2020 recorded 56 active conflicts, which is a record-high for the period covered by the UCDP. Eight of these active conflicts were wars, compared to seven wars in 2019 and six in 2018. The increase in the number of wars is worrisome. Research shows that while minor conflicts have little impact on societies, wars cause a number of problems, often for a very long time.

This is perhaps the greatest challenge facing Africa in 2022.

a) Discuss what African leaders, led by the African Union, can do to reverse this trend.

b) Discuss the impacts of wars and conflicts on Africa's socio-economic development.