Armed conflicts in Sub-Sahara Africa: Impacts on United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

Armed conflicts in Sub-Saharan Africa have adversely affected the sub-region’s political, economic, social, technological, and health development. The United Nations Development Program’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), set to be achieved by 2030, have been significantly impacted by the effects of armed conflicts in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study examines the extent of the impact of armed conflicts in the sub-region and the need for conflict resolution and peacebuilding to achieve the various SDGs set by the United Nations. The introduction provides a historical background on armed conflicts in Sub-Saharan Africa. It examines the different causes of armed conflicts and their effects on various aspects of human life in the region. This socio-political analysis elucidates the concept and significance of SDGs and fundamental SDGs in Sub-Saharan Africa. The impact of armed conflicts on specific SDGs, such as poverty and hunger, education and literacy, health and well-being, and gender equality, is discussed in detail. Strategies for addressing the impacts of armed conflicts are explored, including peacebuilding and conflict resolution, humanitarian aid and development assistance, and strengthening governance and institutions. The conclusion summarises the research findings.