Contemporary genealogy of forced displacement in Africa in the light of border conflicts

Abstract

Abstract The causal link between border conflicts in Africa and forced displacements is not always clear in terms of cause and effect. We intend to highlight this contemporary reality through our contribution. Our argument is developed in three stages. First, we will focus on the trends of pacification and conflictualisation of borders at the global and African level; Second, we will return to the historical conditions of formation of African borders and subsequent developments which are certainly determining due to colonial divisions and societal fractures; however, they remain insufficient to explain the perpetuation of forced migrations after independence. Third, we will attempt to estimate the impact of border conflicts in Africa on forced displacements. To do this, we will mobilize a methodology based on documentary and statistical research. The results relativize the dramatization of migrations specific to the continent and the permanent guilt of colonization, confirm that African borders are in a process of appropriation and evolution in conflicts. While establishing the link between forced migrations and border conflicts, other indigenous and exogenous factors would exist.

Keywords

• Africa
• Borders
• Conflicts
• Forced displacement
• Refugees