The Nexus Between Religion, Conflict and Peacebuilding in Africa and Policy Implications

Abstract

Purpose: The nexus between peacebuilding, conflict, and religion has been portrayed too often in a binary way where religion has been viewed either as a source of conflict or peacebuilding. This perception obscures the intricacy of the nexus showing that not much is understood about religion. This study sought to understand how religion interacts with human experience at the national and international levels to provide a detailed understanding of how it relates to peacebuilding and conflict in Africa. Methods: A qualitative and interpretive approach is employed predicated on a critical literature review of documents from various sources. Results and conclusions: It is revealed that religion should not be seen as an isolated or static entity, but viewed as a fluid system, dependent on historical and contextual variables. Experts, academics, and policymakers must be cautious not to give unjustified eminence to religion because it is not always a main factor in every conflict. Originality/Value: For a long time conflict and peacebuilding in the continent has been not vigorously included the religious sector. Where the religious community has been involved it has generally been initiated at a country level by peacebuilding actors without much amplification at the continental level. This is one of the few studies if any that champions this matter and complement the African Union’s African Peacebuilding and Security Architecture.