Secession in Africa: An African Union dilemma

Abstract

Peaceful secession in Africa has become elusive even as there are frequent calls for secession in the African continent. Generally, secession is not popular among African politicians. Some African leaders ignore the existence of the threat of secession. The non-recognition of the threat of secession in Africa by its leaders has come at a great cost. However, recent history gives reasons for a more favourable disposition towards secession in Africa. For example, two countries that have seceded (Eritrea in 1991 and South Sudan in 2011) became new members of the United Nations and African Union in 1993 and 2011 respectively, but at great cost to human life. This paper asserts that secession poses an imminent security threat to African nations. Furthermore, the act, by some African States of ignoring and forcefully shooting down secession bids without giving the agitators a hearing ear, is oppressive and leads to conflict.