"Conflict Resolution " Topic

I'm toying with this idea where each player manages a fictional African Imagi-nation.
They would have a board in a 3x3 grid, the centre would be the capital and they would draw their cards to "generate" the surrounding area eg. Is it rural? Is it urban? Does it have oil? etc.
However I am stuck on combat. At the moment each nation can recruit "Military Tokens" white represent a "unit" and must pay upkeep for these. I don't know whether combat can be resolved by throwing dice (too random?) or using a tier/fatigue level (too complicated?). Perhaps some members may have some better ideas?
Also I don't know what players can gain from going to war, they can't grab land, they can't steal resources. What would be the benefits of going to war with a "simulation" like this?

they can't grab land, they can't steal resources

Why not? In the real world, controlling land and resources means money and dominance over people. Those are pretty much the two main motivations for war. That's not mean to be cynical. In a purely altruistic society money means providing for your own people and others you deem worthy of aid; internal dominance is the way to maintain order; external dominance is the way to protect your people's way of life.

You have to study the methods and statesmanship of such "agrarian reformers" as "Boko Haram" and the "Mau Mau" what they do for the rewards accruing to the various factions. The methodology is simple- body count. How many of your fellow beings you kill, maim, rape, genitally mutilate, and sell into slavery.

deal 7 cards/best poker hand wins

I think in the context of your game design "combat" would be guerilla warfare, political opponents and insurgencies. Some usurper who wants to take over could infiltrate into enemy territory in an attempt to win their hearts and minds to convince them to switch sides. Basically a PsyOp campaign with false promises and the stick and carrot approach. If that does not work then you resort to force and terrorism. The leader of the country sends in his secret police and hit squads to combat you.

Support could be modified by religious and tribal affiliations. If in the neighboring country your tribe is a minority they may be key in helping you take over that region. That means the leader of that country needs to crack down on them which could backfire.

Your leaders may need to resort to heavy handed tactics and assassination which could backfire like the Arab Spring in Egypt.

You could have each side attempt to recruit a "sponsor" which would be a major European or Asian power to provide military (hardware, training and special ops) and economic aid. Of course there must be something in it for them you must give up. If you can convince the Westerners that you are democratic and all for human and gay rights you have a good chance of getting them to sponsor you. If you are taking away people's right to free speech and throwing them in jail without a trial I'm sure China or North Korea would partner with you.

Don't underestimate the power of the press and social media in "shaping" the message gain acceptance by the masses and dupe them into believing your intentions are honorable. It works in Western countries so should work in Africa.

Look at recent history in African countries like Liberia, Ivory Coast,Nigeria, etc. Lots to choose from.

Wolfhag