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• IN SEARCH OF POLITICAL WILL: COMBATING EMERGING SECURITY THREATS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

  Sheriff Folarin, Victory Iyoha, Marvellous Onah

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  Abstract

  The paper examines how political will may limit state power in tackling new security threats in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It identifies the multiple security challenges and how these are exacerbated by limited commitment (or a lack of it) by political actors, who could employ proactive or creative policy action or programs to tackle security crises on the sub-continent. Drawing from a repertoire of existing literature and theorizing political and national security, the paper presents a textual analysis of the situation, arguing that military power or capacity is significantly enhanced or limited by the political action of leaders in SSA countries. It recommends, among others, proactive political action and a comprehensive approach, given the complex nature of the situation, in tackling conventional and emerging security threats on the sub-continent. 

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