Historical Dictionary of Civil Wars in Africa

This comprehensive volume presents information about the civil wars which have taken place in Africa over the years of the independence era since 1945. Twenty African civil wars make up the principal dictionary entries. Other entries cover liberation or other movements such as the African National Congress (ANC) or Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) which are involved in such wars. Leading political or military figures such as Idi Amin of Uganda or Laurent Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo (former Zaire) are featured in their own entries as are external countries or organizations which have attempted peacekeeping or mediation roles–the Commonwealth, France, the United Nations, the United States–or have intervened in pursuit of their own interests. The author also provides information about specific events connected with the wars such as the Setif uprising of 1945 in Algeria, which was a defining moment in the deteriorating relationship between France and its north African colony, or the Nkomati Accord of 1984 between Mozambique and South Africa. In addition, Arnold deals with related topics that have obvious relevance such as aid, the churches, or mercenaries. Arnold also addresses questions which become more and more relevant in the 1990s: When, if ever, is it right to intervene in the internal affairs of another state? Should all states be regarded as permanently inviolable? Would the separation of fundamentally antagonistic ethnic groups make more sense than attempting to keep intact states in which genocidal massacres have become the periodic norm? With an introduction, chronology, and bibliography, and the comprehensive but concise dictionary entries, this text will be invaluable for the novice student of international relations, African history, or foreign policy, or as a ready-reference for the more seasoned scholar.