Chandra’s passing is an incredible loss to the world of scholarship. We were together at the International Peace Academy in New York for four wonderful years and co-edited a book on Managing Armed Conflicts. She invited me to deliver a lecture at the University of East London, and edited a ground-breaking book on Transitional Justice in Africa in 2009 while I was directing the Centre for Conflict Resolution in Cape Town. As others have noted, she was the ultimate professional: thorough, rigorous, and calm. Even during the tough times at SOAS, she tried to maintain her good humour. She was always a loyal and dedicated friend and colleague, and meals in London were always interesting. Despite her Ivy league pedigree (Chicago, Berkeley, Princeton) she had no airs or graces and always kept it “real”. The fact she wanted to move to be closer to her mother was characteristic of her selflessness.
Gone too soon, but rest in peace, dear sister.
Love,
Adekeye Adebajo