Fractured African continent symbolizing ongoing conflicts and political instability.

Unrest in Africa: Understanding the Escalating Conflicts and Political Instability

Theo Raines in Global Affairs August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A Deep Dive into the Factors Fueling Violence and Displacement Across the Continent."

Africa is currently grappling with a surge in conflicts and political instability, impacting numerous countries and communities. The period of October 2018 alone saw a complex web of events, ranging from escalating violence perpetrated by both state and non-state actors to critical political transitions and humanitarian crises. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone seeking to grasp the current state of affairs on the continent.

Multiple factors contribute to this instability, including ethnic tensions, struggles for resources, weak governance, and the proliferation of armed groups. These issues are further compounded by external influences, such as international interventions and economic pressures, making the situation exceptionally challenging to resolve.

This article will delve into specific instances of unrest documented during October 2018, examining their root causes and potential consequences. We will also explore the broader implications for regional security, human rights, and the overall development of the affected areas. It is crucial to foster a global understanding of the escalating complexities of Africa to galvanize support for sustainable peace and stability.

Conflict Hotspots and Escalating Violence

Fractured African continent symbolizing ongoing conflicts and political instability.

Several regions in Africa experienced heightened conflict during October 2018, each with its unique set of dynamics and challenges. In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) continued to perpetrate violence in the eastern part of the country. The attacks have resulted in alarming casualties and displacement of civilians. The situation is further complicated by the presence of numerous armed groups vying for control of resources and territory.

In DRC, the United Nations (UN) mission, MONUSCO, has been working to stabilize the region. Joint patrols with local police and army forces were initiated to try and restore trust with residents. However, the effectiveness of these measures remains a topic of debate, as the scale and complexity of the conflict require a more comprehensive approach. The army has also registered significant surrenders of militia combatants in the South Kivu province, indicating a potential shift in the dynamics of the conflict.

The main violence included:

ADF violence caused hundreds of casualties.
Armed attacks in Masisi Territory resulted in numerous deaths and injuries.
Militia groups extorted money from civilians and fought over resources.

Meanwhile, in Egypt, the state continued its crackdown on those it accuses of joining terror groups, resulting in further death sentences. A court sentenced three people to death for their involvement in the killing of policemen. The crackdown also extended to political activists and journalists, raising concerns about human rights and freedom of expression. The Egyptian army reported that hundreds of jihadists were killed in its offensive against the Islamic State group (IS) in the Sinai Peninsula, highlighting the ongoing security challenges in the region.

Towards Sustainable Peace and Stability

Addressing the root causes of conflict and instability in Africa requires a multifaceted approach that tackles governance issues, promotes inclusive development, and strengthens regional security mechanisms. International support, while necessary, must be carefully calibrated to avoid exacerbating existing tensions and undermining local ownership of peace processes. By prioritizing inclusive dialogue, promoting economic opportunity, and strengthening governance structures, it is possible to pave the way for a more peaceful and stable future for the continent.

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Everything You Need To Know

What specific acts of violence were attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during the mentioned period?

During October 2018, the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) perpetrated violence in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), leading to significant casualties and displacement. This violence was exacerbated by the presence of numerous armed groups competing for control of resources and territory. While the United Nations (UN) mission, MONUSCO, has been working with local forces to stabilize the region, the effectiveness of these measures is still debated due to the conflict's complexity. The situation in DRC also involves militia groups extorting money from civilians and fighting over resources, further destabilizing the region.

How did the Egyptian state respond to perceived threats from terror groups and political activists, and what were the implications?

In Egypt, during October 2018, the state increased its crackdown on individuals accused of joining terror groups, leading to death sentences. This crackdown also extended to political activists and journalists, raising concerns about human rights and freedom of expression. The Egyptian army reported killing hundreds of jihadists in its offensive against the Islamic State group (IS) in the Sinai Peninsula, showing the ongoing security challenges. This focus on security measures highlights the government's approach to countering threats, but it also raises questions about the balance between security and civil liberties.

What strategies are essential for achieving sustainable peace and stability, and what considerations should guide international support?

Addressing the root causes requires a multifaceted approach that includes improving governance, promoting inclusive development, and strengthening regional security mechanisms. International support is needed, but it must be carefully managed to prevent exacerbating existing tensions and to ensure local ownership of peace processes. The approach involves prioritizing inclusive dialogue, promoting economic opportunity, and strengthening governance structures. Overlooking these steps can lead to unsustainable solutions and continued instability.

What factors contribute to the rise and persistence of armed groups, and how do their activities impact stability?

The proliferation of armed groups is driven by various factors such as ethnic tensions, struggles for resources, and weak governance. These armed groups exploit the lack of state control and compete for power and resources, leading to increased violence and instability. The presence and activities of these groups undermine state authority and disrupt peace efforts, making it harder to establish long-term stability.

Beyond the specific instances of unrest, what broader challenges are reflected, and what comprehensive strategies are needed to address them?

While the article focuses on events that happened in October 2018, these events are indicative of broader, ongoing challenges. Conflicts and instability in Africa are often rooted in historical grievances, socio-economic inequalities, and political exclusion. Addressing these underlying issues requires long-term strategies that promote inclusive governance, economic development, and social cohesion. Without tackling these root causes, similar patterns of conflict and instability are likely to persist, undermining long-term peace and development efforts.