Resolving African conflicts

Abstract

The postindependence era in Africa has witnessed the eruption of several conflicts; and these have assumed two major forms: interstate and domestic. The cause of these various conflicts can be attributed to myriad factors. In the case of interstate conflicts, issues revolve around territorial claims and counterclaims, third‐party intervention on behalf of antigovernment factions, and personality differences among the leaders. As for domestic or intrastate conflicts, the pro‐pellants include ethnic polarization, ideological differences, and the struggle over state power. Henry Wiseman provides the following description of the postindependence, conflict‐laden environment in Africa: The “just wars” of national liberation, which have all run their course, have been followed by internal conflicts, secessionism, and interstate wars; and with some notable exceptions, the States of Africa are beset by internal, economic, and political turmoil. In many states, national cohesion and stability is either precarious or non‐existent.