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21 century Africa
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It’s a different world now!
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State Security
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State security is one of those fundamental areas where the m'zuŋɡu completely fails to
understand the concerns of African governments.
Modern African nations were formed with borders that often divide key ethnic groups
or tribal communities. Despite this, African countries don't tend to fight each other.
However, there are constant threats with the potential for destabilisation.
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Organised Crime
Trafficking - drugs, arms, people and wildlife
“ Much of the cocaine headed to West Africa today transit through Brazil, where Nigerian
crime groups are exporting the drug...
At least 10% of the imported medicines circulating in West Africa are fraudulent"
Unless the flows of contraband are addressed, instability and lawlessness will persist,
and it will remain difficult to build state capacity and the rule of law in the region, 2
Extracts from
"Transnational Organized Crime in West Africa: A Threat Assessment ” 95
United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime 2013
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Property development in areas of informal settlements & 'point of use' delivery of
basic public services such as water and electricity
"Heart of Africa's Organised Crime" by Eric Scheye gives a very detailed explanation
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why one of the biggest activities of organised crime in Africa relates to their
effective localised control of housing and basic utilities in the large informal
townships that have arisen out of rapid urbanisation.
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Stresses with the potential to create civil disorder include populations where the
average age can be under 25 97
“ Africa is a young continent, with the median age of just 19 years. The protruding youth
population could become an important economic boost to the region. Alternatively, it
could further increase the risk of instability and violence if young people are deprived of
a quality education, stable employment and a political voice, "
"7 Dimensions of the African Security Landscape"
World Economic Forum
