Conflict Entrepreneurs And Regional Integration In Africa
Nse Etim Akpan, Isa Mohammed, Edache Samuel Salifu
Keywords: Conflict entrepreneurs, warlords, blood diamonds, regional integration, security
Abstract
The continent of Africa has been ravaged by intra and inter- state wars and conflicts. This has prompted the thinking that Africa is the home of wars and instability. Most recently, it has witnessed not only conflicts but the resurgence of military coups particularly from its francophone countries. Some of these conflagrations which have defied any meaningful solution have been attributed to the activities of conflict entrepreneurs and their negative impacts have retarded growth and development in Africa while an end to them seems obscure. Against this backdrop, this paper examines the role of conflict entrepreneurs in the protracted, incessant and persistent conflicts in Africa and its implications on regional integration. The paper adopts a qualitative method of analysis with reliance on the secondary sources of data as well as the conflict trap theory as the theoretical framework of analysis. The study identifies conflict entrepreneurs as individuals or groups that benefit from conflict by providing weapons, goods, and services to parties in conflict most especially war. The paper concludes that conflict entrepreneurs are encouraged by excessive profits from black market arms deal and exchange of weapons for resources such as diamond or gold. Arguably, these conflicts erode regional integration efforts and as well foster instability in Africa. The paper suggests the need for good governance, regional agreement and global partnership on war, transitional justice and the reforms of the international criminal justice system among others as possible means of tackling illegal activities of conflict entrepreneurs.
Author Biography
Nse Etim Akpan
Department of Political Science, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria
Email: nseakpan04@gmail.com
Isa Mohammed
Department of Political Science and International Relations, Taraba State University, Jalingo, Taraba State, Nigeria
Email: mohammedisa678@gmail.com
Edache, Samuel Salifu
Department of Political Science, Federal University Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria
Email: edachesam78@yahoo.com