Bangura, Abdul Karim: - Abdul Karim Bangura is a researcher-in-residence of Abrahamic Connections and Islamic Peace Studies at the Center for Global Peace at American University and the director of The African Institution, both in Washington DC. He is also a visiting graduate professor of Regional Integration at the University of Cabo Verde as well as director of the Institute and senior doctoral dissertations mentor of the CODESRIA College of Mentors in Dakar (Senegal). Bangura is also a member of many scholarly organizations, has served as President and then United Nations Ambassador of the Association of Third World Studies, and is a Special Envoy of the African Union Peace and Security Council. He has recently been awarded the Special United States Congressional Award for "outstanding and invaluable service to the international community."