Abstract
Violence in Africa has often been analyzed through sociological, economic, political, and international relations lenses, while rarely through Johan Galtung’s Structural Violence framework. Yet, Galtung provides a more nuanced understanding of the region’s megatrends. This paper explores the relevance of his theory, particularly in the Sahel, by drawing from his 1969 work Violence, Peace, and Peace Research. Structural violence focuses on systemic and institutional factors—such as inequality, ethnic domination, weak governance, and lack of the rule of law—that fuel unrest beyond direct physical violence. In the Sahel, these structural conditions have led to political instability, social unrest, coups, climate vulnerability, unemployment, and widespread suffering. Deprivation and marginalization become fertile ground for conflict. The paper argues that deviant political leadership and poor arms control are both products and drivers of these embedded structural issues. It also examines how climate change, as a “violence multiplier,” worsens instability and undermines adaptation strategies. While Galtung’s framework has limitations, especially when used in isolation, it offers a valuable lens for understanding violence rooted in colonial legacies, inequality, and political dysfunction. Structural, direct, and cultural violence are interlinked, necessitating holistic approaches for addressing violence in diverse geopolitical contexts.