Managing Conflicts In Africa Through Regionalism

Abstract

This research project sought to investigate whether regionalism in Africa using RECs as an entry point can provide adequate frameworks for conflict management. Specific focus was on the linkages of the institutional frameworks for conflict management from the national, RECs and continental levels, their resourcing and coordination of the mechanisms. The general objective of the study was to determine how regionalism in Africa can be used as an instrument for conflict management within the RECs with the EAC as a Case Study. Specifically, the study sought among other things to determine the trends in Regional Integration in Africa, assessed African Union‟s institutions and strategies for conflict management, established the experiences and capacities of the East African Community in conflict management and analysed the gaps in capacity and the strategies needed to be employed for effective conflict management by Regional Economic Communities in Africa, and the EAC in particular. The study was anchored in the Neo-functionalism theory which offers a good framework for analysis from the socio-economic and political benefits of regional integration which enabled overcome the causal factors of conflict in the continent. In the findings, identification of gaps in current practices of conflict management at the level of RECs and existing continental structures was made to provide a way of addressing specific strategies of managing conflicts in Africa using regionalism. The research design for this study was based on a combination of survey design that utilised mixed approach of qualitative and quantitative techniques. The sample technique used was purposive. Data collection was by way of questionnaires administered physically to key informants, sent by emails and telephone interviews. The study found that the African Peace and Security Architecture institutions are actively involved in the regional conflict management. The RECs have too been instrumental in the management of conflicts in their respective sub regions, despite various challenges they faced. The research concludes that with proper resourcing, political good will, capacity building and well oriented framework, these institutions can deal with the current and emerging conflicts in the sub-regions. Finally, the study recommends the need to accelerate and advance regional integration in Africa, seek African owned and resourced sustainable mechanisms and the need to develop long term strategy to defeat threats to states in Africa in the internal and external dimensions. In the academic arena, there is need for further research on how states can surrender some of their sovereignties to a supranational institution and inculcate political good will to spur regionalism to spur regionalism across Africa.