Welcome to this post on insecurity on the African continent, via Afrokonnect. The African continent which is known for its diversity and vibrant cultures has been a product of massive issues when it comes to security.
The continent has been faced by various political issues and a myriad of socioeconomic challenges which has contributed significantly to the massive rot in the security architecture of the continent which has led to massive insecurity on the African continent.
Governance challenges and their impact on the security architecture of the continent can’t be understated. They are responsible for safeguarding the lives of humans and their properties hence the provision of an adequate and effective security system is their primary role.
This article aims to provide and examine factors responsible for this rot and proffer solutions to aid in alleviating the security network from total collapse. It will also be looking at the role of technology, as the use of surveillance technology can aid in shaping insecurity on the African continent.
Causes of insecurity on the African continent
Various security experts have analyzed several factors responsible for the massive growth of insecurity on the African continent, they include:
1) Historical Legacies:
The historical legacy left by colonialism on the African continent have contributed massively to the state of insecurity on the African continent. This includes the drawing of arbitrary borderlines which have no regard for the ethnic, tribal and cultural affiliations among those states. This leads to persistent conflicts hence contributing to the menacing state of insecurity on the African continent.
2) Political Instability:
This is a major contributor to the state of insecurity on the African continent. The absence of an active governance mechanism often result in a vacuum in the security architecture. This leads to the creation of rebel movements and terrorist organizations.
3) Poverty:
Economic challenges marked by widespread poverty play a critical role in fostering insecurity on the African continent. High levels of unemployment result in them abandoning the legal ways to make money and venturing into the illegal ones. This drives individuals into criminal activities which contributes significantly to insecurity on the African continent.
4) Terrorism:
The significant rise of terrorist activities throughout the African continent has posed a great threat to the already dilapidating security infrastructure of the continent. Groups such as Boko Haram (West Africa), Al-Shabaab (East Africa), and the affiliates of ISIS (North Africa) are among the most popular ones on the continent. These groups perpetuate violence, disturb the peace and contribute to the increasing state of insecurity on the African continent in 2024.
Solutions to the state of insecurity on the African continent
1) Strengthening governance on the continent:
The establishment and strengthening of good governance practices contribute to the promotion of transparency and the rule of law. This will aid in combating corruption within the government ranks which leads to a more effective security service.
A huge of importance must also be attached to the implementation and enforcement of strong legal frameworks that protect human rights. This will go a long way in addressing the grievances of the populace and ensure the establishment of “just governance”. It is also a major contributor to the emergence of stability on the continent.
2) Conflict Resolution:
The initiation of conflict resolution mechanisms is vital to establishing long-term stability hence eradicating the threat of widespread insecurity on the African continent. Facilitating peace talks can also contribute to resolving existing conflicts and preventing the emergence of new ones. The involvement and importance of international bodies can’t be understated as they play a crucial role in supporting such initiatives.
3) Poverty Alleviation:
The alleviation of poverty can go a long way in addressing the root causes of insecurity on the African continent. Government can also ensure they invest in initiatives such as vocational training, and job creation programs. This will help in the massive reduction of unemployment hence reducing insecurity on the African continent.
The equal distribution of resources and a lack of discrimination in the employment criteria of various organizations will go a long way in mitigating economic differences. The creation of a viable economy will make it attractive for investors hence contribution to economic growth which will affect the populace positively.
4) Counterterrorism:
Effective counterterrorism measures have to be implemented to mitigate the threat of terrorism in various regions on the African continent. Co-operation among countries is paramount to riding the continent of terrorist activities.
Hence, countries should be willing to share intelligence findings of terrorism with other states in the affected states. Joint military operations among African nations is crucial to tackling insecurity on the African continent.
This can be seen in the establishment of the Multinational Task Force against Boko Haram. Finally, the root causes of terrorism is various regions have to be investigated and properly dealt with. This is crucial for long-term successes against insecurity on the African continent.
Top 4 countries with the worst state of insecurity on the African continent
1) Somalia:
The country has been plagued with various conflicts since the early 1980s. This led to a breakdown in governance and state institutions. It also led to the creation of the terrorist group known as Al-Shabaab amongst others. The terrorist group is notable for its constant attacks on the Somalia state and have been rewarded by its capture of significant areas in the country.
2) South Sudan:
The country which broke out from Sudan gained independence in 2011 but has since 2013 descended into a state of civil war. The conflict took a new turn in 2023 when a war broke out which has strained the country’s security infrastructure and left over half of its population displaced.
3) Libya:
Since the death of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011, the country has been thrown in a state of turmoil with various factions seeking control. This has left the security architecture of the country in a fragmented state. The lack of a central and unified government have given various armed groups the ability to operate freely causing a great deal of affliction on the masses.
4) Central African Republic (CAR):
The country is home to various religious battles between the Muslims and the Christians, this has led to recurring episodes of Sectarian Violence. It has also affected massively the security architecture negatively. The country has also been unable to gain stability due to the presence of numerous armed groups and a weak central/state government.
Conclusion
The state of insecurity on the African continent is one with various factors ranging from social and political to economic. The regions stated above such as North, West and East Africa showcases a myriad of factors which has continued to plague the African continent for a long time.
The challenges which have been listed above comes with effective solutions which when implemented honestly and transparently can significantly improve our security infrastructure in Africa.
Nations must also come together, confront the challenges, admit their various mistakes and seek solutions from their fellow counterparts. This will aid in fostering a more secure and stable African continent for years to come. Thanks for reading and I hope to see you again on Afrokonnect.ng.
