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.

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, 4872977653

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 USA INC, 0325071055

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

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

2001 Paperback