WALTHER, RUSSELL, PFLAUM – Urbanisation and Conflicts in North and West Africa
Olivier J. Walther, Steven M. Radil, David G. Russell, Matthew Pflaum, Alexander Thurston
First published online: 21 Mar 2023 OECD Report
DOI: 10.1787/3fc68183-en
ABSTRACT:
North and West Africa are undergoing rapid urbanisation. While cities and urban areas have always been sites of conflict, given their political and economic importance, many insurgencies, rebellions and separatist movements are associated with rural areas. Has increased urbanisation led to increased conflict in cities or do conflicts stay predominantly rural? Combining a regional and local perspective, this report examines and maps the rural-urban geography of conflict in North and West Africa since the late 1990s. A qualitative analysis of ten cities helps to illuminate the local sources of conflict. At a time of increasing violence in West Africa, the report lays out a solid foundation for policy makers, experts and researchers to develop more security and development place-based policies.
Executive Summary
This report expands on previous efforts by the Sahel and West Africa Club (SWAC/OECD) to document how violence varies geographically across North and West Africa. Using an innovative tool called the Spatial Conflict Dynamics indicator (SCDi), the report examines the links between cities and violence and maps the region’s major conflict hotspots. In a context of rapid urbanisation and unprecedented levels of violence, this report is particularly timely. It addresses the contested question of whether conflict is more urban or rural in nature. It also fills a knowledge gap for policy makers: understanding where violence emerges, spreads and eventually dissipates is key to addressing its root causes. A qualitative analysis of ten cities and sub-regions complements the indicator, to better understand the origins of conflict at the local level.
Résumé
Ce rapport poursuit les travaux déjà entrepris par le Club du Sahel et de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (CSAO/OCDE) pour documenter la géographie des violences en Afrique du Nord et de l’Ouest. À l’aide d’un outil novateur, l’indicateur des dynamiques spatiales des conflits (Spatial Conflict Dynamics indicator [SCDi]), il examine les liens entre villes et violences, et cartographie les principaux foyers de conflit de la région. Dans un contexte marqué par une urbanisation rapide et des niveaux de violence sans précédent, les questions traitées dans ces travaux sont plus que d’actualité. Le rapport aborde la question controversée de la nature plutôt urbaine ou rurale des conflits et apportent de nouveaux éclairages aux décideurs. Comprendre où les violences émergent, se propagent et prennent fin est en effet essentiel pour appréhender leurs causes profondes. Une analyse qualitative de dix villes et sous-régions complète les données quantitatives et permet de saisir la dimension locale des conflits.
Read the full publication at the OECD Report Urbanisation and Conflicts in North and West Africa
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