Human and economic cost of conflict in the horn of Africa : implications for a transformative and inclusive post-conflict development

Abstract

Since their independence from colonial masters, the Horn of Africa States have experienced endemic intra and interstate conflict. These conflicts have imposed considerable human and economic costs and retarded the development of the Horn by transferring scarce resources from development to support war. The focus of this study is to analyze how conflict impacts stability and undermines efforts towards achieving inclusive and sustainable development. The identification of how conflict impacts on development and elucidation of the economic cost will inform the development of post-conflict policy frameworks and strategies for sustainable recovery. Capturing the negative effects of violence on development is critical for trans-formative policies and for formulation of accountable, transparent and effective polices and public institutions for inclusive and sustainable development. Moreover, as the continent is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the new global economic openings, seizing this opportunity for generating and maintaining growth to improve the socioeconomic aspirations of its people is critical.