The effect of Africa's exiles/refugees upon inter-African state relations: Conflict and cooperation--1958-1988
Description
This study argues that trans-border movements and activities of Africa's exiles/refugees have significantly affected inter-African state relations, as evidenced by the preponderance of explicit concern within African states that their national security was threatened by subversion undertaken by their nationals enjoying asylum in other African states Chapter I explores the theoretical/conceptual aspects of the African exile/refugee phenomenon, delving into issues like: (i) the political situations generating exiles/refugees in Africa; (ii) the conditions which predispose the exile/refugee factor to conflict proneness; (iii) the inherently strain-ladden dynamics of inter-African state relations in exile/refugee situations In chapters 2, 3 and 4, case studies of Southern Africa, Eastern Africa, and a combination of Northern, West and Central Africa are presented. In each case, an attempt is made to document instances of inter-state conflict or cooperation directly or indirectly associated with the exile/refugee factor. The case studies show abundant evidence that the exile/refugee factor has frequently affected inter-African state relations. However, it is acknowledged that some of the conflicts ostensibly caused by the exile/refugee issue are symptoms of larger conflicts The study concludes that the exile/refugee phenomenon is associated with a high incidence of conflict among African states and that the phenomenon has had high political salience, judging by the governmental actions it has precipitated, many of which have diverted scarce resources from the economic development process The study remarks that erosion of generous asylum policies is on the rise in African states. It questions the current approaches to solving the exile/refugee problem and considers them inadequate. It suggests that a more durable solution would be the creation of a 'Federated States of Africa,' instantly rendering obsolete the present national boundaries, and with them the exile/refugee status they confer Such a controversial political restructuring may help Africa to achieve economic independence and political stability which are indispensable to prevent the prevalence of a repressive political culture. The reasoning is that a united Africa may be the ultimate political-economic structure in which the fundamental root causes of the exile/refugee problem can be effectively tackled