Pathways from Conflict to Peace

Pathways from Conflict to Peace

                                                                   Introduction

Despite decades of long-standing conflict, death as well as tragedy, there has been deliberate move in ignoring, oversimplifying, and excessive focusing on a few aspects. This trend has galvanized rates of conflict in this content. It is undeniable that poor governance, mismanagement, and corruption has thrived, making the states in these nations unbearable. Though approaches to solve these conflicts have been put in place,  Nigeria, Somalia, DRC Congo, and Rwanda remain at the forefront where conflict has taken root affecting the entire. Even religious leaders have become part of the groups castigating conflicts in the continent by extremism

Causes of conflict in Africa

Scholars Meredith, Burgis, and Okeowo, on their argument after having done a thorough investigation on the increasing conflicts in Nigeria, Somalia, DRC Congo, and Rwanda, there have concluded that the scenario in these countries is diverse. According to them, the root causes of conflict, selfish politics, corruption, and extremism.

Selfish politics is to blame for the conflicts surrounding the African continent, especially in Nigeria, Somalia, Rwanda, and DRC Congo. These countries have consistently suffered from poor political leadership geared towards attaining self-interest rather than solving the problem of the citizens. Political intolerance has been on the increase leading to a lack of political integration. Leaders have forgotten about bringing together the country; rather, they have focused on satisfying their needs. According to Meredith, leadership has shifted to a few elites who have focused on oppressing the majority. This has compromised the political class-leading to violent conflict among people.

Consequently, corruption has been on the increase. Leaders have chosen to feed themselves by misusing the few available resources for their interests. Corruption manifested in the misappropriations of public funds, as well as embezzlement by those in leadership, paralyzing critical development in these nations. Resources have poorly managed to lead to a mass revolution against the administration. According to (Burgis 5),  wealth and power are only in the hands of few who have, in turn, used to make sure they utilized every single resource for their interest. We have witnessed militants nationalism against the leaders, especially in Somalia and DRC Congo protest against corruption in these countries.

Lastly, extremism among religion in the contents has been a pivotal factor in the conflict in these countries.  Nigeria and Somalia have been at the center stage of religious extremism activities of book haram and al-Shabab, which has led to conflict in this state, forcing the split. For instance, the northern part of Nigeria has been a no go zone where book haram has taken route after religious leaders choose to radicalized youth against the government. In other words, extremism has been on the verge forcing leaders these countries to fight in vain in restoring sanity. According to  (Okeowo xiii), leaders have failed to regain sanity as a result of extremism that has been socialized into the citizen by religious leaders.

Realistic path to peace and stability

According to Meredith, Burgis, Okeowo, and Mills et. Al, there are possible realistic ways in which peace and stability in the African continent can be achieved. According to Meredith, democratic leadership derived from the electorate can be the best tool for exercising preaching peace and stability in these countries. Most of the conflict arises from the ability of political leaders, who clinch in power or acquire political office by means where democracy is not exercised. By allowing democratic leadership in this country, just like in the case of Rwanda and Congo, the masses will be able to exercise their right adequately, and leaders will be answerable to the subject. This approach, according to Meredith, will be critical in ensuring peace and stability without necessarily engaging in activities of violence.

Similarly, equitable distribution of national resources is critical in ensuring peace and stability. This will ensure a reduction in the level of poverty by providing adequate and possible ways to ensure the resources are well utilized. It can only be achieved if the government in power ensures and purposes to serve the interest of its citizens rather than those few in leaders. This approach will promote peace and stability by providing national resources that help the entire nations. According to Burgis and Okeowo, oil in Nigeria has been at the center stage of the conflict, with some section believing the resource is not well utilized, causing conflict. Therefore by striking balance, it will be useful in attaining peace and stability.

Peace and stability by Transition to democracy, intervention from western countries and authoritarian regime 

Transition to democracy, aid, and investments from China and other western countries and strong authoritarian regimes are the best ways of achieving peace and stability that can be used to steer the same in these countries. Democracy is the best tool for acquiring peace and stability in any nation. Initially, Rwanda and Somalia were at the center stage of civil war in the past years, but once the two nations embraced democracy, there has been an improvement in their peace and stability. Similarly, the country, like the United States, have invested much in their democracy, and it is evident that they are experiencing peace and stability. Therefore, the transition to democracy is the only way African countries, especially Somalia, should work on attaining peace and stability.

Aid from China and other inventions from western countries are of equal importance and can be useful in attaining peace and stability in this nation. For instance, the country like Somalia and Nigeria where the militia groups have taken charge needs western intention aimed at strengthening their government. Aid from these nations can help strengthen institutions as well as help in controlling the economy that has been adversely affected by the conflicts.  Therefore, this aid will play a critical role in ensuring these nations are stable and equipped to fight the militia group, which has been at the center stage of conflicts in these nations.

The robust authoritarian regime can also be applicable in bringing peace and stability, especially in northern Nigeria and Somalia. Radicalized communities require strong leadership, which can instill discipline in such groups by coming up with stringent policies that will scare and align them with countries’ constitutions. This will help serve the interest of large communities by giving them the humble space. The authoritarian regime is best-paced in attaining peace and stability in the nations.
Conclusion

Conflicts in African countries are grounded on selfish politics, corruption, and extremism. By finding a solution in addressing these areas will be a significant step towards achieving stability. Somalia, Nigeria, Rwanda, and DRC Congo have been at the center stage of these conflicts, which has caused a lot of pain and despair for the citizen. However, there several measures that can be adopted in achieving peace and stability in these states without engaging in conflict.  Similarly, the intervention of foreign countries, the transition to democracy as well as authoritarian regimes, can be useful in restoring peace and stability.