![]() Why then do these high levels of violence and conflict continue to occur? Some academics believe that it is structural violence, violence caused by social conditions and social structure, (Høivik, 1977: p60) that is the primary reason for the persistence of conflict in sub-Saharan Africa. In fact since the 1970’s devastating warfare has been raging almost nonstop south of the Sahara (Laremont, 2002:p4) Conflicts also damage economies and particularly violent periods in recent decades have lead to consistent economic decline in sub-Saharan African states as a result of money spent on conflict and money lost as a direct result of conflict (Reno, 1998). Between 19 there were 47 civil wars in sub –Saharan Africa resulting in 1.37 million deaths on the battlefield and an even larger number of civilian deaths (De Ree &Nillesn, 2009). When statistics are examined it becomes clear to see just how frequent and devastating these conflicts have been. Hampered by these ongoing conflicts, the expectations of the post-independence period have failed to materialise and the continent has not successfully moved forward and developed (Chabal,2009:p13). The joy and hope that existed when the states of Africa burst free from the shackles of colonialism has long since faded against a backdrop of persistent war and conflict. Sub-Saharan Africa has been plagued by conflict for many decades now.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |