Responses to Insecurity in Africa: The Challenge of Peacebuilding

Turning a blind eye to the complexity of insecurities in Africa, peacebuilding discourses and practices on the continent have been too much focused on military interventions in regions like the Sahel, notably Mali. This paper critiques prevalent conceptualizations and practices, highlighting their shortcomings in effectively addressing the specific regional realities of the continent. It argues for a more nuanced understanding of African contexts, emphasizing the need to incorporate local perspectives and traditional governance structures into peacebuilding efforts. Additionally, it critiques the dominance of Western methods and perspectives in peacebuilding policies and advocates for greater recognition of African agency in defining and addressing security challenges. Overall, the paper recommends a hybrid and inclusive approach to peacebuilding that integrates indigenous knowledge and local capacities alongside international frameworks.

The author Kwesi Aning is Security and Political Analyst at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Accra, Ghana, and Associate of the Nordic Africa Institute (NAI). He specialises in peacekeeping economies and peacebuilding strategies.