The dynamics of armed conflicts in sub-Saharan Africa

Africa has always been subject to instability. Indeed the second half of the 20th century saw an upsurge in large-scale violent armed conflicts south of the Sahara. These armed conflicts are the result of both internal and external factors and in the long term they become permanent. This situation of permanence is sometimes the result of the political systems put in place which were implemented through the pre-eminence of the State in the political game in the search for means and in the mobilization of national resources with a view to ensuring economic growth. This practice led to the centralization of power and the emergence of networks of nepotism hardly allowing the people to participate in the management of affairs. These armed conflicts have an impact on the economic political social psychological and cultural spheres as well as on the environment. They contribute to the dislocation of families and communities. The trauma engendered by human rights violations particularly sexual violence against women can have lasting psychological effects.