The role of natural resources in the Angolan civil war: Lesson for other African Nations

Abstract

Conflict is an inevitable phenomenon in all human relations, irrespective of the nature of the country. Thus, the mechanism put in place to manage such conflict will determine whether it will go violent, and ultimately lead to civil war or the conflict will reduce to its barest minimum. The aftermath of civil war can be devastating as it often leads to loss of lives, properties and livelihoods. Also, whenever there is a civil war, the availability of natural resources might worsen the case as rebels often use the proceeds of natural resources to finance the war and procure arms. Therefore, this study examined the role of natural resources in the Angolan civil war. This study relied on secondary sources of data drawn from textbooks, Journals, official publications, conference papers, internet materials, newspapers, magazines and official documentaries that are relevant to the work. The study found that natural resources were not the major cause of the Angolan civil war, but it was used to finance the war. The MPLA had access to oil while the UNITA had access to diamond reserves which played a significant role in financing the war. Therefore, the study recommends that United Nations, European Union, African Union and other regional bodies should place stringent bans and restrictions on the purchase of natural resources from rebels in order to limit their chances of gaining access to funds which will definitely quell the intensity of the wars.