Explores the role of local media actors in the conflicts and the peace processes of nine coun-tries - Burundi, the DRC, Rwanda, the Central African Republic, Congo-Brazzaville, Chad, Cameroon, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. Includes an analysis of the role of Western media outlets in covering these crises. 320pp, BELGIUM. IN FRENCH. GRIP.

Revealing the powers immanent in works that the West long regarded only as exotic or abstract, Constantine Petridis looks beneath the surface of the arts of the Luba, Songye, Chokwe and Luluwa peoples to find, literally embedded in sculpture, the forces that enable the spirit world to intervene in daily life. Ritual use of these objects is expected to ensure a healthy birth, successful hunt, or triumph over an enemy. Analysis of the scholarly record illuminates the changing visions of leadership and prestige that fostered the development of the majestic, elaborate figure styles long prized in the West. Bib, notes, 155pp, 108 col & b/w illus, BELGIUM. MERCATORFONDS.

Set in Central Africa during the post independence era, this novel is narrated by a young trader of Indian descent who has left the coast to take on a small shop in the interior. A story of historical upheaval and social breakdown. 326pp, UK. PICADOR, 0330487140

Offers a sweeping introduction to the politics of transition in the four principle nations in the African Great Lakes region (Burundi, the DRC, Rwanda and Uganda), with each country study divided into four sections: the current situation; a discussion of the history as it led into the present moment; an overview of formal transitional justice initiatives (truth commissions, interventions by the International Criminal Court and so on); an introduction to traditional methods of resolving conflict (including community based justice mechanisms) an area of research rapidly drawing widespread interest among researchers and international actors. 160pp, SOUTH AFRICA. INSTITUTE FOR JUSTICE AND RECONCILIATION.

Addresses development problems and prospects in central Africa, defined for the purposes of the study as incorporating 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 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 and the Weird Wind of democratisation and good governance. 258pp, SENEGAL. CODESRIA. DELAY.

Focusing on the Kongo-Angola culture zone, the book illustrates how African peoples reshaped their cultural institutions, beliefs and practices as they interacted with Portuguese slave traders up to the year 1800; it then follows Central Africans through all the regions where they were taken as slaves and recaptives. Tables, notes, b/w ill, index, ix, 384pp, UK. CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, 0521002788

2002 paperback

A wide range of scholars look at the issues of conflict and ethnicity in the Great Lakes region of Central Africa. Presented as a series of essays which attempts to link current Western and Japanese research in the field. Notes and refs, apps, maps, 353pp, JAPAN. INSTIUTE FOR THE STUDY OF LANGUAGESW AND CULTURES OF ASIA AND AFRICA.

The first dedicated guidebook on both Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the People's Republic of Congo (PRC) in well over a decade, the Bradt guide provides full coverage of the major cities and parks of the two countries. The Congo possesses some of Africa's densest jungle terrain along with most of the continent's last remaining intact rainforest and endangered mountain gorillas. Index, apps, 15 col photos, language guide, 30 maps, 328pp, UK . BRADT PUBLICATIONS.

By focusing on the historical and social forces behind the cycles of bloodshed in Rwanda, Burundi, and the Congo-Kinshasa, Rene Lemarchand challenges much of the conventional wisdom about the roots of civil strife in former Belgian Africa. He offers telling insights into the appalling cycle of genocidal violence, ethnic strife, and civil war that has made the Great Lakes region of Central Africa the most violent in the continent, and sheds new light on the dynamics of conflict in the region. 328pp, USA. UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA PRESS.

Many masterpieces of central African sculpture were created to amplify the power of sacred relics that affirm a family's vital connection to its ancestral heritage. This important volume, focusing on some 130 works representing a diverse variety of regional genres, illuminates the purpose and significance of these icons of African art, which first came to prominence because of their appeal to the Western avant-garde. While providing an overview of sources ranging from colonial explorers, missionaries, critics, artists and art historians, the book breaks new ground in its examination of the complex aesthetic and spiritual dimensions of the reliquaries. Index, bib, maps, 355pp, USA. YALE UNIVERSITY PRESS.

