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The crushing legacy of Colonialism, a highly concentrated and personalized power structure, political in-fighting marked by deep ethnic divides, widespread corruption and a permanent state of warfare are the most significant aspects of contemporary Africa. But in this context, though the circumstances differ, South Africa has been able, and without bloodshed, to remove the old apartheid regime, set up the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and draw up a truly democratic Constitution. The example set by South Africa may serve as a point of reference for a continent in which peace and dialogue must of necessity become a reality.

Giovanni Carbone
teaches Political Science at the University of Milan, and conducts research into the processes of democratic reform and political party organizations in South Africa, and into the factors underlying the civil wars in the Sub-Saharan region. His publications include L’Africa. Gli stati, la politica, i conflitti (2005 and 2007).

Marcello Flores
teaches Modern and Comparative History at the faculty of Communication Sciences at the University of Siena, where he also directs the Masters’ course in Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs. Flores has published numerous books, including Verità senza vendetta. L’Esperienza della Commissione sudafricana per la verità and la riconciliazione (1999); Il genocidio degli Armeni (2005 and 2007); 1917. La rivoluzione (2007).

Irene Panozzo
is a freelance journalist and a member of the “Lettera 22” Independent Journalists’ Association. For many years, she has studied Africa and the Middle East, contributing to a number of Italian newspapers and periodicals. Her published works include Il dramma del Sudan. Specchio dell’ Africa (2000) and Sudan. Le parole per conoscere (2005).