THE IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP CRISIS AND POLITICAL INSTABILITY IN AFRICA: AN ANALYSIS OF THE GBAGBO-QUATTARA LEADERSHIP CRISIS IN COTE D’ IVOIRE

Abstract

This study strives to unravel the impact of leadership crisis and political instability in Africa with specific reference to the Gbagbo-Quattara leadership tussle in Cote d’Ivoire. The study relied on secondary sources of data and the post-behavioural theory as its theoretical framework. The study adopted the descriptive research method while data for the study were analysed using qualitative method and content analysis. It was observed that the Gbagbo-Quattara leadership crisis and several others in Africa are driven by personal interest and refusal to accept the result of the presidential election declared by Independent Electoral Commission of Cote d’Ivoire. Further findings from the study revealed that the pressure mounted by the African Union, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the United Nations contributed immensely to the early resolution of the leadership crisis in Cote d’Ivoire. To avoid leadership crisis and political instability in Africa, regional and international election observes should be deployed to monitor all elections across the world. In addition, regional and international organizations and agencies should also sanction citizens and leaders whose actions and conduct constitute a threat to peace and security at all levels.