Africa

Conflicts in several African countries showed signs of abatement in 2002, due in part to United Nations involvement in the peace processes and mediation efforts. While the most remarkable progress was seen in Angola and Sierra Leone, improvements were also reported in Burundi, in the dispute between Eritrea and Ethiopia, and in the Sudan. Although the fighting in most countries was at reduced levels in 2002, Africa continued to be plagued by other woes, such as poverty and economic stagnation, the spread of HIV/ AIDS and other diseases, massive movements of refugees and displaced persons, natural disasters, the flow of illegal arms, and the illegal trade in raw diamonds, which perpetuated war.

Related Subject(s): United Nations