Human Security and Non State Actors in Africa: A Double-Edged Sword under Neoliberal Governance

Human security in Africa is increasingly shaped by the activities of non-state actors (NSAs), both non-violent, sometimes mitigating terrorism, and violent, which exacerbate human insecurity. The dual role of NSAs, coupled with neoliberal governance frameworks characterised by economic liberalisation, foreign investment, and conditional aid, presents a double-edged sword for African populations. While neoliberal policies have improved access to healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities in certain contexts, they have simultaneously intensified socioeconomic inequalities, weakened state institutions, and disproportionately affected marginalised communities, undermining long-term stability. The study aims to critically analyse the interplay between human security, non-state actors, and neoliberal governance in Africa, with a focus on understanding how these dynamics simultaneously empower and endanger populations. Employing a qualitative research design, the study relies on secondary sources, including peer-reviewed literature, institutional reports, and policy documents, analysed through content analysis to identify patterns, contradictions, and systemic impacts of both violent and non-violent NSAs on human security outcomes. Findings reveal that non-violent NSAs, such as NGOs and international development agencies, enhance resilience by providing education, healthcare, and livelihood support, sometimes abating terrorist influence. Conversely, violent NSAs, including insurgent groups and militias, exploit socioeconomic disparities and weak governance to perpetuate insecurity. The research concludes that sustainable human security requires integrated, context-sensitive policies that harmonise state and non-state actor efforts, strengthen institutional accountability, and mitigate the unintended negative effects of neoliberal interventions. The study contributes conceptually by clarifying the dual, “double-edged” nature of human security under neoliberalism in Africa and offers policy-relevant insights for development practitioners, governments, and peacebuilding initiatives.