Ravages of War through the Victims’ Eyes

AUTEUR : DEOGRATIAS M. RWEZAURA

ABSTRACT

This essay is an attempt at an ethical evaluation of multiple wars that have ravaged the African continent and its peoples for many years. The essay’s moral argument or ethical perspective is based on the silent, unnoticed sufferings and deaths of those whose voices I would like to raise in objecting to the use of war to solve human conflicts. It is these moral agents, subjects of their own rights, whom wars oftentimes turn into objects and means to achieve the belligerents’ interests. These silent victims’ dignity is worthy of recognition, protection and respect. It is on the basis of human dignity that I see moral inconsistency in arguing for a justifiable use of armed violence on ethical grounds. Through the victims’ eyes the essay interrogates the traditional criteria for just war in view of developing a coherent ethic for anyone involved in or contemplating war or armed rebellion.