Soldier of the Ethiopian National Defense Force, 2006
Just before the 20th century began, most of Africa, with the exception of Ethiopia, Somalia and Liberia, was under colonial rule. By the 1980s, most nations were independent. Military systems reflect this evolution in several ways:
Growth of indigenous knowledge and skill in handling modern arms
Established colonial armies of mainly indigenous troops officered by Europeans
Rebellions, resistance and "mop up" operations
Weakening of European colonial power due to World War I and World War II
Decolonization and the transition to the militaries of the new African states
Wars of national liberation across the continent particularly the northern and southern regions
Frequent tribal or civil wars across the continent
Frequent military coups against the post colonial regimes
Continued strength of regional powers like Egypt and South Africa
The rise of asymmetric forces and failed states
The rise of international forces and bureaucracies
Continued challenges and evolution into the 21st century
For events prior to 1800, see African military systems to 1800. For events between 1800 and 1900, see African military systems (1800–1900). For an overall view of the military history of Africa by region, see Military History of Africa. Below are the major activities and events that shaped African military systems into the 20th and 21st century.
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