Insurgency has a long-standing history in Africa.
This is notoriously known as the use of arms by rebels against constituted authorities or governments. It became prevalent in Africa during the colonial days and basically, it was used as a means of communicating to the colonial authorities the plight of the inhabitants of the colonies.
In many of the colonies, people with similar interest came together to protest issues that had adverse effects on them. However most often, these protests were foiled with brutalities so most of these protestants resorted to the “guerilla” style of agitation. Mainly, these groups received inspiration from countries such as Cuba, the then (USSR) and the USA.
The tenacity of insurgency cannot be mentioned without giving credit to the Eastern and Western ideological conflict that ensued after the World War II which eventually led to the Cold War.
After the allied victory in the war, the Western allies, mainly Britain, France, and the USA and their Eastern counterparts from the (USSR) sought to push policies that intended their governance style to be emulated around the world. The West pushed for capitalism or the free market and enterprise type of economy but the East preferred Communism.
This resulted in clashes in countries where these powers had interest. Many of the world’s conflicts after the World War II came as a result of this ideological struggle. Korea, Cuba,and Vietnam, just to mention a few, suffered intensely from this struggle.
Source of funding
In Africa, the struggle was between the Western colonial authorities and the independence seekers backed by the East. It is worth mentioning that Ghana, Congo, Kenya, Guinea etc were all liberated through this means.
After the fall of colonialism, the struggle continued but this time between the constituted authorities and militant insurgents seeking the overthrow of these authorities.
It is also important to note that some of these insurgents received huge assistance from some of these world powers in order to protect their interests in countries of interest. This should indicate at this point that insurgency cannot thrive without assistance and sponsorships.
Even though the sales of pillaged precious mineral have been cited as a source of funding, it is still believed that insurgents cannot progress without sponsorships. Many of Africa’s conflicts are as a result of insurgency sponsored by the East or the West.
Countries like Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi are infamously known to have suffered from these acts. Many coups d’état, including those in Ghana, Congo, Sierra Leone, and Burkina Faso have been made possible because of this same ideological struggle between these world powers aforementioned.
The recent addition of terrorism to the persisting problem of insurgency in Africa is breaking the camel’s back.
It is a fact that insurgency has become a lucrative career for African militants and other mercenaries and in some way or another some African governments have coped but the fact that these militants have come to understand that the committing of suicide is part of a “job content” must put Africa’s well-wishers on their toes.
With regard to groups involved in such acts, ignore Al Shabaab and Boko Haram. Unfortunately,both of them have claimed the good teachings of Islam to be their source of motivation though some Islamic scholars have denounced them vehemently.
Fortunately, these notable groups’ interests have been clearly defined or spelt out. Therefore, giving room for probable solutions. But before that, one may ask these questions:
1. Could there be a perpetual religious state in this era of the world where regional and global integration principles are being seriously espoused by people worldwide?
2. If Africa’s unity is a true objective of Africans, could there be parts of Africa that would be governed by religious laws?
3. Could Africa give up its unity for religious sentiments to emerge?
Way forward
It would be very important at this juncture for all Africans to determine their future whether in unison or individual capacities. The people and countries of Africa must put forward their aspirations either through referenda or representatives as to whether to unite or go their separate ways.
If Africa decides on unity, it must bring and drag everyone on board, including all these insurgent groups. However, if it decides otherwise, provisions must be made for those Africans who see themselves as common people through religion, tribe, economic ideologies etc to determine their future whether through the establishments of common territories, laws or governments. In all,these (unity and or separation), one should not forget that human beings are those with special rights to enjoy.
