Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020: Achievements, Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

Seven years after Africa's ambitious declaration of commitment to silence the guns by 2020, very little progress has been recorded in its implementation. This study assesses the context in which the initiative was planned, its marginal achievements so far and obstacles to reaching its goals. It notes that even in policy circles, the notion of 'silencing the guns' remains conceptually debated. The monograph also discusses the institutional, conceptual, political and operational issues that should be urgently addressed by states, regional economic communities and the African Union.