Victor Ojakorotu

Conflict about Natural Resources and the Prospect of Development in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Abstract As a departure from the general debate on the nexus between natural resources endowment and conflict in Africa, which focuses on the authoritarian nature of African states, the rise of ethnic militias, corruption and the policies and activities of foreign oil multinationals, the objective of the paper is to trace and explain the cause of conflict and underdevelopment in DRC as a product of history. Using secondary data and a qualitative analytical framework, the paper argues that the prevailing conflict on natural resources in DRC has its roots in colonial history. It found that, as in the past, there are state and non-state interests behind the exploitation of natural resources whereby groups and citizens excluded from the accumulation process resort to violence. The paper then suggests the deployment and utilization of indigenous knowledge and practices with modern approaches to the resolution of conflict and management of resources in the country.

Resource curse and sustainable development in petroleum states of Africa: the case of Nigeria

Abstract There has been a plethora of research and policies aimed at salvaging Nigeria from its inability to benefit from the significant amount of proceeds from its endowed resources without success. This is largely due to reliance on a degree of institutional capacity, which is widely absent thus making the country susceptible to various challenges. The objective of the paper is to show the importance of both human and psychological factors in determining the ability of a resource-endowed state to sustainably develop. Using secondary data analyses, it contends that while scholars’ view of the problem of resource curse as an economic challenge and building strong institutions cannot be ignored, these require human beings with the capability for development, political commitment or will and positive attitudes in addition to government support in the area of effective policy formulation and implementation of codes of conduct and ethics for enhanced mineral resources utilization.

The Role of African Intellectuals of South Africa in the Struggle for South African Economic Liberation or Independence: The View of the Zimbabwean State, Capital and Civil Society

In this study, post-apartheid South Africa as a product of the incomplete process of the liberation struggle which trails many other African countries in terms of economic liberation and socioeconomic achievements, is the starting point. South Africa is still defined by the white factor, particularly on the economic front, and the intersection of finance capital, politics and power has not been resolved. Advanced capitalist countries have invested heavily in the country to preserve their strategic interests, but it is African intellectuals who should ensure self-liberation and -development, and this should inform the struggle for economic liberation. African intellectuals should reduce and end the political, economic and ideological capacity deprivation of the masses, allowing them to liberate themselves and not depend on individuals

Playing Nollywood with Parliamentary Duties: Nigeria’s National Assembly as a Theatre of Politics of the Amusement Park

This paper takes a departure from the usual environmental or external challenges and hindrances faced by Nigerian legislators and legislative institution. It showcases variables associated with the apolitical and unethical conducts of some of the members of the 8th National Assembly and its accompanying implications on legislative mandate, process and service delivery. Analytically and relying on secondary data, special focus is given to the avoidable intrigues, uninspiring respect for rules, unparliamentary conduct and attitudinal behaviour of the legislators exemplified by unethical utterances and frivolous demands, legislative immaturity, lack of respect for colleagues, political intolerance, democratic brigandage and thuggery, and constant reverence and tribute to ethnic sentiments and values which have been serious impediments on the institution and its operators ability to deliver the expected legislative goods in the change mantra. The paper concludes with recommendations for better legislative process, institution and legislators and what is required to make Legislature and Legislators in Nigeria responsible and responsive to the demands and values of substantive democracy and good governance. This is with a view to rescuing the country’s democracy and its entire political development from being strangulated and pushed into a very narrow precipice.

MINING CORPORATIONS’ PSYCHOSOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL IMPACT ON LOCAL COMMUNITIES: THE CASE OF NORTH WEST PROVINCE MINING COMPLEX

Mining operations in the North West province in particular are contributing to ongoing social, economic, political, environmental and related impacts on the communities. This is within the context of largely expensive and highly specialized process of extracting the minerals while guarding closely relevant knowledge and information from the people, communities and related institutions. The article employs the theories of resource curse, accumulation by dispossession and radical materialism whose concepts elucidate the inextricable links between the actions of states, private entities, and civil society in the dynamics of resource-abundance, resource-laden conflict, and human rights abuses. The article analyses several impacts including tense trade union rivalries with serious political implications at both provincial and national body polity; provincial political contestation with equally strong grassroots focused alliances; and a host of socio-economic service deliveries. The above calls for collective sectoral engagement on the dichotomy of creating billionaires that are juxtaposed against people who are living in abject poverty in surrounding mining communities.

Sino-African Relations: An Analytical Overview of China’s Natural Resources Policy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Abstract This paper focuses on China’s role on the African continent. As will be revealed in the sections below, the dynamics of Sino-African relations have drawn attention from academics, private Western corporations and states as well as policy analysts. Of key concern is the nature of China’s aid and development policies as employed in various African countries in addition to the implications of China’s unwavering influence on Africa’s political governance. China’s foreign policy and outlook on international relations, of which its African strategy represents the most illuminating case, have been strongly influenced by the country’s path to economic development. Beijing’s unique brand of resource acquisition strategies and trade and investment policies towards the African continent present a divergence from the norm set by Western corporations and adherents of the ‘Washington Consensus’, and China’s distinctive approach presents a series of critical opportunities and challenges for Africa which are deserving of academic scrutiny. This paper observed that China’s ‘Beijing Consensus’ as driven by ‘soft power’ and the ‘win-win’ principle, with the application of copper acquisition from the Democratic Republic of Congo.