Intrepid adventure narrative reminiscent of Theroux or Chatwin, this account of writer inspired by the derring-do of Victorian explorers charts a journey from Kinshasa to Kisangani, 1100 miles away. 19 b&w photographs, 262pp, UK. ABACUS.

Fang art is one of the most distinguished arts of Africa. Its masks, with their facial markings, abstract features and strong, elegant lines, were among the most influential in 20th century modern art. Fang figures, called Bieri, are renowned for their child-like proportions contrasted with a muscular, poised vigilance. 154pp, col & b/w illus, ITALY. FIVE CONTINENTS EDITIONS.

At three times the size of France, Central African forests are the largest tropical forest mass after the Amazon and cover a large portion of the Congo Basin, with the second largest river in the world. Unlike the forests of Western Africa and Asia, these are still well preserved: in massive areas, natural processes continue unperturbed while elephants, gorillas and chimpanzees live in peace. A stunning photographic tribute with hundreds of colour illustrations and photographs. Index, bib, 365pp, SOUTH AFRICA . PROTEA BOOK HOUSE.

2004 1869190734 Hardback

Examines the ethnicised conflicts, periodic war, and genocide in Rwanda and Burundi. Explores the background to the conflicts in the region as well as what the international community might do to break this tragic cycle of violence and despair. Notes, bib, index, xxx, 410pp, USA. PRAEGER, 0275972240

New in paperback. First published in French in 2000, this volume brings together a wide range of historical sources to present a history of one of Africa's most important but ultimately misunderstood regions. The author looks at the development of humanity and society and the long-standing results of the imposition of European hegemony. Index, maps, apps, bib, notes, 503pp, USA. MIT PRESS.

Challenges conventional theories of economic development with a compelling comparative case study of inland fisheries in Zambia and Congo from pre- to postcolonial times. Neoclassical development models conjure a simple, abstract progression from wealth held in people to money or commodities; instead, Gordon argues, primary social networks and oral charters like Nachituti's Gift remained decisive long after the rise of intensive trade and market activities. Index, bib, notes, charts, b/w photos, 304pp, USA. UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN PRESS.

A survey of the origins, migrations, society, religion and customs of the Ngoniu of southern Central Africa. Richly illustrated with colour photographs. Includes a guide to further reading and a glossary. Index, map, 64pp, USA. ROSEN PUBLISHING COMPANY, 0823920062

A stringent analysis of the international power politics involved in the Central African nightmare in which the lure of petrol, gold and diamonds is causing human disaster on an increasing scale. The author also looks at how the economic and political situation has changed since September 11. Text in French. Index, 309pp, FRANCE. EDITIONS FAYARD.

2003 2213614881 Paperback

Examines the international factors such as enforced democracy and globalization that have affected the Great Lakes region of Africa. The horrendous consequences in terms of violence and human suffering of the events in this area have been exhibited in the media, however news coverage after 1994 was at times unreliable. 243pp, UK. PALGRAVE.

The first historical account to reconstruct a Batwa past covering over 2000 years. This study of central Africa's precolonial past looks at the changing relationships between the Batwa, their forest environment and expanding agriculturalists. The author also discusses the continuing prevalence of Western theories of social evolutionism in historical accounts of Africa. Index, bib, maps, xxxiv, 253pp, USA. HEINEMANN INC.

Provides the genealogy and history of the African Great Lakes region. It has been the scene of a series of overlapping traumas which have disrupted its geopolitical, economic, social and demographic stability. Despite numerous peace accords, local political compromises and various international interventions, it has yet to find stability. Index, 256pp, UK. HURST & CO.

