Should International Community Do More to Stop Conflicts in Africa?

Summary

In a conversation with Adate Akwa, managing director for government relations at Amnesty International, the challenges faced by the African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN) in preventing violent conflicts in Sub-Saharan Africa are discussed. Despite their efforts, the effectiveness of both organizations is often hindered by the limitations imposed by their member states. Akwa reflects on the lingering impact of European colonialism and the complexities of national identity in post-independence African states. The conversation concludes with a focus on the positive potential of the UN's arms trade treaty, aiming to reduce the flow of weapons that fuel conflict across the continent.

Takeaways

• 😀 The African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN) are often limited in their effectiveness by the priorities and actions of their member states.
• 😀 Both the AU and UN aim to prevent conflicts, but they can only be as effective as their member states allow them to be.
• 😀 While the AU and UN may not always prevent conflict, their presence has likely helped prevent even worse situations, such as more Rwandas or Sudans.
• 😀 European colonialism has left lingering divisions and rivalries among different ethnic groups in Africa, which persist today.
• 😀 Most African countries only gained independence in the late 1960s, so the consolidation of national identities is a relatively new process.
• 😀 Tribal and ethnic loyalties remain strong in many African countries, but these can be managed with inclusive governments and proper governance.
• 😀 The international community's role in Africa includes the flow of weapons, with both the United States and China contributing to the arms trade on the continent.
• 😀 The UN's adoption of the Arms Trade Treaty offers an opportunity to curb the flow of weapons into Africa, potentially reducing human rights abuses and mass atrocities.
• 😀 The flow of weapons into Africa has historically contributed to ongoing violence, killing thousands of people and destabilizing the region's development.
• 😀 If African countries, as well as major global powers, ratify the Arms Trade Treaty, it could significantly reduce the flow of dangerous weapons into the continent.
• 😀 The international community must act swiftly to ratify the Arms Trade Treaty to make a meaningful difference in halting the violence caused by illicit arms trade in Africa.

Q & A

What are some of the ongoing conflicts in Africa that the African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN) are trying to prevent?

Some of the ongoing conflicts in Africa include violent struggles in Angola, Sudan, Somalia, and Rwanda, which have been areas of major concern since the 1980s. Both the AU and UN have been working to prevent further escalation of such conflicts.

Why are the African Union and the United Nations limited in their ability to prevent conflicts in Africa?

The effectiveness of the AU and UN is often limited by the member states themselves. Both organizations can only operate as forcefully as the political will and support of their member states allow. This means that their capacity to intervene is constrained by the interests and actions of individual nations.

What does the quote about the United Nations being created to prevent 'slipping into hell' suggest about its role?

The quote reflects the idea that the primary goal of the United Nations is not to create an ideal world, but to prevent extreme conflicts and crises. The UN's role is to manage and mitigate situations to avoid further devastation rather than to create perfect outcomes.

What challenges do African nations face in terms of identity and governance since gaining independence?

Most African countries gained independence only in the late 1960s, starting with Ghana in 1957. The consolidation of a national identity is still a work in progress. Many individuals still feel strong loyalties to their local neighborhoods or ethnic groups, which can challenge efforts toward national unity and inclusion.

How has colonialism impacted the current conflicts and divisions in African countries?

Colonialism has left a legacy of division among African peoples, with imposed borders and arbitrary distinctions between ethnic groups. This has contributed to ongoing ethnic and tribal tensions, as seen in the example of people in different African nations holding deep-seated animosities due to colonial-era divisions.

What role do external powers like the United States and China play in the conflict and development of Africa?

External powers like the United States and China have been involved in Africa through arms deals, investments, and business operations. While the U.S. has funneled significant amounts of weapons into Africa, China has faced criticism for ignoring human rights concerns in its dealings. These foreign interventions often exacerbate conflict, but also provide opportunities for development and trade.

What is the Arms Trade Treaty, and how can it impact Africa's stability?

The Arms Trade Treaty, adopted by the UN in April 2013, aims to regulate the international trade of conventional arms to prevent the flow of weapons to areas where they might be used to violate human rights or commit mass atrocities. Its implementation, especially in African countries, could reduce the flow of weapons and help mitigate conflicts.

What is the estimated impact of weapons flow in Africa in terms of lives lost?

It is estimated that the flow of weapons into Africa leads to the deaths of approximately 1,500 people each year. This staggering loss of life is a result of armed conflicts fueled by weapons, contributing to widespread instability and damage to infrastructure.

Why is the issue of arms trade particularly important for Africa?

The arms trade is crucial for Africa because the flow of weapons into conflict zones exacerbates violence, leading to human rights abuses, mass killings, and long-term developmental setbacks. Reducing the arms trade could significantly contribute to peace and stability across the continent.

What is the broader impact of conflicts on Africa beyond immediate casualties?

Beyond the direct loss of life, conflicts in Africa cause severe damage to development and infrastructure. This hampers economic progress, social development, and the overall quality of life for millions of people. The long-term effects of these disruptions make it more difficult for countries to recover and achieve sustainable growth.