Africa is a continent with abundant resources and inhabited by various multicultural ethnic groups . This wealth and diversity is what has actually triggered many African conflicts.
The conflict in the African continent that occurs almost throughout the year has a serious impact. Of course, it causes a humanitarian crisis such as refugees, food shortages, limited access to education or health services. Well, so that your understanding is clearer about the conflict that occurred in Africa, read this article until the end, Pijar Friends!
Background of Conflict in Africa
The conflict that occurred was caused by various tribes and religions that were in turmoil between the countries. Moreover, Africa was once colonized by Europe, so that the territorial boundaries in each country are the result of European colonialism.
Europe determined the border lines by adjusting its interests to control Africa’s natural resources. This formation was carried out without considering the ethnic, religious, and cultural diversity of the people in the region.
As a result, after the colonial period ended, the borders in African countries were still as determined by Europe. This border issue has triggered civil wars between races, religions, and ethnicities until now.
In addition, another factor that triggers African conflicts is corruption that destroys the countries in it. Many officials commit corruption by embezzling public funds to enrich themselves.
Not to mention the natural resources that have not been managed properly for years. The longer it raises the people’s rebellion against African leaders. Rebellions and wars that continue to cause a prolonged humanitarian crisis.
Conflict in Africa
Although European colonization has ended, it still leaves behind prolonged conflicts in Africa. Here are some examples of African conflicts that have become the center of world attention:
Congo Conflict
The Congo War or Congo conflict lasted for almost a year, namely from 1996 to 1997. The background to the Congo conflict was caused by the Congolese people’s dislike of the regime of President Zaire, namely Mobutu Sese Seko.
During his reign, Mobutu committed various human rights violations and rampant corruption. Until finally the emergence of rebel forces that received assistance from foreign countries such as Rwanda and Uganda.
The leader of the rebellion was Laurent-Desire Kabila and succeeded in removing Mobutu. After that, Laurent declared himself president and changed Zaire to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Somalia Conflict
It is no secret that Somalia is considered a very dangerous country in the world. This is because the African country has been experiencing a civil war that has not subsided for years.
This form of the Somali conflict, which was quite shocking, occurred around 1988 to 1990. At that time, the armed forces which were the opposition to President Mohamed Siad Barre carried several rebels.
These rebel groups are the Somali National Movement in the Northwest, the Somali Democratic Front in the Northeast and the Somali Union Congress in the South. In 1991, these armed opposition groups succeeded in overthrowing Siad Barre.
The end of Barre’s reign turned out to make various groups compete to control Somalia, especially the southern part. This African conflict claimed hundreds of thousands of victims, including civilians.
The chaos that has been going on for quite some time has received full attention from the UN (United Nations). As a form of resolving the Somalia conflict, the UN issued a resolution along with troops to maintain peace.
Sudan conflict
The cause of the Sudanese war stems from the Egyptian agreement in Sudan which was made in the 19th century AD. The agreement stated that the black Sudanese people would be made slaves by the Arabs.
Indirectly triggering a social gap between the black Sudanese group and the Arab community. During the transition of government after independence, the election in the parliament of the Republic of Sudan was won by North Sudan.
The government of Northern Sudan during its rule was known to be very discriminatory towards the people of Southern Sudan. This condition led to the emergence of armed resistance movements in the South Sudan region.
The civil war in Sudan began to subside with the SSLM ( Southern Sudan Liberation Movement ). The purpose of the formation of the SSLM in 1971 was to organize the South Sudanese independence movement.
In addition to the SSLM, there was also a peace agreement that was agreed upon in 2005. This peace agreement regulated the holding of a referendum for the people of South Sudan. The results of this referendum declared independence for South Sudan.
Central African Conflict
This conflict took place around 2012 to 2013 between the rebels and the Central African government. The background of the Central African conflict began with the people’s dissatisfaction with the government so that they overthrew President Francois Bozize.
The 2013 coup against President Francois Bozize was among the most coercive coups ever. In fact, this coup caused a prolonged armed conflict compared to previous African conflicts.
This coup was carried out by a rebel group called the Seleka Coalition. This force is a combination of several groups originating from the Northern and Eastern parts of the Republic of South Africa.
The conflict left hundreds of thousands of people homeless and family members displaced, and the chaos also led to mass ethnic cleansing.