The impact of hostilities in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Zambia's Economic Development

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Date
2013-05-03
Authors
Kasochi, Mirriam K
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Abstract
Since the end of the Second World War, countries all over the world have been hopeful for a peaceful existence devoid of war, armed conflict or hostilities because of the devastating consequences of such activities. Developing countries in Africa have been not been spared from the effects of war and still grappling with the unfortunate impact of hostilities on their economies. This paper set out to investigate the impact of hostilities in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on Zambia's economic development. This was achieved by both desk and field research. The findings of this research were that the impact of these hoslilities on Zambia's economic development has been profound, with limited trade and an influx of refugees being identified as the chief areas that have been impacted in that they directly and indirectly (respectively) affect Zambia's economic development. In order to prevent the hostilities and thus drastically reduce the impact of hostilities and promote economic development, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has been identified as the institution that can achieve this is at a regional level. The SADC Treaty contains provisions for the maintenance of peace, security and stability as well as economic development. However, SADC has been challenged on the basis that the provision that gives the SADC Tribunal power and authority to make findings in a case before it after a dispute is null and void as the Treaty was not properly constituted. At an international level, the United Nations has been deploying peace-keeping and peace-building troops to Africa to assist in curbing violence. Although this intervention has been commended, these peace - keeping missions have been criticised for not determining the root cause of hostilities in Africa, especially having regard to the fact that these causes are diverse in nature. A myriad of issues based on policy, institutional and legal framework have to be addressed in order for Zambia to develop economically.
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Stagnation(Economics) , International Economic Integration
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