A critical analysis of causal factors of African conflicts and their impact on the continent

Africa has undoubtedly become notorious for a number of reasons. This is despite the continent's contribution to global civilisation and economic development occasioned by the supply of raw materials and human capital. Over the years, the image of Africa has been tarnished by several factors. One of the factors that have contributed to Africa's notoriety is the constant outbreak of political crises. This article provides a critical analysis of this phenomenon by tracing its root causes, expounding on its magnitude and, most importantly, discussing some of the negative impacts of these conflict situations on African people - as individuals, groups/communities and as polities or nation states. This goal is achieved by citing different examples from across the continent. The conclusion drawn in the article is that Africa's political conflicts do not have a single source and that resolving them call for concerted effort amongst different stakeholders (both international and local actors).