This article reviews literature concerning the conflict prevention strategies in some African countries. The article acknowledges that there have been numerous efforts: mediation, negotiations and military involvement employed in ensuring that the conflicts do not break out or are reignited on the continent. Nonetheless, the conflicts have remained a continental problem. This work argues that despite the commitment to preventing the conflicts on the continent, unless human needs are satisfied, the efforts may as well go to waste. Thus, using the Human Needs Theory, this paper argues that the frustration of human needs has a direct relationship with conflicts outbreak. The paper recommends adopting the Human Needs Theory to conflict prevention strategies as critical for proper diagnosis of the conflict triggering factors on the continent.

Africa has, since independence witnessed a series of armed conflicts with the worst coming from the Sub-Saharan region. True, conflicts in countries like Chad (1965-85), Liberia (1980-2003), Nigeria (1967-70) Rwanda (1994) and Sierra Leone (1991-2001) speak volumes about the security situation in the continent. Indeed, documented that in the last ten years, the region has witnessed the highest number of people suffering insecurity and fear of violence. Undoubtedly, in countries like Angola, Uganda, Sudan and Somalia, to mention a few, conflicts have, despite the ending of the Cold War persisted for quite a long time. Interestingly, these conflicts are not occurring between or among countries but are rather of intra-state nature.