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Since the late 1950´s most African countries started gaining independence, but this independence bred multitudes of autocratic regimes that led to the oppression of human rights and violet outbreaks. Thus, the call for democracy was hailed as the solution to reduce violent incidents in Africa. However, there is limited literature that addresses the impact of democratization in building peace and conflict resolution in Southern Africa. Hence, this monograph focuses on the rarely analyzed but crucial link between democratization, conflict resolution and peace building in Societies. The improved level of peaceful co-existence and fewer instances of violence after democratization in South Africa is used as a case study to elaborate on the subject. Most war ravaged Southern African Countries which are still striving for democracy could find some helpful guidelines for a peaceful solution, academics who study the field of peace building, international relations, politics and conflict resolution specialist could greatly benefit from the material, and any other person who might be interested in the subject of world peace in general.

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Boitumelo L. Phiriepa, Masters degree: Peace Studies and International Relations. Senior Administrative Officer in the Department of Health and Social Development, South Africa: Johannesburg

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