African Union and Conflict Resolution in Africa



African Union and Conflict Resolution in Africa

Introduction

The state of peace and security on the African continent remains a pre-occupying phenomenon, with successes and continuing challenges. Indeed, alongside the steady progress in the establishment of the African Union (AU) continental peace and security architecture and the promising achievements, the geopolitical map of Africa continues to bear the marks of several latent crises. There are also marks of multiple full-blown conflicts in the face of which peace efforts are often met with opposition or simply foiled by the existence of diverse challenges. The diverse challenges are often based on the logic of confrontation and on rivalries, to the detriment of concepts that are more receptive to the exigencies of peaceful solutions anchored on dialogue, compromise and win-win for mutual benefit.

Why Peace in Africa?

Although it is instructive to note that not all the continent is beset by conflicts, where they exist, conflicts have led to devastating effects, including: deaths to innocent civilians, refugees across borders, internal displacements, loss and destruction of property, disruption of socio-economic activities as well as costs relating to their management and resolution. The innocent people of Africa deserve a settled life to fully exploit their potential. In fact, it is a human right that they live in dignity. This aspiration is one of the considerations enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union, to promote peace, security and stability on the continent.

Africa is endowed with a wealth of resources; both human and natural. Without peace, these resources cannot be fully and optimally harnessed to ensure the much needed development on the continent. Indeed, the scourge of conflicts in Africa constitutes a major impediment to the socio-economic development of the continent. “Without peace, development is not possible”, and also true, is the maxim that “Without development, peace is not durable”. Hence the spirited efforts we the leaders of the continent are involved in to achieve peace and development.

In this globalised world, it is a truism that many African countries are small and uncompetitive. The most important agenda of the African Union, and indeed, the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), is therefore, promotion of regional and continental integration. This position is also inspired by much richer nations in the world which have found it necessary to embrace integration for bigger markets and production lines as well as social and political stability. Ridding the continent of the lingering conflicts would, therefore, provide a conducive environment for faster integration, stability and development. The AU Heads of State are working seriously on the strategic integration agenda.

The African peoples are the most important resources of our continent. The population of Africa is currently at about 750 million people. In a decade's time, the population is estimated to reach 1 billion. This population should also be of interest to the international community. Peaceful conditions in Africa, brought about by Africa in collaboration with the international community, would ensure a quality population.

Regional Efforts

On the basis of our observation ...