Law and the Public Sphere in Africa

<p>Jean Godefroy Bidima's <i>La Palabre</i> examines the traditional African institution of palaver as a way to create dialogue and open exchange in an effort to resolve conflict and promote democracy. In the wake of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commissions and the <i>gacaca</i> courts in Rwanda Bidima offers a compelling model of how to develop an African public space where dialogue can combat misunderstanding. This volume which includes other essays on legal processes cultural diversity memory and the internet in Africa offers English-speaking readers the opportunity to become acquainted with a highly original and important postcolonial thinker.</p>