Examining Mechanisms for Conflict Management in Africa: a Comparative Study of Burundi and Central Africa Republic

Abstract

Africa has remained the center of protracted violent conflicts and underdevelopment. Most of these conflicts have been intra-state in nature. Such devastating conflicts have claimed millions of lives and property destroyed. Countries like; Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Somalia, Central Africa Republic (CAR), South Sudan and Burundi, are the most affected. In 2002, the African Union (AU) was established (replacing the Organisation of African Unity, OAU) with an impetus to deal with the persistent conflicts in the continent. Several initiatives, frameworks and mechanisms have been employed in the management of the conflicts, though with limited successes. This study examined the factors responsible for the persistent political instability in Africa and in Burundi and CAR in particular. These include: problem of identity, lack of participation, discontent, and poverty to mention but a few. However, the main focus of the study was to examine factors militating against conflict management mechanisms in both Burundi and CAR. Ineffective negotiation skills, inability to identify root-causes of the conflicts and lack of necessary logistics and financial constraint among others, have hindered the regional efforts in establishing sustainable peace and stability in Burundi and CAR. However, sustainable peace and political stability could be achieved in the continent through respect for human right and rule of law. Further enhance administrative capacity and strengthening the regional mechanism for conflict management and democratic governance among many others.