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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Environmental and security parameters
Sahel and West Africa Club
The notion that climate change breeds violence is prevalent. Several schools of thought focus on the relationship among resources, conflict and security. Eco-violence theory argues that resource scarcity is linked to violent conflict. However, many researchers dispute this argument because no consensus exists in terms of factual evidence and quantitative research in this area (for example, between drought and violent conflict). Combined with other parameters, indirect effects may be detectable through intermediate channels, particularly in the case of small-scale violent conflict, such as in the conflicts between farmers and herders in arid and semi-arid areas. This chapter examines if such a relationship exists with the help of relevant case studies.
Also available in: French
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