Safety and security
Many residents of African cities are vulnerable to widespread crime and violence. Perceived and real threats of violence or exposure to crime can limit mobility – particularly for women and girls, children and minority groups – with a knock-on effect on education, livelihoods and general wellbeing.
Notably, in conflict-affected African states, violence, armed insurgency and terrorism might unfold in cities or generate an exodus of refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) into urban areas. Crime, violence and conflict undermine economic growth and deepen mistrust of governance, security and justice institutions – frequently leading to vigilante organisations and “street justice”.
Enhancing safety and security in African cities requires pulling together various city systems, such as transport, road networks, policing, land ownership, water and sanitation, and electricity. ACRC will analyse the interplay of these systems – along with how the political economy of safety and security is reflected within city power dynamics – to identify measures that reduce violence and crime, and address the perception and fear of harm. We will also explore conflict resolution and how the integration of IDPs can be better facilitated within conflict-affected states.
![SS map_transparent](https://www.african-cities.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/SS-map_transparent.png)
LATEST NEWS from ACRC
![Analysis of urban reform coalitions awarded best 2024 paper by Area Development and Policy](https://www.african-cities.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ADP-award-blog-1080x600.jpg)
Analysis of urban reform coalitions awarded best 2024 paper by Area Development and Policy
ACRC’s CEO, Diana Mitlin, has been awarded the best paper of 2024 by Area Development and Policy for “The contribution of reform coalitions to inclusion and equity: lessons from urban social movements”.
![New research: Are reform coalitions the key to more inclusive urban housing in Africa?](https://www.african-cities.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Housing-paper-blog-1080x600.jpg)
New research: Are reform coalitions the key to more inclusive urban housing in Africa?
By 2050, it is projected that African cities will become home to an additional 950 million people – all of whom will need housing. A new ACRC report outlines findings from the housing domain research, which was implemented in seven African cities.
![New research: Overcoming systemic barriers facing young people in African cities](https://www.african-cities.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Youth-and-capability-development-paper-blog-1080x600.jpg)
New research: Overcoming systemic barriers facing young people in African cities
A new ACRC paper presents research into the challenges facing young people as they transition to adulthood in five African cities: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Freetown; Sierra Leone; Kampala, Uganda; Maiduguri, Nigeria; and Mogadishu, Somalia.