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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The Hidden Costs of Power-Sharing: Reproducing Insurgent Violence in Africa
Authors:Tull, Denis M.ISNI
Mehler, AndreasISNI
Year:2005
Periodical:African Affairs: The Journal of the Royal African Society
Volume:104
Issue:416
Period:July
Pages:375-398
Language:English
Geographic terms:Africa
Congo (Democratic Republic of)
Subjects:conflict resolution
power-sharing
violence
Law, Human Rights and Violence
Politics and Government
External link:https://www.jstor.org/stable/3518721
Abstract:This article analyses some factors underlying the spread of insurgent violence in Africa. It focuses on the impact external factors have on power struggles on the continent. The first of these is the unsteady support for democracy from Western donors, which has impeded more far-reaching domestic changes in much of Africa. Second are wider changes in the international setting that dramatically enhanced the international standing of armed movements in the post-1989 period. The article argues that the interplay of both factors has induced would-be leaders to conquer State power by violent rather than non-violent means. This becomes particularly evident in regard to Western efforts to solve violent conflict through power-sharing agreements. The hypothesis is put forward that the institutionalization of this practice for the sake of 'peace', i.e. providing rebels with a share of State power, has important demonstration effects across the continent. It creates an incentive structure would-be leaders can seize upon by embarking on the insurgent path as well. As a result, and irrespective of their effectiveness in any given case, power-sharing agreements may contribute to the reproduction of insurgent violence. The argument is illustrated by the case of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Bibliogr., notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]
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