| Summary/Abstract |
Cattle rustling and conflicts between herders and farmers have long existed in several areas in Africas. In recent years, however, both security challenges have increased exponentially. The extent of the problem, exacerbated both by organized crime links and corruption, has reached levels in which it should now be viewed as a national security issue. This particularly is the case due to most of the criminality and conflicts occurring in border regions and involving cross-border operations. The rise of local uncontrolled armed groups, significant conflict between ethnic groups, inability of the regional governments to gain control of peripheral areas, and the increased politicization of the conflicts all indicate an environment that is highly conducive for creating the rise of insurgent movements.
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