The Media and Conflicts in Central Africa
Marie-soleil Frere
Lynne Rienner Pub
This in-depth investigation of the role that local news media play in Central African conflicts combines theoretical analysis with case studies from nine African countries: Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, the Republic of Congo, and Rwanda.
Each case study presents a comprehensive discussion of media influences during the various conflicts that have spread in the region and their impact on the peace process. Enriching the exploration, a chapter by Jean-Paul Marthoz (former director of information at Human Rights Watch) focuses on the ways in which the media in the global North cover crises on the African continent. The book contributes greatly to a better understanding of the complex forces at play - and identifies ways that may contribute to strengthening the positive dynamics and mediating the negative ones.