The Public Authority Podcast asks how governance and humanitarianism in conflict-affected areas actually functions. Inviting experts to discuss the ways public authorities beyond state actors shape daily lives, political control and economic activity across Africa, the podcast examines aid delivery, development initiatives, localisation, access to justice and service provision. It presents original thinking about the structures necessary for, and barriers to, thriving economic, political and social life.
The Public Authority Podcast is created by LSE’s Centre for Public Authority and International Development at the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa.
Listen to the podcast on Soundcloud, Apple Music or by clicking on the episode descriptions below.
Localisation of humanitarian aid in South Sudan
In the two-part start to the podcast, we explore the findings and implications of a recent study led by the FLIA exploring the localisation of humanitarian aid in South Sudan, and the struggles and strategies of South Sudanese NGOs as they navigate the delivery of aid in a context of armed conflict.
Episode 1
Episode one introduces the ‘localisation agenda’, including the commitments made at the World Humanitarian Summit in 2016 and the progress made on these commitments in South Sudan. It also explores the histories of NGOs in South Sudan, the challenges faced by NGO founders and the importance of working with and through South Sudanese organisations.
Listen to episode 1.
Episode 2
Episode two examines the barriers to the localisation of aid in South Sudan including some of the assumptions made by donors and international agencies about South Sudanese NGOs. It also explores how South Sudanese NGOs deal with security risks and how they secure funding to carry out their activities.
Listen to episode 2.
Podcast team and speakers
Dr Naomi Pendle focuses on public authority, patterns of violence and local governance in South Sudan. Naomi has conduced ethnographic research in South Sudan since 2009, with a focus on Nuer and Dinka communities.
Dr Lydia Tanner leads The Research People. She has delivered more than 40 research and consultancy projects for local, national and international NGOs and donors. Lydia completed a PhD in information engineering at Oxford University.
Malish John Peter is a researcher, evaluation and public policy expert with 14 years of experience in M&E, policy analysis, research and program management across sectors including health, agriculture, food security and livelihoods, civil society, governance and education. He has previously worked with MercyCorps, Winrock International, Global Communities, Health Pooled Fund and Civil Society Fund. He currently works with CARE International as Senior Policy and Partnerships Adviser in South Sudan.
Alice Robinson is a PhD student at the Department of International Development at LSE. Her doctoral research focuses on the histories and everyday practices of local NGOs in South Sudan, and their role in humanitarian response.
Syerramia Ohene (presenter and producer) is an accomplished freelance writer, editor, podcast producer, communications consultant and trainer who specialises in the higher education, media and sport sectors.
Learn more about the research.
Changing the course of a landmark trial at the ICC
Episode 3
This episode of the Public Authority Podcast examines the impact of long-term research focussed on northern Uganda hosted at the Firoz Lalji Institute for Africa. The episode talks to Professor Tim Allen and researcher Jacky Atingo to understand how this research aided the successful prosecution of former LRA commander Dominic Ongwen at the International Criminal Court in 2021.
Listen to episode 3.
Podcast team and speakers
Tim Allen is inaugural Director of the Firoz Lalji Centre for Africa and is Professor in Development Anthropology in the Department of International Development at the London School of Economics and Political Science. His research has focused on international criminal justice, non-formal accountability mechanisms, forced migration, reintegration following displacements, war and conflict, aid programs, witchcraft and social healing, tropical diseases, HIV/AIDS and health programs. He has carried out long-term field research in several African countries, mostly in East Africa.
A list of Professor Allen’s publications with live links can be found here
Jackline Atingo is a researcher in northern Uganda. She holds an MSc in Development Studies with a major in Human Rights and social justice from Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands, a post-graduate diploma in Peace and Conflict Management from Gulu University, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree from Makerere University in Development Studies
Her expertise is in the areas of sexual and gender-based violence, children born into rebel movements, conflict, land issues, transitional justice, and reintegration of ex-combatants.
Aggrey Nyondwa (host and producer) is a humanitarian communicator and multimedia journalist. He is a graduate of Journalism and Communication from Makerere University and is currently studying a Masters in Media, Communication and Development at the London School of Economics.
Learn more about this research and its impact at the ICC
Photo: 2007 Catholic Relief Services.