Drivers of Instability and Conflict in Africa

Last week, I participated in the CCAPS
Shifting Conflict Patterns in Africa: Drivers of Instability and Strategies for
Cooperation conference, during which policymakers, practitioners, military
personnel and scholars discussed the various demographic, political and
environmental drivers of instability in Africa. Participants at the conference identified strategies for improved collaboration with African
nations so as to mitigate the risk of instability and conflict.

The conference highlighted how climate-related extreme
weather events and environmental degradation may exacerbate underlying social
and political tensions, inequalities and demographic conditions that are
already putting pressure on resources and governments, many of which are
fragile and lack state capacity. In particular, climate change will accelerate cross-border
migration and urbanization, which could fuel regional tensions and destabilize
local governments if they do not have the resources and infrastructure to
support the influx of people. 

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www.cnas.org