant principles of IHL. 

Overall, the ICRC hopes that this Tool may contribute to a process towards the reduction of suffering during times of armed conflict, which remains the ICRC's ultimate goal.

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Ancestors
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Safe Zones
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Proportionality
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In its use by the ICRC, the Tool has added a valuable dimension to its presentations and discussions with African audiences. It has provided substantial food for thought and opened up avenues for discussion on the fundamental principles of IHL that might not have existed otherwise. When presented in the context of existing African traditions and values, African audiences engage with IHL in a much more intimate way.

Sarah Mabeza Regional Legal Advisor, Pretoria
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Cultural property
Surrender
Trickery
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Man carrying person wounded in battle

The purpose of the Tool is firstly to contribute to current debates on the relevance of IHL to Africa; secondly to increase understanding and acceptance of IHL rules on the African continent; and lastly to provide ICRC colleagues working in Africa with a practical tool to engage interlocutors and initiate discussions.

Tamalin Bolus Regional Legal Advisor, Jakarta
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