Key Drivers of Violent Conflict in Africa: Myths and Reality, Dr. Paul Williams
Channel: Africa Center for Strategic Studies
Date: 2014-09-25

Speaking at the start of a four-day seminar titled, “Africa’s Contemporary Security Challenges” hosted by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies (ACSS), Dr. Paul Williams, an Associate Professor of International Affairs and Director of the Security Policy Studies Program at George Washington University delivered a far-reaching overview of key drivers of violent conflict in Africa. The September 22 address was part of a seminar series offered by ACSS for U.S. government inter-agency officials engaged on Africa issues.

Drawing on empirical data from various sources including the World Bank’s Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) and the Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) Dr. Williams recognized that there has been a dramatic reduction of armed conflict on the African continent in the past decade.

“Empirical evidence suggests that there are fewer incidents of armed conflict, mainly concentrated along a geographical belt extending from West Africa and across the Sahel to the Horn of Africa,” he explained. “Southern Africa,” he said, “has now become the most peaceful region on the continent, which was not the case two decades ago.”

The evident progress notwithstanding, violent conflicts continue to characterize the African security environment and undermine governance and institution building in the security sector.

Dr. Williams discussed what he termed the “myths” and “realities” of African conflicts.
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