Africa today suffers from too much political unrest and violent conflict. The contributors to this edited collection recognize a missing link in efforts to foster democracy, and with it political stability and peace, in Africa's developing countries: Democracy can be sustained only where effective means for resolving citizens' disputes exist both within and outside the formal legal system. The writers whose articles appear here—scholars, practitioners, and peace advocates—present their varied knowledge of conflict and war in Africa and strategies for introducing and implementing mediation, from Sierra Leone to South Africa. This volume is a model exchange of insights and ideas in the important field of conflict resolution as applied to Africa.

Contributions by: Rose Acholonu, George N. Ayittey, Chris Bakwesegha, Robert Dibie, Clive Harber, Tracey Holland, Kelechi A. Kalu, Peter Wanyama Madaka, Elavie Ndura, Susan Shepler, Derry-Joe M. Yakubu