The inaugural African Peace and Security Dialogue (APSD) took place in Johannesburg, hosted by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation between 4-7 October, 2024. The event brought together prominent African leaders, policymakers, and experts, including representation from the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation (IJR), to address the continent’s most pressing peace and security challenges.

The APSD was designed to support the African Union’s Agenda 2063, specifically focusing on the “Silence the Guns by 2030” initiative, aimed at utilizing Africa’s resources for sustainable growth and development.

Among the contributions was a call from Prof. Funmi Olonisakin to reduce reliance on external solutions, which often fail to account for Africa’s unique circumstances. Mozambique’s former President, Joaquim Chissano, further emphasized the ongoing impact of colonialism, while Deputy Minister of Defence Bantu Holomisa stressed the need for early warning systems to pre-empt security threats.

Representing IJR, Nyasha McBride Mpani spoke on the significant drivers of political changes in West Africa, citing unemployment, poverty, and unmet basic needs as major contributors. He highlighted troubling signs of democratic backsliding, yet emphasized that despite these challenges, Afrobarometer data shows sustained trust in democratic institutions across Africa.

A major takeaway from Mpani’s participation was the proposal for an African Peace and Security Index, which could serve as a vital tool for measuring progress in peace and security efforts across the continent. This aligns with IJR’s ongoing work on a Southern African Peace Index, which is opening possibilities for future collaboration with the Mbeki Foundation.

During the Ministers of Defence Panel Discussion at the APSD, participants examined the challenges of maintaining national security amidst growing global tensions and conflicts. A recurring theme was the call for Africa to leverage emerging technologies to identify early signs of conflict and bolster security efforts.

Lena Nyambu, Director of Peace and Security in Kenya, underscored the necessity of incorporating these technologies into Africa’s broader security strategy. Zimbabwe’s Foreign Minister, Shava, highlighted the fragility of global peace and stressed the critical role of the African Renaissance in shaping the continent’s future.

Former President Thabo Mbeki expressed concerns about the African Union (AU), noting that the merging of the AU’s political affairs with peace and security had weakened its effectiveness. He voiced concern over this integration and called for a clearer distinction between these areas to improve the AU’s functioning. Mbeki further recommended that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa bring the outcomes of this dialogue to the upcoming G20 summit.

Key discussions also touched on Sudan’s current crisis, and the APSD underscored the importance of grassroots engagement in peace processes. The recommendations from this Dialogue will be presented to broader platforms, including the G20, for further action.

Looking ahead, IJR is poised to deepen its collaboration with the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, potentially sponsoring future panels and contributing to ongoing peace and security working groups. This first APSD marks a significant step toward addressing Africa’s peace and security challenges, and IJR remains committed to playing an active role in shaping the continent’s future.

Nyasha Mcbride Mpani is the Project Leader for the Data for Governance Alliance in Africa Project at the IJR