Previous page | New search |
The free AfricaBib App for Android is available here
Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | The role of religion during and after the civil war in Sierra Leone |
Author: | Conteh, Prince Sorie |
Year: | 2011 |
Periodical: | Journal for the Study of Religion (ISSN 1011-7601) |
Volume: | 24 |
Issue: | 1 |
Pages: | 55-76 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | Sierra Leone |
Subjects: | religion interreligious relations civil wars peacebuilding |
Abstract: | Civil wars in Africa are renowned for their strong religious elements, with religion being used for different purposes and in different capacities. Sierra Leone's civil war (1991-2002), known also as the 'rebel war', had significant religious dimensions. The warring factions used religion for their gain. Beyond that, Muslim and Christian groups provided relief supplies for war victims and, through interfaith cooperation, succeeded in brokering peace between the government and the rebels. This article presents an account of the roles religion played in the Sierra Leonean civil war: as instigator, justifier, and eventually reconciler. In so doing, it argues against singular modalities of religion, which fail to illustrate the permeation of religion in African society and the sphere of capabilities of religious leaders and organizations in war-torn States. Bibliogr., sum. [Journal abstract] |