Youth, Proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons, and Conflicts in 21st Century Africa

Africa is blessed with a young population that is energetic and within the cycle of productive engagement. Most African states have more than half of their population between 15 and 24 years and the youth bulge is projected to double in the next 20 years while in some countries, it will triple. Unfortunately, the young population in Africa is not adequately catered for by the policymakers. Africa is facing misrule and the squandering of endowed resources resulting in deprivation, impoverishment, and infrastructure deficits. The implications are joblessness, poverty, diseases, hunger, and other socio-economic malaises of backwardness. The African young population, in despair, resort to crimes and violence leading to armed conflicts. The proliferation of armed groups has eased the movement and transaction in Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) further escalating violence across the continent. This chapter critically examines the youth bulge, proliferation of SALW, and the nexus with conflict in Africa. The chapter utilized documented sources for data collection while a qualitative content analysis was used for discussion. The chapter reports that Africa is facing the looming danger of a youth population explosion without commensurate economic and political development that will accommodate and engage them in productive ventures. The repercussions are tantamount to armed group violence orchestrated by the spread of SALW, which is perpetrating conflict and insecurity on the continent. The chapter suggests among other recommendations that African leaders must adopt honest, aggressive policies that will engage the youth in productive ventures which will prevent violence and crimes.