Conflict Management Mechanisms in Internal Conflicts in Africa. A Case Study of the Lords Resistance Army in Uganda, 1986-2009

Abstract

This study using the theory of conflict systems and the notion of internationalization of conflict is written against the background that the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) conflict in Northern Uganda is a classic example of Africa's historical problems of internal disunity, easy capitulation to imperial interests, and conflict entrepreneurship which has dragged on for more than two decades with no final peaceful end in sight. This conflict which started in Northern Uganda spilled across the border to South Sudan, later to Gararnba forest in the Democratic Republ ic of Congo. and currently in Central Africa Rcpubl ic0 This violent conflict has caused a lot of human suffering through massive atrocities, attacking and pillaging communities, destroying villages and camps, abduction of children, young boys and girls for recruitment into the rebel forces and young girls as "sex slaves for the LRA commanders. Several initiatives both internal and external have been made to manage the confl ict, but though some achievements have been realized, the resolution of this conflict has not been easy as exemplified by the long period it has lasted. The study has therefore come up with recommendations into academia for further research and policy for innovative interventions for creation of a legacy of peace.