Over the years, Africa’s fine stories have been eclipsed by rampant crises, bloody coup d’etat, unrest, and terrorist activities unfolding in different parts of the rich continent. The ongoing conflicts and crises are partly fanned by conflict entrepreneurs and external actors.
While wars trace back to colonial histories, emerging causes fuel unrest in the continent. The grave ramifications of war can be felt by the huge human causalities and property damage caused thus far. And, the cost of wars lingers lost even when conflicts are resolved and wars are halted. The aftermath of the crisis leaves scars and traumas making the path to healing and the path towards post-war reconstruction bumpy.
Post-war rehabilitation and recovery works require huge sums of money and effective strategies and policies. With the repercussions of war dragging on for years, African nations grapple with the hard cost of post-recovery work.
In a continent where resources are scarce, finding an innovative and sustainable approach to conflict resolution is best prescription. African nations face the trials of post-war challenges of economic rebuilding, societal healing, and ensuring sustainable peace. Recovery efforts in fact are not merely about repairing infrastructure but also about healing communities. .
Certainly, conflicts often leave nations grappling with weakened institutions, disintegrated social fabrics, and economies in tatters. African nations need to craft policies tailored to their unique contexts of the continent.
Ethiopia’s reconstruction strategy following its two-year civil war in Tigray serves as a critical case study, offering practical insights into Africa’s peace processes, particularly the Pretoria Peace Deal.
But as the saying goes Africa needs prevention than cure. The African Union is revitalizing its efforts to devise a new approach to silence the guns and resolve conflicts.
AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye emphasized the need for a more innovative and sustainable approach to conflict resolution in the continent.
Local media reported that Ambassador Bankole Adeoye briefed journalists Wednesday on the conflict zones and the efforts being made by the African Union Commission to find a peaceful resolution to the conflicts. Noting the current recent development in Sudan, South Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Mozambique, Chad Basin to Sahel region, he said, “…we have to deal with this crisis and conflict more sustainably and innovatively.
“As we go into the strategic planning for the African Union Commission, we are looking at how we better manage and prevent conflict while at the same time looking specifically at building strong institutions for durable democracy and effective governance on our continent,” he added.
“We have just started the implementation of the newly revised African Union policy on post-conflict reconstruction and development. We want to see more peace-building and work. We want to share African experiences and expertise,” the commissioner indicated.
The post-conflict, reconstruction, and development are very essential to many aspects, he said, adding “We have added three new pillars to the policy dealing with youth inclusion, environmental sustainability, and child protection.”
However, he noted that while democracy is being strengthened, there is also a concerning resurgence of military rule in certain regions, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and action. Decades of civil wars, insurgencies, and ethnic violence—from Sudan to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—have shown that reconstruction cannot rely solely on external aid or military victories. Instead, a deliberate approach rooted in inclusivity, local ownership, and regional cooperation is necessary.
As the continent toils to end bloody conflicts and halt ongoing wars, finding a peaceful conflict-resolving mechanism remains a tough job. However, the Pretoria Peace Deal mediated by the African Union flickers a ray of hope for the continent. Ethiopia’s peace deal lays a solid foundation. The country’s model of silencing the gun demonstrates a deliberate and integrated African approach.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 22 NOVEMBER 2024
