Restrategising Africa’s response to peace and security

African leaders at the International Forum of Dakar on Peace and Security have called for a more coordinated response as they urge regional and continental partners to develop localized solutions that are unique to the African context. Amidst a backdrop of global and multi-faceted crises, the President of ECOWAS Commission, Amaro Toure, emphasized the importance of peace and security in Africa, highlighting the need for the continent to speak with one voice in addressing these critical issues. The theme of the event, 'peace and security in Africa,' was described as timely and significant, as Africa grapples with its development needs while facing various crises globally. Toure stressed the importance of Africa's response being coordinated through regional and continental organizations, such as the African Union, advocating for partnerships to be built around localized solutions developed by the continent itself. He cautioned against fragmented initiatives that could hinder coordination and distract from finding effective solutions, urging all partners to prioritize Africa's own solutions. In the midst of global tensions between Russia and the West, Toure emphasized Africa's clear interests and the need for partnerships to be aligned with those interests. He underscored that Africa sought to promote its own interests rather than aligning with one side against the other, calling for a focus on Africa's priorities. Key takeaways from the forum included the importance of African leadership in addressing geopolitical realities, the need to reform institutions like the United Nations to reflect current global dynamics, and the prioritization of Africa's localized solutions. Toure highlighted the significance of funding support for Africa's initiatives, urging for a shift towards supporting African-led efforts with adequate resources. Additionally, the forum emphasized the importance of Africa mobilizing its own resources and developing mechanisms to fund its initiatives. While acknowledging the support of external partners, Toure stressed the need for Africa to take a more active role in providing a significant portion of the resources required for peace and security on the continent. As African leaders unite in their call for a coordinated response and localized solutions to peace and security challenges, the forum in Dakar serves as a platform for shaping Africa's approach towards addressing critical issues and advancing the continent's development agenda.