The paradox of silencing the guns and increasing conflicts: A critical appraisal of the role of the African Union institutions

This paper aims to highlight the reasons behind the escalating conflicts in Africa in recent years. Through a desk review of the literature on ongoing conflicts, the paper attempts to unpack the paradox surrounding the goal of silencing guns in Africa by the year 2020 and beyond. The objective is to uncover the reasons causing and contributing to conflicts in Africa. The study concludes that the sources of violent conflicts and their consequences are diverse and should be understood as such. Finally, the paper suggests policy recommendations, emphasizing the need for vigorous empirical research to understand and address these conflicts.   Key words: Africa Union, conflicts, silencing the guns, military coups.