Local wars in Africa are a persistent challenge driven by factors like ethnic tensions, resource control (oil, diamonds), poor governance, corruption, and external interference, leading to widespread humanitarian crises, displacement, and collapsed socio-economic systems. Prominent examples include the ongoing conflict in Sudan between the SAF and RSF, the historically devastating civil wars in Somalia and Nigeria, and the civil conflict in the Mano River region of West Africa. 

Key Drivers of Conflict

• Ethnic and political exclusion:
• Conflicts often arise from ethnic divisions and political struggles for power and representation, with groups feeling marginalized or excluded by political hierarchies. 
• Resource wealth:
• Control over natural resources, particularly diamonds and oil, can fuel and prolong conflicts as different factions fight for economic and political control. 
• Poor governance and corruption:
• Weak state institutions, corrupt leadership, and a failure to provide basic services create fertile ground for political insurgencies and conflict. 
• External interference:
• Support and arms transfers from external actors can make conflicts more lethal and prolonged, contributing to regional instability. 
• Post-colonial state weaknesses:
• Many post-colonial states struggle with internal dysfunctions and weak governing institutions, making them vulnerable to conflict. 

Examples of Local Wars

• Sudan Civil War (Ongoing since 2023):
• A power struggle between two former allies, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Force (RSF), has led to widespread violence, displacement, and the world's worst humanitarian crisis. 
• Somali Civil War (1991):
• A coup against the then-president led to a devastating civil war that resulted in the deaths of a million people and the country's division. 
• Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970):
• This conflict resulted in the deaths of nearly two million people, primarily civilians, and involved secessionist efforts by the Biafran state. 
• Conflicts in the Mano River Region (West Africa):
• This region, comprising Liberia, Sierra Leone, and neighboring countries, has been crippled by civil conflicts fueled by poverty, corruption, and human rights abuses, as seen in Liberia's civil war (1989–1997). 
• Sahel Region Insurgencies:
• Modern conflicts involving groups like the Fani and jihadists impact livelihoods and create new vulnerabilities in areas like Mali and the broader Sahel. 

Consequences of Local Wars

• Humanitarian crises:
• Widespread famine, cholera outbreaks, and a desperate need for humanitarian aid are common outcomes. 
• Mass displacement:
• Millions of people are forced to flee their homes, becoming internally displaced or seeking refuge in neighboring countries. 
• Economic and social collapse:
• Health and education services are degraded, and critical economic sectors are destabilized, as seen in the impact on the livestock sector in Mali. 
• Child casualties:
• Tens of thousands of children become child soldiers, and millions are orphaned or separated from their families.