The Batwa communities of the Great Lakes Region are mainly former hunter-gatherers who have been evicted from their forest homes over the course of many decades. They now live as a neglected and marginalized minority, often in remote conflict and post-conflict areas. Though Batwa adults and children across the region have identified education as one of their most important priorities, the vast majority have had little if any chance to go to school. Poverty and hunger, and the long distances they often have to travel to access schooling, prevent children from enjoying what is their fundamental human right. 40pp, UK. Minority Rights Group.

The site of genocide in Rwanda, recurrent cycles of communal massacre, deepening poverty, state fragmentation, and massive displacement of civilians, is Africa's Great Lakes region finally moving away from decades of decay and destruction, or is it fated to remain mired in interminable strife? The contributors to this volume explore the sources of conflict in the region, as well as local and international attempts to rebuild political authority and reduce the scale of human suffering. Index, bib, 230pp, USA. LYNNE RIENNER.

Second edition. African ordinary level textbook focused on Central African history from the Iron Age to Independence. Malawi is not covered. Each chapter ends with revision questions. Maps, b/w illustrations, 166pp, SWAZILAND.

A survey of political and human rights developments. 27pp, A4 format, Sweden. [CURRENT AFRICAN ISSUES SERIES. ISSN 0280-2171 #21]. NORDIC AFRICA INSTITUTE.

Examines relationships between Christian churches and a variety of other institutions. Part One adopts historical approach describing confrontations with the Chewa, the M'bona cult and Mwana Lesa Movement. Part Two gives case studies of churches in colonial society. Part Three gives examples of inter-church co-operation with a political dimension. pp. 285, USA. CALIFORNIA U P.

Volume one of the classic account of one of Stanley's most important expeditions, these two vol-umes recount the incredibly difficult and perilous journey during which he explored the great lakes of Central Africa, confirming their size and position, searched for the sources of the Nile, and traced the unknown Congo River from the depths of the continent to the sea.Maps, b/w illus, index, prefaces, 819pp, USA. DOVER.

Volume two of the classic account of one of Stanley's most important expeditions, these two volumes recount the incredibly difficult and perilous journey during which he explored the great lakes of Central Africa, confirming their size and posi-tion, searched for the sources of the Nile, and traced the unknown Congo River from the depths of the continent to the sea.Maps, b/w illus, index, prefaces, 819pp, USA. DOVER.

A report on the situation faced by the Twa, an indigenous people of the Great Lakes region. Marginalisation, poverty and violent conflict has exacerbated discrimination against them. The report considers government policies and international human rights laws that could be used by Twa organisations and support agencies in Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda. Bib, notes, maps, 40pp, UK. Minority Rights Group, 190458411X

The Ubangi is a truly transitional region, situated between the dense forest in the South and the wooded savannah to the North, between Bantu speakers and speakers of Ubangian languages, and also between politically decentralized societies to the West and the former kingdoms in the East. Underneath these differences, however, one finds several common social institutions, including puberty initiation, closed associations, and healing and fertility cults. Many objects were used in the context of these institutions. The aesthetically appealing art production of the region is characterized by an outspoken abstract style and formal affinities between the sculpture of neighbouring people, resulting in distinguishable family traits. The emphasis of this book lies on wooden sculpture. Musical instruments, amulets and household objects show formal similarities with the figures. Masks and initiation paraphernalia, as well as colonial photographs illustrate the degree to which certain ceremonies were shared. This book constitutes an important reference work on one of Africa's last cultural 'terrae incognitae'. Indexes, bib, 423pp, 350 col illus, BELGIUM. MERCATORFONDS.

A travel classic. An account of a journey on foot across the mountains to the two lost worlds of Central Africa. Adventure, discovery, and tragedy teem in this famous account into the sinister, primeval heights of Mount Mlanje and the cloud walled uplands of Myika. 241pp, UK. VINTAGE.

Study of V. Y. Mudimbe's theories of missionary discourse in Africa. Notes, bib, index, 229pp, GERMANY. LIT VERLAG, 382585129X

2001 Paperback