Since the second half of the twentieth century, no single phenomenon has marred the image and development of Africa more than senseless fratricidal wars which rapidly followed the political
independence of nations. This issue of African Literature Todayis devoted to studies of how African writers, as historical witnesses, have handled the recreation of war as a cataclysmic
phenomenon in various locations on the continent. The contributors explore the subject from a variety of perspectives: panoramic, regional, national and through comparative studies. War has
enriched contemporary African literature, but at what price to human lives, peace and the environment? Ernest Emenyonu is Professor of the Department of Africana Studies University of
Michigan-Flint. The contributors include: Ernest N. Emenyonu, Chimalum Nwankwo, Christine Matzke, Clement A. Okafor, Iniobong I. Uko, Oike Machiko, Sophie Ogwude, Maurice Taonezvi Vambe, Zoe
Norridge and, Isidore Diala.
