Ungoverned spaces and the survival of terrorist groups in Africa: a case study of the Lord’s Resistance Army
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Authors
Abasa, Africano
Subjects
Ungoverned spaces
Uganda
LRA
terrorism
counterterrorism
Al-Shabaab
AQIM
Boko Haram
governance
intervention
Great Lakes region
international community
Uganda
LRA
terrorism
counterterrorism
Al-Shabaab
AQIM
Boko Haram
governance
intervention
Great Lakes region
international community
Advisors
Halladay, Carolyn
Date of Issue
2015-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Uganda’s location in a region plagued by armed conflict entails ongoing security challenges. The situation becomes even more complicated when the various armed groups/insurgencies enjoy the breakdown of security, limited governance, and lack of control of vast territories where they operate. This thesis examines the role of ungoverned spaces and how they facilitate the survival of terrorist groups in Africa. It further seeks to evaluate policy prescriptions available to ameliorate the problem of ungoverned spaces. To answer these questions, this thesis uses the Lord’s Resistance Army as a case study and analyzes other violent extremist groups—Al-Shabaab, Al Qaeda in the Maghreb, and Boko Haram—in relation to ungoverned spaces. The study reveals that instability emanating from ungoverned spaces is contagious and can recur even when it appears to have been contained. Although interventions through bilateral, regional, and multilateral mechanisms may offer some orderliness in ungoverned spaces, the real solution may lie in addressing the latent causes of violence and instability. These measures include embracing democratic practices and economic empowerment, and strengthening government institutions so that states are functional—and spaces are governed.
Type
Thesis
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Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
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Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner.