FROM WAR ECONOMIES TO PEACE ECONOMIES IN AFRICA

Abstract

One reason for the persistence and protracted nature of conflict on theAfrican continent is the phenomenon of war economies. These have transformed thenature of war itself where the object is not at neutralizing an enemy but toinstitutionalize violence at a profitable level of intensity. Transforming wareconomies into peace economies constitute a unique challenge to post-conflictreconstruction strategies on the African continent. This article explores thesechallenges and critically examines whether the African Union (AU) and NewPartnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) post-conflict reconstructionstrategies meets these challenges. The article concludes with some recommendationsto policy-makers in order to ensure that this transition from war to peace economiesdoes indeed take place in order to ensure a more peaceful continent.