The author views that the complexity of conflict implies that the African Union’s engagement with conflict – both in understanding and managing it – will benefit from an approach informed by the theory of complexity. Discusses the following questions: (1) What normative framework currently informs the African system of conflict management? (2) Is complexity theory compatible with the analysis and management of conflict? (3) What are the implications for conflict analysis and management? (4) What would a complexity approach add to the African system? / Thesis (LLM (Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa)) -- University of Pretoria, 2008. / A Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Law University of Pretoria, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Masters of Law (LLM in Human Rights and Democratisation in Africa). Prepared under the supervision of Dr Patrice Vahard, Faculty of Law, University of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia / http://www.chr.up.ac.za/ / Centre for Human Rights / LLM