IMPACT OF ARMED CONFLICT ON THE ENVIRONMENT IN AFRICA: A CASE STUDY OF SIERRA LEONE CIVIL WAR

Abstract

This paper examines the impact of armed conflict in Africa with particular reference to Sierra-Leone. The paper notes that the cause(s) of the conflict in Sierra-Leone were for resource control and marginalization and these are the root causes of most conflicts in Africa. The paper notes that the conflict has both direct and indirect impacts on the environment and infrastructures including natural habitats. The paper also examines the legal framework protecting the environment in times of armed conflict. In addition, soft laws for environmental protection are assessed. The paper reveals that originally International Humanitarian Law was not designed to protect the environment. The need to protect the environment arose in the 1970’s. Again, the Additional Protocol II to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 applicable in internal conflicts does not protect the environment directly. The paper also notes that the Geneva Law will not apply where the conflict does not meet the threshold of armed conflict. In all, both the basic principles of IHL and the soft laws were not observed in the Sierra-Leone conflict. The paper notes that most African Countries are yet to ratify the Geneva Protocols and there is a need for them to do so.