Colonial and Contemporary Typifications: Defining the Conflicts in the Great Lakes Region (GLR) of Africa

The Great Lakes Region (GLR) of Africa has been typified by numerous conflicts over the period stretching from independence to date. However, the independent period up to 1980s seemed to have had some semblance. This study sought to evaluate the conflicts' typifications over this time period while at the same time categorizing them to bring clarity to understanding of conflicts. Again, the question of whether these conflicts are colonial or contemporary is again a concern that this study attempts to expose. Indeed, it is clearer that several conflict theorists are ever in dilemma about the linkage of the GLR conflicts thus a constant divide in opinion within this period. As the study digs into the causes of conflicts in the GLR, it is found that these causes are multi-dimensional thus include; Laxity and neglect causes, System failure causes, Economic-led and power-led causes, Racial conflicts, and Ideological conflict/ bipolarism in the world politics. This therefore indicates that the solutions to the conflicts should follow the cause and effect approach.