ENHANCING AFRICAN SECURITY: UNDERSTUDYING THE LINKAGES BETWEEN ILLICIT ARMS, CONFLICTS AND ORGANISED CRIME

Abstract

The connectivity between illicit arms, organized crime, and armed conflict can reinforce one another while also escalating, prolonging violence and eroding governance. Financial gains from crime can lengthen or intensify armed conflicts by creating revenue streams for non-state armed groups (NSAGs). Beyond undermining the monopoly of the State on the use of force, armed conflict also creates an environment that can enable organized crime to prosper. In this context, when hostilities cease and parties to a conflict move towards a peaceful resolution, the widespread availability of surplus arms and ammunition can contribute to a situation of criminalized peace’ that obstructs sustainable development. Researchers and practitioners have examined the nexus between two of these three security challenges: armed conflict, organized crime, and illicit arms. Yet, there has been limited research examining the linkages between all three of these security challenges. In response to this knowledge gap, this paper explores the different ways in which illicit arms connect armed conflict and organized crime in some parts of Africa and provides suggestions on how to better address these issues and the challenges it poses. This paper tends to inform practitioners and policymakers by framing the conversation for future decision-making and research. The methodology used for this paper is descriptive and analytic in nature. Also, the security challenges are examined based on issues rather than their geo-location. Data for this paper was sourced from secondary sources such as accounts of prominent personalities and expert reports on the nature, patterns, and trends of insecurity in Africa.