The global financial crisis: risks for fragile states in Africa

This Opinion argues that the impact of the global financial crisis in fragile states has serious implications for peace and security. With economic and social stability going hand in hand, recession could result in increased unrest and violence in countries that are already under pressure as a result of poverty and the effects of high food and fuel prices. The G-20 Summit in London in April 2009 earmarked $50 billion for developing countries. At the same time, there are worrying signs of backtracking on aid commitments as some donor governments prioritise their domestic economies. The Opinion urges donor countries to maintain, if not step up aid commitments to African states, to counter the impact of a crisis that could exacerbate state fragility in Africa.