Questions A Resolution Must Answer (QARMAs)

1. How can we measure and quantify the scale of instability in East and West Africa?

Measuring and quantifying the scale of instability in East and West Africa can be a complex and
multifaceted task, as instability can manifest in various forms, such as political, economic, social,
and security-related challenges. Here are some common methods and indicators used to assess
and quantify instability in these regions:

Conflict and Violence Indicators: Track incidents of armed conflicts, insurgencies, and acts of
terrorism. Monitor the number of casualties, including fatalities and displaced populations.
Evaluate the intensity and duration of conflicts.
Analyze trends in violence, such as an increase or decrease in conflict-related incidents.

Political Stability and Governance Indicators:

Examine the quality of governance, using indices like the World Governance Indicators or the
Fragile States Index. Assess the level of political stability and the frequency of political unrest.
Analyze the effectiveness of state institutions, rule of law, and government accountability.

Economic Indicators: Evaluate economic stability, including inflation rates, GDP growth, and
unemployment rates. Assess the impact of instability on foreign direct investment (FDI) and
economic development. Consider income inequality and poverty rates.

Social and Human Development Indicators: Examine human development indices, such as the
Human Development Index (HDI). Assess access to education, healthcare, and other essential
services. Evaluate social cohesion and factors contributing to social unrest, like ethnic or religious
tensions.

Migration and Displacement: Analyze patterns of forced migration, both internal and cross-
border. Assess the impact of instability on refugee flows and internally displaced populations.

Environmental and Climate Factors:

Consider the role of environmental stressors and climate change in contributing to instability,
such as resource scarcity, food insecurity, or water disputes.

Arms Trade and Illicit Activities: Track the flow of arms and ammunition in the region.
Monitor illegal activities like drug trafficking, human trafficking, and organized crime, which can
fuel instability.

Social and Cultural Factors: Evaluate the role of cultural and social dynamics, including
historical grievances and identity politics, in fueling instability.

Media and Social Media Analysis: Analyze media reports and social media trends for signs of
unrest, protests, or the spread of extremist ideologies.

International Involvement: Assess the role of external actors, including neighboring countries
and global powers, in exacerbating or mitigating instability.
 Measuring and quantifying instability often involve a combination of quantitative data analysis,
qualitative research, and expert assessments. It's important to recognize that instability is a
dynamic and evolving phenomenon, and comprehensive analysis may require a combination of
these indicators and methods to develop a nuanced understanding of the situation in East and
West Africa.
2. What role have regional and international stakeholders played in exacerbating or mitigating
conflicts in these regions?

Regional and international stakeholders have played significant roles in exacerbating or

mitigating conflicts in East and West Africa. Their involvement can either contribute to peace and
stability or escalate tensions and conflicts, depending on their interests, strategies, and actions.
Here are some ways in which regional and international stakeholders have influenced conflicts in
these regions:

Exacerbating Conflicts: Arms Supply: Arms and ammunition provided by external actors can
escalate conflicts. For example, the illicit arms trade or military support from foreign
governments to warring parties can prolong and intensify conflicts.

Resource Exploitation: Competing interests in the region's natural resources, such as oil,
minerals, and agricultural land, can fuel conflicts as countries or corporations seek to exploit
these resources, sometimes leading to resource-related conflicts.

Political Support: Regional and international actors may support particular political factions or
leaders, even when their actions contribute to instability. This support can deepen political
divisions and prolong conflicts.

Proxy Wars: Conflicts in East and West Africa have sometimes been characterized as proxy
wars, with external actors providing support to different sides of a conflict. This can intensify
hostilities and make conflict resolution more challenging.

Interference in Sovereignty: Interference in the sovereignty of a nation can lead to conflicts.

Actions like military interventions or regime change efforts by foreign powers can destabilize
countries and create power vacuums.

Mitigating Conflicts:

Diplomacy and Mediation: Regional and international organizations often play a key role in
facilitating peace negotiations and mediating conflicts. For example, the African Union (AU) and
the United Nations (UN) have been involved in peace processes in several African conflicts.

Peacekeeping Missions: The deployment of peacekeeping missions, often authorized by the UN,
can help maintain peace and security in conflict-affected areas. These missions aim to protect
civilians, disarm combatants, and support the peace process.
 Humanitarian Assistance: International organizations and NGOs provide humanitarian aid to
conflict-affected populations, helping to alleviate suffering and support communities during and
after conflicts.

Conflict Prevention: Diplomatic efforts to prevent conflicts from escalating are essential. Early
warning systems and diplomatic initiatives can help identify potential conflicts and address root
causes before they lead to violence.

Economic and Development Assistance: Investments in economic development and poverty

reduction can address underlying grievances and contribute to long-term stability.

Peacebuilding and Reconciliation: International stakeholders can support peacebuilding

initiatives, including reconciliation efforts, transitional justice, and community engagement
programs.

Regional Cooperation: Regional organizations like the Economic Community of West African
States (ECOWAS) and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in East Africa
have played roles in addressing regional conflicts through collective action and diplomacy.

It's important to note that the impact of regional and international stakeholders can vary
depending on the specific conflict, the interests of the stakeholders, and the effectiveness of their
interventions. Successful conflict mitigation often requires a coordinated and multifaceted
approach that includes diplomatic efforts, humanitarian support, and a commitment to addressing
the root causes of conflicts.

3. What are the underlying root causes of instability in East and West Africa, such as
historical, political, social, or economic factors?
4. How can the United Nations Security Council foster stronger multilateral
cooperation between regional organizations, neighboring countries, and international
actors to address instability in the regions?
6. How can the international community better coordinate humanitarian efforts to
address the significant humanitarian crises caused by conflicts in these regions?
7. What strategies and initiatives can be implemented to stimulate economic
development in East and West Africa, thereby addressing the socio-economic impacts
of instability?
8. How can fair and sustainable management of resources, such as land, minerals, and
water, be promoted to reduce resource-related conflicts in the affected areas?
9. What measures can be taken to minimize the negative impact of external actors and proxy battles on
conflicts in East and West Africa