| dc.description.abstract |
The research is an investigation into the protracted nature of conflict in the Belgian Africa, Viz Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Chapter one is an overview of the work in which the literature review, theoretical approach and methodology were clearly discussed. Chapter two lakes a look at the ethnic factors and their relational impact in each country. Chapter three concentrates on the escalation of the conflict in the region thus, calling for an urgent need of peace building and reconciliation efforts, widely covered in the fourth chapter, and thereafter in the fifth, a conclusion and recommendations for a sustainable peace in the region. The impression of non-Africans about those who inhabit this huge continent is people in distress, fleeing from civil war, hunger and disease. The images held are those of mismanaged and neglected economies, corruption, autocratic party systems, military dictatorship and abuse of power. While these projections may not qualify to represent the whole continent, it would be ironic not to associate them with the Great Lakes Region of Africa, in the last decade and a half. This region that comprises of Burundi, DR Congo and Rwanda, is one of the richest regions in Africa, endowed with immense resources, yet remains one of the poorest areas on the surface of the earth. Found in the middle of the continent, yet quite marginalized; a place of natural beauty, yet politically ugly. What a contradiction. Former Kenyan president, Arap Moi is known to have said: "Siasa mbaya maisha mbaya," meaning "bad politics breeds misery". What is so disturbing is how African elites fail to put in place some sound policies that can help the people they allegedly claim to lead. Consequently, in a region occupied by I3elgian-Africa, lasting peace remains far-fetched. This research will make some prognosis on the current states of current state of affairs, with prescriptions for a possible lasting peace in the region. |
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