ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses depth overview of generations of conflict analysis in Africa and their theoretical interpretations. It examines the Organisation of African Unity / African Union experiment in regional security, peacekeeping and peace support operations in Africa. The book explores the nature of security complexes in Africa, and the conceptualisation and application of humanitarian intervention in complex political emergencies in Africa. It also examines the Southern African Development Community 'coalition of willing states' peacekeeping and conflict stabilisation intervention in the Great Lakes region, and the co-operation with the United Nations in preventive diplomacy in the region. The book describes how the Horn of Africa is gradually transforming its image from a region of 'permanent emergency' to establishing the rudimentary foundations for sustainable peace by building regional peace and preventive diplomacy mechanisms in the form of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development.
