The State of Peacebuilding in Africa: Lessons Learned for Policymakers and Practitioners

Abstract

This open access book on the state of peacebuilding in Africa brings together the work of distinguished scholars, practitioners, and decision makers to reflect on key experiences and lessons learned in peacebuilding in Africa over the past half century. Each chapter tackles three key questions: What changes have occurred in thinking and practice at the thematic or country level? What have been the key lessons learned (good and bad) and best practices to emerge from them? And what are the top policy options or recommendations you would put forward to policymakers and practitioners working on this aspect of peacebuilding? The core themes addressed by the contributors include conflict prevention, mediation, and management; post-conflict reconstruction, justice and Disarmament Demobilization and Reintegration; the role of women, religion, humanitarianism, grassroots organizations, and early warning systems; and the impact of global, regional, and continental bodies. The book's thematic chapters are complemented by six country/region case studies: The Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sudan/South Sudan, Mozambique and the Sahel/Mali. The findings in each chapter provide valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and scholars who are interested in identifying avenues for the promotion of peace and violence prevention.