Covenant University Journal of Politics and International Affairs

Vulnerability of Energy Infrastructure to Climate Change in East Africa

Aaron Ayeta Mulyanyuma — 2024-06-03

The vulnerability of energy infrastructure to climate change in East Africa presents significant challenges and risks that require urgent attention. With the region heavily reliant on hydropower, the impacts of climate variability, such as fluctuating precipitation patterns
and extreme weather events, pose a threat to electricity generation and energy security. The 2016 El Niño event in Uganda serves as a poignant example, highlighting how reduced water levels in Lake Victoria led to decreased output from major hydropower plants like
the Owen Falls Dam. Effective policy and regulatory frameworks play a crucial role in enhancing the resilience of energy infrastructure by incentivizing investments in climateresilient technologies, promoting energy efficiency measures, and integrating climate risk
assessments into infrastructure planning and operation. International agreements like the Paris Agreement provide a framework for collaboration and coordination among East African countries to address climate change impacts on energy infrastructure and mitigate associated risks. Urgent action is needed to build adaptive capacity and ensure the sustainable development of energy systems in East Africa amidst a changing climate.

NATO’s Intervention in the 2011 Libyan Crisis: An Examination of the Responsibility to Protect

Ken Ahorsu — 2024-06-04

T he article critiqued NATO’s Intervention in the 2011 Libyan Crisis as a test case for the concept of responsibility to protect (R2P) from the perspective ofthe concept of sovereignty (the 1648 Treaty of Westphalia). Data for the study wascollected from secondary sources. It found that the 2011 Libya Intervention failed to address the fundamental triggers of the conflict. The aftermath of the intervention
has not justified the regime change. The enduring insecurity and mounting civilian casualty, the humanitarian emergencies that plague Libya, and the lawlessness and the impunity that contentious transitional arrangements have spawned continue to query NATO’s justification for the intervention. These dysfunctions contrast assertions that the UN-authorized intervention was to promote a just cause. Worse still, aftermath of the Libyan crisis has opened the flooded gates of religious militancy that threatens the Sahel and the littoral states of West Africa. It recommends for a greater AU agency in African crisis.

Taming the Wind: Cryptocurrency, International Law, and Nigeria’s National Security

Abiola A. Isikalu — 2024-06-05

This study aimed at exploring how international law can be extended to the cryptocurrency space and the plausible effects that this may have on the national security of Nigeria by reviewing relevant sources of information. The research questions that were addressed in this paper included: “In what ways can international law be used to regulate the cryptocurrency market?” and “How will such regulations impact national security in Nigeria?” The study found that Nigeria presents a case where cryptocurrency was banned and yet, its adoption has been increasing and its prohibition has worsened its use for illegal activities that threaten national security and economic health. Individuals and organisations have found ways to trade and own cryptocurrencies in the country without getting detected by relevant authorities in the country. By implication, Nigeria needs to re-consider its stance on cryptocurrency regulation. Most importantly, the development of an international regulatory framework that facilitates the successful extension of international law to the regulation of cryptocurrency can help Nigeria to improve its national security by tackling terrorist and other crime funding and tackling the use of cryptocurrency for corrupt practices such as money laundering and tax evasion.

Politics of Financial Clientelism in Developing Democracies: Insights from Nigeria

Ibrahim Akinola Salawu — 2024-06-06

Political clientelism, locally known as godfatherism has been a recurring issue in the democratic practice of developing countries. It has become a key feature of Nigeria’s democratic practice and has been adjudged by several literature as a bane towards good governance. The work focuses on the effects of godfatherism as well as the perceptions ofthe citizens of Kwara state, a state which has had a long history of acts of godfatherism in Nigeria and one which the citizens in the 2019 General elections denied the wishes of the
godfathers with their votes. This was done using a descriptive survey method, using questionnaire as a means of data collection from 385 Krejcie and Morgan samples in the state. The data was analyzed using the regression mode of analysis. The research found
significant impact of godfatherism on governance in Kwara state.

Exploring the Trade-offs of the United States' Deterrence Strategy: Implications and Challenges

Aaron Ayeta Mulyanyuma — 2024-06-07

The United States' deterrence strategy is a cornerstone of its national security policy, aiming to dissuade potential adversaries from hostile actions through military capabilities, economic measures, and diplomatic efforts. However, this strategy entails significant trade-offs and challenges that warrant careful consideration. This paper explores the implications and challenges of the United States deterrence strategy, examining the complex interplay between military power projection, economic coercion, and diplomatic engagement. The paper highlights the risks of escalation, unintended consequences, and the emergence of asymmetric threats by analysing examples such as economic sanctions, military deployments, and information operations. Ultimately, a nuanced understanding of the trade-offs involved in deterrence is essential for shaping effective and sustainable security policies in an increasingly complex and uncertain global environment.

Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Energy Security in East Africa: Challenges and Opportunities

Aaron Ayeta Mulyanyuma — 2024-06-10

Climate change poses significant challenges to energy security in East Africa, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities and creating new risks for the region's energy infrastructure, supply chains, and access to reliable energy sources. Rising temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events threaten the reliability of hydroelectric power generation, a vital component of the region's energy mix. Additionally, agricultural productivity and water availability shifts impact biomass and hydropower resources, further straining energy systems. However, amidst these challenges lie opportunities for innovation and adaptation. Investments in renewable energy technologies, such as solar and wind power, offer sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels and can enhance energy resilience. Strengthening regional cooperation, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing adaptive capacity are essential for mitigating the impacts of climate change on energy security in East Africa and fostering a sustainable energy future for the region.