Grand narratives of the Great Lakes Region of Africa and their contribution to the current conflicts

Abstract

The strategy of this paper is to draw attention to the influence of narrative and group
identities to the current conflicts of the Great Lakes Region. It argues that past
memories, passed over to the present generation through community narratives, have
contributed to the current crisis. Narratives have been a driving force in forming
solidarity and at the same time in excluding and exterminating others. Narrative groups
have further consolidated allies and distinguished enemies, in this way broadening the
crisis in the region. The paper concludes by asserting that particular narratives remain
dangerous in the Great Lakes Region, unless they are reconstructed in recognition of
others narratives.

Mtafiti Mwafrika Vol. 10 2003: pp 1-59