“Resource Curse” and “Resource Wars” and the Proliferation of Small Arms in Africa

Abstract

The chapter triangulated resource curse, resource wars and the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Africa. By indulging in a comparative study with other continents, the chapter showed how and why the resource curse phenomenon appears peculiar to the African condition. Indeed, the African case became a classical example where resource abundance was hardly translated into blessings, rather serving as an attraction for a feast of violence in resource-rich areas. It was identified that central to the resource curse was lack of effective institutions, the Dutch disease, and absence of tangible capital. However, central to the resource wars was poverty. Indeed, poverty, combined with the lack of effective institutions, made for the poor management of natural resources in Africa resulting in a violent environment where SALWs were readily needed and frequently used. While the resource curse in Africa triggered resource wars on one hand, both combined to trigger the proliferation of SALWs on the other hand, making for a vicious cycle. The chapter showed that the violent control of natural resources by armed groups in Africa was made possible by “looting rebels” who took advantage of prevailing weak state capacity thereby making for the proliferation of SALWs.