UNRAVELLING THE DIMENSIONS OF SECESSIONIST MOVEMENTS IN AFRICA: FOCUS ON AMBAZONIA AND BIAFRA

Abstract

The history of the world is characterized by the emergence of independent states at different times in the global village. While some countries attain their independence relatively peacefully, others engage in years of secessionist struggle in other to achieve their goal. This study used secondary sources to unravel the causes, growth and trends of the Ambazonia as well as Biafran struggle for independence. The study found that the political and economic marginalisation, regional underdevelopment, human insecurity, lack of balance in the federating units that make up Cameroon and Nigeria are the major drivers of secessionism in both countries. The study also reveals that the secessionist agitations have caused massive refugee and migration problems. It has also diverted the attention of some international governmental and non-governmental organisation/ firms from domestic investments in the conflict ravaged secessionist zones while undermining the contributions of those in diaspora towards the development of their communities due to insecurity. The study recommends constitutional amendments, referendum, restructuring and sustainable mediation of international governmental and non-governmental actors in the secessionist debate as the path to sustainable peace in the affected African states.