October
27
Resource Wars And The World Outside By Lize-Marié Smuts. Consultancy Africa Intelligence
Africa War Resources Trackbacks (0)
Many of the contemporary conflicts in Africa are characterised by the
exploitation of and conflict over valued and lucrative natural
resources. These resources include oil, water, natural gas, timber,
minerals, gemstones, narcotics and fibres. Conflict over these resources
ranges from minor policy issues to explicit violence. Their
exploitation facilitated by economic globalisation and the
liberalisation of financial markets. Revenues generated are used for
the provision of weapons and other military materials; the hiring of
mercenaries; personal wealth of warlords and Government officials; and
to procure the support of bordering states and relevant groups.(2)
The two main outcomes of resource wars are power and wealth. Conflict often occurs in areas of pre-existing hostility and is intertwined with ethnic, religious and/or tribal rivalry. Even though the often pre-existing hostility can be exacerbated by the conflict over the relevant resources, it often happens that the struggle over the resources can act as the sole reason for conflict.(3) All across the continent, conflicts over these resources have posed a great threat to peace, security and stability. This threat is not only witnessed and experienced on African soil, but also felt across the globe. It is therefore crucial that the international community assist in the prevention and resolution of war, as well as the sustainability of peace often initiated by peacebuilding initiatives... [More]
The two main outcomes of resource wars are power and wealth. Conflict often occurs in areas of pre-existing hostility and is intertwined with ethnic, religious and/or tribal rivalry. Even though the often pre-existing hostility can be exacerbated by the conflict over the relevant resources, it often happens that the struggle over the resources can act as the sole reason for conflict.(3) All across the continent, conflicts over these resources have posed a great threat to peace, security and stability. This threat is not only witnessed and experienced on African soil, but also felt across the globe. It is therefore crucial that the international community assist in the prevention and resolution of war, as well as the sustainability of peace often initiated by peacebuilding initiatives... [More]
