The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has issued a stark warning about the link between distrust of government and conflict in sub-Saharan Africa. In a recent tweet, the IMF shared a key finding from their research: discontent and exclusion felt by marginalized groups are a major driver of unrest in the region.
Improving people’s relationships with their governments and ensuring access to services can help foster greater peace and social cohesion in sub-Saharan Africa. See our blog for more. https://t.co/alOeajj2YQ pic.twitter.com/ZvUTPiMY8I
— IMF (@IMFNews) February 24, 2024
Key Points:
- Discontent and exclusion:Â People’s perception that governments fail to address their needs and provide equal opportunities fuels feelings of resentment and leads to conflict.
- Institutional failures:Â Limited access to public services, especially in border regions, further exacerbates exclusion and distrust.
- Examples:Â Recent conflicts in Ethiopia, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic are stark examples of how exclusion can lead to violence.
- Mitigating conflict:Â Addressing social, political, and economic exclusion requires a comprehensive approach to build trust and improve public service delivery.
- Beyond poverty:Â While poverty and underdevelopment play a role, it’s the feeling of being excluded that truly fuels conflict and creates opportunities for armed groups.
- Urgency and complexity:Â While other factors like climate change and food insecurity also contribute to conflict, tackling exclusion is crucial for sustainable peace.