Understanding Obstacles to Peace: Actors, Interests, and Strategies in Africa’s Great Lakes Region

This book describes and analyzes protracted conflicts in the Great Lakes Region of Africa. In doing so, it emphasizes obstacles to peace rather than root causes of conflict. Case studies are presented from Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Northern Kenya, Northern Uganda, Southern Sudan, and Zanzibar. Amongst other conclusions, the book shows that, to settle or transform protracted conflicts, distinction must be made between strategic and nonstrategic actors: the former must be able to prevail upon the latter in the negotiation and implementation of peace agreements.

The theme and collection of the research presented in this book are unique in the literature. The case studies all employ methods of “thick description” process tracing (following particular actors and their interests), and in-depth personal interviews. The book will be of interest to academics, researchers, undergraduate and post-graduate students, and professionals in conflict theory, analysis and resolution, African and development studies, political science and international affairs, as well as to mediators, negotiators, and facilitators in conflict resolution.

The editor

Mwesiga Baregu is a professor in the School of Graduate Studies at St. Augustine University of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam.