‘Shadow networks’ and conflict resolution in the Great Lakes Region of Africa

Abstract

Internal conflicts in the Great Lakes Region are never the result of internal factors only, but rather a confluence of other factors, most of which bear a relationship to the ‘shadow economic networks’ of individuals or institutions connected to the international systems of trade and finance. These networks foster corruption, elite rivalry and ethnic hatred because they survive on the indiscriminate plundering of natural resources. But since they function outside domestic and international legal regimes, they suffer little or no sanctions at all. This paper explores the limitations of international legal regimes in this regard and suggests some improvements that could enhance their conflict-reduction function in the region.