Conflict over Resources and Terrorism
Two Facets of Insecurity
This study first analyses an old and recurring form of instability in the region: conflict over resources. A series of case studies examines the causes of these conflicts with reference to the associated regional challenges and response tools. Secondly, the study addresses terrorism, a relatively new dimension of insecurity. It outlines the development of AQMI and Boko Haram and then focuses on a comparative analysis of legal mechanisms to fight against terrorism. The argument holds that the congruence of these insecurities and the current violent crises present an unprecedented risk of destabilisation for West Africa and the international community.
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Land conflicts
Sahel and West Africa Club
The definition adopted for land conflicts includes territorial conflicts and conflicts over the use of mineral and forest resources. Three types of violent land conflicts are identified and analysed for West Africa: agro-pastoral conflicts, inter-communal agrarian struggles, and forest frontier conflicts. Policy and judicial administration weaknesses appear to be the main risk factors. Climate change does not appear to be a possible driver of conflict, and in West Africa few violent conflicts are linked to expropriation and enclosure. However, current large-scale land acquisition without supervision is a pressing challenge for countries and regional organisations.
Also available in: French
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