The Changing Nature of Africa’s Local Conflicts: An Overview

Abstract

The paper relied on document analysis to examine the changing pattern of local conflicts in Africa. Local conflicts were categorized into five conflict zones in Africa. The increasing dimension of acts of terrorism in local conflicts in Africa were discussed as they occur within the five conflict zones. Relying on identity framework, the paper argued that ethnic/religious sentiments were used to rally support and mobilize violent actions in local conflicts. The issues of political exclusion and marginalization were identified as instigators of conflicts in Africa while the availability of small arms drive acts of terrorism in local conflicts. It recommended that African leaders should develop capacity to proactively prevent local conflicts and where necessary, embark on effective conflict resolution initiatives. The paper gathered data from analysis of secondary materials