Conclusion

The above has shown that poverty and armed violence, among other factors, are causing dire human and national security challenges for Africa. There exist many opportunities for countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to strengthen economic well-being and address armed violence, thereby redressing the challenge of human insecurity. Of particular concern are the unemployed youth who are mostly vulnerable to recruitment to militia and terrorist groups. In this regard, governments should significantly expand the formal private sector, which remains underdeveloped in most African countries as this will facilitate much higher levels of investment in the economies and so generate employment and economic growth. Equally, governments need to strengthen and expand service delivery in education and health sectors, particularly in most marginalized regions. 

In order to create a positive environment for advancement of human security, African governments need to use a multipronged approach that includes promoting the rule of law based on fairness and zero tolerance for violence; strengthening local governments, community policing and law enforcement personnel in hotspots of violence; and developing response and support services to victims of violence. 

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Author

Elias Omondi Opongo holds a PhD in Peace and Conflict Studies from Great Britain. In his research and published studies, he has worked on transitional justice and post-conflict reconstruction, state infrastructure consolidation, and religious extremism and radicalization. He currently directs the Hekim Institute of Peace Studies and International relations in Nairobi, Kenya.

Address: Hekima Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations, Riara Road, P.O. Box 21215-00505 Nairobi, Kenya.