What are the Real Drivers of Conflict in Some Parts of Africa? Dr. Edward Kissi Explains

What are the Real Drivers of Conflict in Some Parts of Africa? Dr. Edward Kissi Explains
13 Oct

What are the Real Drivers of Conflict in Some Parts of Africa? Dr. Edward Kissi Explains

From inter-religious violence in the Central African Republic which has been labeled as “pre-genocide,” to inter-ethnic violence in South Sudan claiming thousands of lives and displacing over a million from the newest country of the world, various regions in Africa are enduring disastrous conflicts.

KissiPoliticians, scholars and other experts are grappling with the idea to try and understand the main causes of these conflicts, often seen as ethnic or religious clashes, and why leaders on the continent tend not to learn from history to avoid these tragedies. The relevant question is: How can lessons from the past, if there are any corollaries, be applied to stop possible genocides in places like the CAR or in South Sudan?

To answer such fundamental questions, I met with Dr. Edward Kissi, an Associate Professor in the Department of Africana Studies at the University of South Florida, last January. Dr. Kissi explores ideas as to what the real drivers of conflict in many parts of Africa are, what have African governments and the international community learned from past episodes of mass violence and related issues. Dr. Kissi has done extensive work raising awareness of efforts to prevent future genocide worldwide, but with a particular emphasis on Africa.

In our discussion, he explains how he became interested in this issue and why the study and prevention of genocide is his passion. He explains the Central African Republic conflict during its early stages and foresees what it has degenerated into.

Source: Africa-Talks