ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an overview of the interface between religion and security in Africa. It describes the complex political situation in Africa, drawing attention to the role of religion. The chapter explores ‘shades of religious conflict in Africa.’ These are the various ways in which religion is implicated in conflict at different levels and in diverse settings. There are micro-level conflicts, where tensions and even violence occur at the lower level. These include the persecution of individuals for their religious beliefs, or for accusations of witchcraft. Such an approach is critical as it illustrates the various ways in which religion relates to human security. The chapter then proceeds to analyse macro-level conflicts that include the struggles for political control (such as in the Central African Republic) and religious terror that has been experienced in Kenya. The chapter discusses the weak and fragile states in Africa and proposes strategies for managing religious conflicts in Africa.
