n Conflict Trends - Editorial

Abstract

In 1960, 14 countries in West Africa gained freedom from French colonial rule, the Belgian Congo broke free to become Zaire, and Somalia and Nigeria unshackled themselves from their British colonial chains. There is no doubt that 1960 is a watershed year in the history of Africa. It was the year when the dreams and sacrifices of all those who fought for independence were realised. It was the year when the hopes and aspirations of millions of Africans were placed on the broad shoulders of those they entrusted to lead them away from the burden of dependence and exploitation and the manifest poverty, illiteracy, unemployment and disease that accompanied it.