| dc.description.abstract | Conflict between and among states is an important characteristic of interstate relations.
Usually the consequences of inter-state conflicts are often very costly. For this reason, states
in the international system have shown a lot of concern in understanding the factors that breed
conflicts among them with the aim of establishing mechanisms for managing or reducing such
conflicts. Indeed, many scholars have concerned themselves with the subject of inter-state
conflict and its causes. In Eastern Africa, the problem of inter-state conflicts has persisted
since 1960s and the causes are many. This study seeks to address this problem.
The main objective of the study is to undertake a careful examination of the impact of
refugees upon inter-state relations in Eastern Africa. It seeks among other objectives, to
demonstrate whether or not refugees have been responsible for tensions and conflicts in the
relations of Eastern African states. The study has largely been motivated by the existence of
a serious theoretical gap, manifested by the existence of little or no studies that have been
carried out to explain the critical causes of inter-state conflicts in the sub-region. In order to
address the problem fully, we have adopted the national interest approach of the power theory
and argued that, perceived national interests of states, particularly the pursuit, protection and
promotion of key national security interests are principal determinants of the manner in which
states behave towards each other. The main hypotheses of the study include: That refugees
have impacted negatively upon relations of Eastern African states; That refugee population
in Eastern Africa increased during the period covered by the study, that is 1960-1995 and that
refugees in Kenya have had a negative impact upon Kenya's national security interests.
As a background of the study, an attempt is made to demonstrate that relations between
Eastern Africa states have been conflictual, followed by a careful examination of the nature
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and causes of the refugee problem in the sub-region. The study then goes on to show that
indeed, refugees in Eastern Africa have been largely responsible for the tensions and conflicts
that have characterized relations among states in the sub-region since independence in the
early 1960's. It is also shown through the findings of an empirical investigation that refugees
in Kenya have not only seriously hurt her national security interests, but have also threatened
those of their home states. Finally, the study presents a summary of findings and
recommendations.
Among the findings of the study are that, first, refugee numbers in the sub-region
increased throughout the period covered by the study. Figures for various years are shown
which clearly demonstrate that there has been a steady rise of refugee population in the subregion.
Second, refugees have been the most single important source of conflicts between and
among Eastern African states. It was also found out that although an increase in refugee
numbers tended to result in increased tensions between states, even a single individual refugee
could be a source of bitter conflicts between two or more states. Third, refugees in Kenya
have had a negative impact upon Kenya's national security interests and those of their home
countries and have, therefore caused strains upon Kenya's relations with her neighbours. The
study recomme~ds that, first, Eastern African states should work towards eradicating
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conditions that give rise to massive influx of refugees into neighbouring states. Second, the
host states in Eastern Africa in collaboration with UNHCR should come up with appropriate
and timely measures aimed to monitor and bring under control, refugee movements once the
refugees start flowing into the host couuntry. Third, host states in Eastern Africa that abate
subversive activities by refugees within their territory must willingly stop. Fourthly, a piece ,
of legislation should urgently be put in place preferably by the U.N. outlining the activities
that refugees within the host states should engage in and those that they should not, with the
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host state being empowered to enforce this piece of legislation and not UNHCR. Fifthly and
finally, regular meetings should be held between Eastern African leaders, especially the
respective chief executives to iron-out any differences that might arise among them whatever
the causes of such differences. | en |
