| ISBN | 9782869781511 |
| Pages | 272 |
| Dimensions | 229 x 152 mm |
| Published | 2005 |
| Publisher | CODESRIA, Senegal |
| Format | Paperback |
Central Africa. Crises, Reform and Reconstruction
edited by E.S.D. Fomin, John W. Forje
This book addresses development problems and prospects in central Africa, which for the purposes of the study is understood as incorporating countries as Guinea, Central African Republic, Gabon, Cameroon, Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Angola and Chad.
Although a disparate, huge and diverse region, many common historical, geographic, political and economic features can be identified; and collective study is justified and important, owing to the interdependence of the countries of the region, and stress on economic integration for the future.
The papers in the collection are divided into two main areas: nation building and regional integration: problems and prospects; and the ‘weird wind of democratisation and governance’. Some examples of topics covered are: the effects of the foreign debt burden on saving ratios in the CEMAC Zone; the Nepad initiative as a basis for fostering economic recovery in the CEMAC Zone; foreign states’ elites and the DRC conflicts 1997- 2002; traumas, memories and ‘modern’ politics in Central Africa; and human rights abuses in the Central Africa sub-region: the case of children.
Review
"This comprehensive work covers a wide range of issues affecting the Central African sub- region and argues that though most of the problems affecting African states are traceable to colonial and the cold-war era, authoritarian leaderships, despotism consolidated through hegemony, politics of exclusion, corruption and unhealthy romance with forces of neo- colonialism are equally to be blamed. ... This is no doubt a timely publication and a must read for anyone interested in the politics of Africa."
About the Editors
E.S.D. Fomin is a historian based at the University of Yaounde, Cameroon.
John W. Forje holds educational qualifications from the Universities of Lund (Sweden), Hull and Salford (UK) in Political Science, Science and Technology Policy, European Politics and Economic History; and a Diploma, London School of Journalism. He has taught at the Universities of Yaoundé; Yaoundé 11-Soa, and Buea; and served as Sub-Director in the Cameroon Ministry of Scientific Research. John Forje was one of the first recipients of the Prof Archie Mafeje Fellowship Award; and for three conservative terms, Member of the First (2008), Second (2011) and Third (2013) Adjudication Panel of the All African Public Service Innovation Awards of the African Union and Conference of African Ministers of the Public Service. He has authored many books and scientific articles.