Peace Studies for Sustainable Development in Africa: Conflicts and Peace Oriented Conflict Resolution (Copy)
Peace Studies for Sustainable Development in Africa: Conflicts and Peace Oriented Conflict Resolution is an expansive and interdisciplinary volume that explores the root causes of conflict in Africa and offers diverse, context-specific approaches to peacebuilding. Edited by Egon Spiegel (Germany), George Mutalemwa (Tanzania), Cheng Liu (China), and Lester R. Kurtz (USA), the book brings together over 50 contributions from African scholars and peace practitioners. It addresses key themes such as religious extremism, gender and peace, political violence, economic exploitation, and grassroots strategies for sustainable development and reconciliation.
A central focus is on conflict dynamics in Nigeria, where contributors including Muhammad Abdullahi and Olufemi N. Oloba critically examine the Boko Haram insurgency. They highlight how the state’s militarized response has largely failed to bring peace, and instead propose community policing, religious engagement, and youth empowerment as more effective, localized solutions. Jaouad Radouani contributes further by exploring how distorted religious ideologies—particularly radical Islamism—contribute to identity-based violence, calling for more nuanced, culturally sensitive interpretations of religion in conflict resolution.
Women’s roles in peacebuilding are prominently featured, particularly through the work of Martha C. Akello, who emphasizes how women are not only disproportionately affected by conflict but are also powerful agents of peace. Her chapter highlights women-led reconciliation efforts, especially in post-conflict areas, and advocates for their formal inclusion in peace negotiations and policymaking. These insights align with the broader push for gender equity and inclusive governance in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
The volume also examines how the exploitation of Africa’s natural resources—especially in mining—by multinational corporations, often in collusion with local elites, exacerbates conflict. The authors argue that environmental degradation, economic injustice, and lack of corporate accountability destabilize communities and erode prospects for peace. In contrast, they advocate for more transparent economic practices and policies that prioritize sustainable local development.
A compelling case study is found in the chapter on the Democratic Republic of Congo’s peaceful 2018 election, which attributes success to local peace initiatives including youth-led campaigns, civic education, and early-warning systems. This example reinforces the book’s central message: peace is most sustainable when it is built from the ground up, informed by local knowledge, and supported by inclusive, participatory governance.
Overall, the volume presents a powerful argument that sustainable peace in Africa cannot be imposed from outside but must emerge from within—through community engagement, gender inclusion, economic justice, and culturally grounded approaches to conflict resolution. It serves as both a scholarly resource and a practical guide for building resilient, peaceful societies across the continent.