Civil Wars in Africa

Civil Wars in Africa, edited by Kelechi A. Kalu and George Klay Kieh,Jr., argues that civil wars in Africa are by-products of the contradictions and crises engendered by the post-colonial state-building and nation-building projects. The post-colonial states in Africa have failed to build societies that invest in the material well-being of their citizens, protect their political, civil, and other rights, promote accountability, transparency, the rule of law, judicial independence, and the holding of free and fair elections.

Format: Hardback
Length: 358 pages
Publication date: 15 May 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Civil Wars in Africa, edited by Kelechi A. Kalu and George Klay Kieh, Jr., delves into the intricate dynamics of civil conflicts across diverse African nations. The editors argue that civil wars in Africa are the unintended consequences of the contradictions and crises that arise from the post-colonial state-building and nation-building projects in the region. While there are some exceptions, the post-colonial states in Africa have struggled to establish societies that prioritize the material well-being of their citizens, safeguard their political, civil, and other rights, promote accountability, transparency, the rule of law, judicial independence, and the conduct of free and fair elections. Moreover, the contributors highlight the prevalence of corrupt and autocratic leadership in the post-colonial states of Africa, driven by an obsession with maintaining state power as a means to secure private wealth accumulation through illegal means such as bribery, extortion, and theft of public funds.

In essence, this volume explores the profound failure of the post-colonial African state to guide the process of building democratic societies grounded in the centrality of human security. As the contradictions and crises intensify, these post-colonial societies often collapse into civil wars, even at the micro-level. This tragic outcome underscores the urgent need for transformative interventions and policies to address the underlying causes of conflict, promote stability, and foster inclusive and sustainable development in Africa.

Weight: 717g
Dimension: 227 x 161 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793649331