At the Coalface
At the Coalface is a series of conversations hosted by Philippe Rose.
Philippe's guests share stories about their life beyond the headlines of international affairs. They look for lessons learned about making an impact in the world as practitioners in diplomacy, international organisations, NGOs, journalism and the private sector.
Many of Philippe's guests are connected by their common experience of taking time away from work to attend graduate school at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy of Tufts University.
At the Coalface
Theo R. - Trauma and Power in Africa’s Great Lakes
In this episode, Theo offers a deeply informed perspective on the conflict unfolding in the Great Lakes region of Africa. He unpacks the forces shaping the crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda’s role in it, drawing connections between colonial legacies, economic interests, and the personal influence of political leaders.
With the region still carrying the unhealed trauma of genocide and war, Theo reflects on what’s truly at stake. What kind of leadership is needed to break the cycle of violence and chart a path toward healing, justice, and stability?
In our conversation, Theo refers to the book The Wounded Healer by Henri Nouwen.
Recorded on 8 April 2025.
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