Pan African Peace Research and Nonviolence: Dynamism and Growth Across Diverse Disciplines and Ideologies

Any earnest attempt at reviewing the history of “African peace studies” must begin centuries ago. Searching outside the Eurocentric framework of how knowledge is based, we must understand that the oral tradition and griots of ancient times stored histories of peace, conflict resolution, and resistance richer than we can barely imagine. We can only surmise the storehouse of knowledge contained in the vast libraries of Alexandria, Egypt, an incalculable number of recorded perspectives now lost due to decay and the design of those who would mask African contributions in European guise. The collection and recollection of indigenous African knowledge bases and systems has been a relatively new endeavor in the academy, but which is gaining significant attention certain to increase in the years to come. This overview reflects on the contemporary early days of African-based programs developed unevenly in the period immediately following the independence of Ghana, continues with the college departments supported initially by Scandinavian universities and think-tanks, moves on to UN and UNESCO-related initiatives, and the growth of African peace studies journals and publications, and concludes with the fields’ current blossoming of diverse efforts throughout the continent. Through a wholistic, interdisciplinary, and historicπ exploration of the field, we suggest future possibilities for strengthening African pillars of lasting peace through peace studies.