*Perspective*
By George OZALLA
“An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
The stark reality that nations find it easier to fund war than to feed the poor is a scathing indictment of global priorities. This phenomenon is often driven by the selfish interests of those in power, who prioritize grandstanding and ego over the well-being of their citizens. The consequences of this warped prioritization are devastating, with wars fought over petty squabbles and territorial disputes, while the most vulnerable members of society – the poor, children, young people, women, and people living with disabilities – bear the brunt of the suffering.
The cost of war is staggering. According to a report by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), the global economic impact of violence and conflict in 2020 was estimated to be around $14.96 trillion in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. This is equivalent to approximately 11.8% of global GDP. The human cost is even more alarming, with an estimated 529,000 people dying directly or indirectly from conflict-related causes in 2020 alone.
The Syrian Civil War has resulted in an estimated $226 billion in economic losses, with over 500,000 fatalities and 12 million people displaced. The Yemen Civil War has led to an estimated 14 million people facing severe food insecurity, with 24 million people (80% of the population) in need of humanitarian assistance. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has resulted in significant economic losses, with an estimated $136 billion in damage to infrastructure and 13 million people displaced.
The prioritization of war over feeding the poor has severe implications for global food security. With 820 million people suffering from hunger worldwide, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the diversion of resources to fund wars exacerbates food insecurity and malnutrition. The FAO estimates that 98% of the world’s hungry people live in developing countries, where conflict and instability are often prevalent.
Wars lead to mass displacement, with people forced to flee their homes in search of safety and security. This can result in a significant strain on host countries and communities. Conflicts often lead to humanitarian crises, with civilians caught in the crossfire and in dire need of assistance. The impact of war can be felt for generations, with long-term consequences for individuals, communities, and nations.
The value of human life is not truly appreciated in the midst of conflict. The needs of the poor and vulnerable are sacrificed at the altar of ego and grandstanding. Nigeria today, for instance, is grappling with internal conflicts characterized by targeted killings in various regions, each driven by distinct agendas. The government’s sincere efforts or in some cases lack of political will to quell these conflicts seem overwhelmed, struggling to arrest the recurring violent situations.
In Nigeria, various groups are waging different forms of war, from Boko Haram’s insurgency in the northeast to the secessionist agitations in the southeast and the deadly clashes between farmers and herders in the North-Central region. The military’s efforts to contain these conflicts have been met with limited success, and the government appears to be at a loss on how to effectively address the root causes of the violence.
Those in power must exercise extreme caution, lest they politicize or downplay the situation in Nigeria, which may result in larger, uncontrollable, widespread conflicts. The consequences of such actions would be catastrophic, leading to further destabilization, displacement, and human suffering. It is imperative that leaders prioritize the needs of their citizens, rather than their own selfish interests.
The Nigerian government must adopt a multifaceted approach to address the complex security challenges it faces. This includes investing in economic development, promoting good governance, and enhancing security sector reform. Addressing the root causes of violence and promoting dialogue and community engagement, Nigeria can commence to build a more peaceful and stable future.
Just as the situation in Nigeria continues to unfold, it is essential that the international community provides direct support and assistance to victims of wars and conflicts to help address the humanitarian crises and promote peacebuilding efforts. The global community must recognize the devastating consequences of conflict and work towards promoting a culture of peace, tolerance, and understanding across the globe.
In the face of such complex and entrenched conflicts, it is clear that there are no easy solutions. However, by prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable members of society and promoting a culture of peace and dialogue, we can begin to build a more just and equitable world. The cost of war is too high to ignore, and it is time for nations to prioritize the well-being of their citizens over petty squabbles and ego-driven conflicts and bear in mind that there is no cheap war! Only then can we hope to create a world where the value of human life is truly appreciated, and the needs of the poor and vulnerable are prioritized.
*Publisher & Editor-in-Chief of NEWSCOUNT
