The role of religion in shaping Saudi Arabia's foreign policy towards Sub-Saharan Africa : a case study of Uganda

Abstract

Cultural and Geographical proximity between Saudi Arabia and Sub-Sahara African region makes the relations between the two sides an interesting and wanting area of study. lt was against this backdrop that this researcher decided to investigate into this important area. This study seeks to probe the extent to which religion influences the relations between Saudi Arabia and SubSahaia African countries. The first chapter of the study examines the role that religion plays in the Saudi society tracing the genesis of this role to historical factors associated with the establishment of Saudi Arabia as a nation. Chapter two looks at policy responses by Sub-Saharan African countries to the Saudi foreign policy towards them. The spread of Islam in Africa, colonial powers and Pan-Africanism movement after independence are considered as some of the factors that have shaped these responses. The third and forth chapters deal with the case study; Uganda comparing two distinct periods in the recent history of that country. The Amin factor in the politics of Uganda and his association with Saudi Arabia are elaborated in these two chapters. A summary of findings, conclusions and recomrnendations are off ered at the end of the study for consideration by policy makers and researchers on both sides. This study is a combination of theoretical and historical analysis and lays in place intellectual tools, clues and cues which may prompt further reseurch in this area.