African Youth, Peace, and Leadership Conference

The African continent has beprotracted conflicts and en experiencing frequent crisis. One of the most disappointing features in the political development of Africa during all these years of independence has been leadership and a continuous state of violent conflicts. These have included civil wars, inter-country wars and other forms of armed violence, including terrorist activities. Violent conflicts impose immeasurable human suffering and large economic and social costs.The loss of human life; destruction of infrastructure, human capital, and institutions; political instability; and greater uncertainty associated with conflicts can impede investment and economic growth—not only during conflict but also afterward, making it difficult to escape the “conflict trap.” In addition, conflicts tend to complicate public finances, lowering revenue by destroying part of the tax base while raising military expenditures.

Fiscal deficits and public debt rise as a result, and resources shift away from social and developmental spending, which further accentuates the conflicts’ debilitating consequences.Conflicts are also an opportunity for corrupt individuals to syphon aid and other funding.