Instability and Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa

Instability and Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Role of International Organizations in Ending Violence Against Women and Children. Case Study: Central Africa Republic and The Democratic Republic of Congo
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Abstract
Over fifty coups have occurred in Africa since the early 1960s, when most African countries gained independence. This rise in political deterioration has dramatically impacted economic growth. Central African Republic (CAR) and The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have had multiple coups in their history since they attained independence. The nature of these conflicts and the reasons behind wars often appear as unique and unsolvable phenomena. However, considering the cost of warfare and the aftermath, reconstruction is needed, ultimately putting war as the least favorable means to resolve disputes. There are five reasons for conflicts escalating into violence: warring nations, street-level gangs, ethnic divisions, religious sects, and political factions. It should be noted that conflicts are not mere products of errors or emotional reactions but are profoundly influenced by underlying strategic, ideological, and institutional forces that frequently go unnoticed. In the quest for peace, societies can quell and terminate violence by addressing the five drivers of conflict and advocating for a shift in incentives away from violence and towards peaceful negotiation. Even entities such as gangs and other violent groups can be persuaded to embrace peace when the appropriate incentives are implemented. However, this agreement can only be achieved through pragmatic adjustments rather than radical overhauls.
Purpose Statement and Significance
Persistent instability and violence in Sub-Saharan Africa have disproportionately affected women and children, leading to internal displacement, food shortages, and malnutrition in Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. This research investigates the role of international organizations in ending this violence, focusing on support for survivors and government protection. The study contributes to conflict resolution, human rights, and governance discussions in conflict-affected regions, guiding potential policy and intervention strategies.
Research Question
What are the roles of international organizations in preventing atrocities against women and children in war-laden zones like DRC and CAR?
Broad Objective
To find out the roles of international organizations in preventing atrocities against women and children in war-laden zones like DRC and CAR.
Specific Objectives
To find out the effectiveness of international organizations in providing support and services to women and children in the CAR and DRC
To determine the challenges and impediments that international organizations encounter while working to protect women and children from violence in these volatile regions/
To find out the strategies and enhancements that can be recommended to augment the efficacy of international organizations in curbing violence against women and children in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Research Questions
How do international organizations engage in efforts to combat violence against women and children in the CAR and the DRC?
What challenges and impediments do international organizations encounter while working to protect women and children from violence in these volatile regions?
What strategies and enhancements can be recommended to augment the efficacy of international organizations in curbing violence against women and children in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Preliminary Literature Review
Historical Context of Conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa
In the DRC, historical tensions have roots in the colonial era when Belgium ruled the country, creating divisions among ethnic and regional groups. In 1998, with support from various rebel factions, Rwanda and Uganda initiated an invasion of the DRC with the objective of toppling then-President Laurent-Désiré Kabila (Mlambo et al., 2019). These divisions persisted after independence and have fueled numerous conflicts, including the Second Congo War, which drew in neighboring nations and rebel factions competing for control over the DRC's valuable mineral resources (Prause, 2020). The DRC's vast size and challenging terrain have also posed governance and security challenges, further exacerbating conflicts.
In the CAR case, a history of political instability, coups, and ethnic tensions laid the groundwork for the contemporary conflict. Schouten (2022) reports that the CAR has experienced repeated cycles of violence since gaining independence from France, often stemming from political rivalries, economic grievances, and intercommunal tensions. The Seleka rebels attributed their actions to the government's perceived marginalization of their communities, igniting a swiftly escalating power struggle that culminated in a violent conflict (Mlambo et al., 2019). These conflicts have frequently taken on a sectarian dimension, with violence dividing along religious lines, as seen in the clashes between the predominantly Muslim Seleka rebels and Christian Anti-Balaka militias.
Violence against Women and Children in CAR and DRC
In the DRC and CAR, a distressing spectrum of violence against women and children prevails, intricately linked with prolonged conflicts and entrenched societal issues. Sexual violence is widespread, inflicting profound trauma upon women and girls through rape and assault (Hoover, 2019). Forced child recruitment by armed groups thrusts children into violence, including combat and abuse. Hazardous child labor exposes children to physical and psychological risks, while child marriages lead to early unions marked by abuse. Domestic violence persists, causing physical and emotional harm. Child trafficking subjects the vulnerable to exploitation, including forced labor and sexual abuse. Sporadic cases of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) occur, posing health risks and trauma. UNHCR (2018) reports that recruiting children as soldiers remains a stark reality and abduction by armed groups results in captivity, forced labor, and sexual violence (Hoover, 2019). Psychological abuse, marked by emotional torment and intimidation, further harms women and children. These interwoven forms of violence necessitate immediate and concerted efforts to alleviate their devastating impact on the women and children of the DRC and CAR. These intertwined forms of violence necessitate comprehensive measures to address and prevent their ...