POS 3303 - Conflict and Conflict Resolution in Africa

Credits: 3 hrs

This course starts from the observation that conflicts are part and parcel of the dynamics of African society. Historically, Africa has experienced a perennial struggle among individuals, families, clans, ethnic groups and nations for control over scarce natural, economic and political resources. The course focuses on the Post-Cold War period which, paradoxically, saw a resurgence of sub-regional, political, ethnic, racial and religious conflict in many African countries. Liberia, Ivory Coast, the Central African Republic/ CAR, the Democratic Republic of Congo/DRC, Rwanda, Sudan, and Somalia are some of the on-going conflicts that this course will analyze. The course will then examine various conflict prevention, management and resolution mechanisms and institutions developed at the international (United Nations), continental (African Union) and sub-regional Levels.