Africa peace and conflict journal, v. 5, no. 2, December 2012

Abstract

This edition looks at governance from different perspectives: identity and nationalist movements in Cameroon; the ‘hegemonic presidency’ in Liberia and the challenges to rebuilding a shattered state; forthcoming general elections in Kenya and the need to avoid a repeat of the 2007 postelection violence; the conduct of elections and use of new approaches to deepen their integrity across the continent; and applying theoretical explanations to the protracted conflicts in Somalia. All of these point to one thing—governance. How can African governance systems improve so that they become truly democratic and responsive to the modern challenges of state building?