The Economic Causes and Consequences of Civil Wars and Unrest in Africa: Address to the 70th ordinary session of the council of ministers of the organization of African unity by K. Y. Amoako UN under-secretary-general and executive secretary of ECA

Abstract

This statement Address to the 70th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers of the Organization of African Unity by K. Y. Amoako UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of ECA on the theme of the Economic Causes and Consequences of Civil Wars and Unrest in Africa. Dr. Amoako, on his remarks highlighted that, the causes of conflict, particularly its linkages with poverty; the economic consequences of war; and the imperatives for coordinated and holistic action for post-conflict rehabilitation and reconstruction. There continue to be common misperceptions as to what are the fundamental causes of the conflicts, which have set back national development in so many African countries. Conflict is inextricably related to poverty, particularly the lack of human capital, which influences the probability of a civil war. Conflicts are more likely to break out where there are dysfunctional governments - characterized by weak, undemocratic economic and political institutions. The objectives of ECA's work in this area are to assist countries emerging out of conflict to undertake economic rehabilitation and reconstruction, as well as social integration.