KEY POINTS
- Africa faces setbacks in development due to a rise in coups and ongoing conflicts.
- Political instability is undermining economic and social progress across the continent.
- Experts warn that without political reform and stability, Africa’s growth prospects are at risk.
Recent coups and armed conflicts across Africa have stalled progress on the continent’s journey toward development and stability. Concerns have been raised that political instability will undo gains made in governance, economic growth and social welfare, and that sustainable development in Africa is becoming more and more at risk.
Coups resurgence undermines stability
Coupes have become increasingly common in Africa in recent years too deepening the crisis in the region. Military takeovers are alarmingly common in countries like Niger, Burkina Faso and Sudan, and have toppled their governments.
What is taking place also threatens regional cooperation and economic integration efforts
Those coups have been condemned by the African Union and international bodies, who have called for the restoration of democratic governance.
But disillusionment with the present leadership is often expressed by many African citizens as being due to corruption and economic mismanagement by it, and it is said that it is also to welcome military intervention because there are no democratic reforms.
The persistence of these conflicts and coups is a major challenge for Africa’s future, especially in countries that were once considered models of progress, Reuters said.
Political instability hampers international investments critical to development; it results in governance failures disrupts of institutions of the state.
Humanitarian crises based on ongoing conflicts
Political coups aren’t the only crisis plaguing parts of Africa: armed conflicts still ravage some parts of the continent, such as the Sahel and Horn of Africa.
Displacing millions, civil wars and insurgencies have become the source of large scale humanitarian crises. Ethiopia and Somalia are countries struggling with internal conflicts that have destroyed local economies and disrupted social services.
The security landscape has become even more complicated, as governments try in vain to control the territories of their burgeoning extremist groups in West Africa.
But these conflicts are not just a resource strain, they are a time conflict, perverting much needed political development towards greater poverty and inequality.
The threat to economic and social progress
Africa’s economic potential is being eroded by the combination of political instability and armed conflict. But now countries that had made progress in reducing poverty, improving education and fostering economic growth are backsliding.
Stable political environments are foreign investors’ biggest fear, and aid organizations struggle to operate in conflict areas.
Without major reforms and a return to the focus on peacebuilding, Africa risks losing momentum in its pursuit of sustainable development, warn experts.
If governments don’t act on the root causes of political instability and conflict then the continent’s young population, as a key driver of future growth, could instead be facing a future of uncertainty.
Hope for reform and stability
Despite that, there is still a chance that Africa can master these obstacles. Engaging in efforts to promote dialogue, to promote strengthening democratic institutions and investing in peace building initiatives need to reverse this current backslide.
African Union and other regional organizations like the African Union do and will continue to play a key role of mediation in conflicts and supporting political transitions.
