The “Silencing the Guns” agenda is one of the major approaches to addressing the concern of resource-induced conflicts throughout the continent. While these resources hold the potential for significant economic development and improved living standards, they have also been a source of violent conflict and instability. This article delves into the mechanisms through which resources fuel conflicts, such as through the funding of armed groups, corruption, and the struggle for control over lucrative resource-rich territories. The wide-ranging effects on social, economic, and political stability of the core causes of resource-induced conflicts such as unequal resource distribution. While the paper relied on qualitative data collected from secondary sources. It illustrates the plethora of resource-driven violence forms and the obstacles to obtaining lasting peace through case studies from locations such as the Horn of Africa, the Great Lakes, and the Niger Delta. Furthermore, it explores these conflicts along in its quest for enduring peace and development, the role of the African Union in promoting efforts at conflict resolution. It concludes with policy recommendations for governments, international organizations, and civil society to effectively harness Africa’s resource wealth for sustainable peace and development. By addressing the underlying issues of resource governance and promoting inclusive economic growth, Africa can move towards a more stable and prosperous future.

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Resource Induced Conflict and the Silencing the Guns in Africa

  • Joshua Olusegun Bolarinwa,
  • Kazeem Olayinka Sodik,
  • Celestina Ekene Chukwudi

摘要

The “Silencing the Guns” agenda is one of the major approaches to addressing the concern of resource-induced conflicts throughout the continent. While these resources hold the potential for significant economic development and improved living standards, they have also been a source of violent conflict and instability. This article delves into the mechanisms through which resources fuel conflicts, such as through the funding of armed groups, corruption, and the struggle for control over lucrative resource-rich territories. The wide-ranging effects on social, economic, and political stability of the core causes of resource-induced conflicts such as unequal resource distribution. While the paper relied on qualitative data collected from secondary sources. It illustrates the plethora of resource-driven violence forms and the obstacles to obtaining lasting peace through case studies from locations such as the Horn of Africa, the Great Lakes, and the Niger Delta. Furthermore, it explores these conflicts along in its quest for enduring peace and development, the role of the African Union in promoting efforts at conflict resolution. It concludes with policy recommendations for governments, international organizations, and civil society to effectively harness Africa’s resource wealth for sustainable peace and development. By addressing the underlying issues of resource governance and promoting inclusive economic growth, Africa can move towards a more stable and prosperous future.