The African Union has invited an emergency summit to discuss various regional conflicts raging on the African continent, in particular in the Sahel and Ethiopia. With huge human loss, mass displacement of populations, and destabilization of entire regions, African leaders are called upon to act fast. In the Sahel, countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are struggling to contain a growing insurgency pitting terrorist groups against ethnic militias and criminal networks. Peacekeeping efforts were at the top of the agenda at an AU summit, with extra troops to be dispatched and the promise of better coordination of regional forces with international support. Unless the very roots of the problem, such as poverty, lack of education, and bad governance, which provided fertile ground for extremist recruitment, are addressed, discussing the issue becomes useless.
In contrast, Ethiopia is involved in internal strife with the war in the Tigray region. The government of Ethiopia and the TPLF have been embroiled in a vicious civil war that rages to date, pitting atrocities against a serious humanitarian crisis. The AU calls for an effective ceiling on hostilities, enabling humanitarian access to scenes of military conflict, and a political settlement involving all actors. Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, appointed as the AU special envoy for the Horn of Africa, is due to lead mediation efforts. Such leaders attend the summit to discuss how best to provide humanitarian support to the affected population.
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The conflict zones are characterized by a sharp shortage of food, medical supplies, and shelter, exacerbating civilian suffering. Indeed, international aid organizations are working to provide access to key services in coordination with the AU; however, difficult access and continuous violence remain serious concerns. The summit also beckons towards supporting political stability through inclusive dialogue and democratic processes. In many cases of conflict, lapses in governance and a lack of political expression bred the flames of dissatisfaction. The AU trumpets peace-building initiatives that bring about reconciliation and justice and the setting up of institutions that are at once legitimate and accountable. The success of the summit will be paramount in deciding the continent’s path toward the realization of peace and security in the troubled regions.
Under the AU, the ability to rally resources, coordinate efforts, and engage with international partners in addressing these conflicts will be vital. In addition, there also needed to be support from the international community, for without external funding, expertise, and diplomatic pressure, it would not be possible for the implementation of peace agreements and reconstruction efforts.
