Peace and Conflict Resolution in Africa

This publication is the product of the 25th Annual Africa & Diaspora Conference in 2016, organized by the Center for African Peace & Conflict Resolution at California State University, Sacramento, on the theme of Peace and Conflict Resolution in Africa 25 Years Later: Lessons, Best Practices and Opportunities. The publication includes both historical and contemporary or recurring conflicts in Africa, especially on issues of ethno-religious conflicts, corruption, land, and leadership. The chapters include case studies and some theoretical perspectives on the persistent search for the right size and scope of visioning and programming on peace and conflict resolution in Africa.

Understandably, this collection of ideas, thoughts and proposals will resonate with the field of Peace and Conflict Studies as well as benefit from critical reviews and advancement of future research. Arguably, Africa is “rising” in the 21st century, with declining violent conflicts and an increase in stable democracies and economies, however there are significant challenges of extremism, climate change, poor governance, ineffective leadership, widening wealth gaps, and weak institutions of moderation. The essays also document areas of progress in legitimizing democracy and conceptualizing social justice, and suggests the need for building the next generation of peace leaders in Africa.