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Peace and security cooperation in Africa examined at Unisa
The Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs (TM-School), in partnership with the African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (ACCORD) and Unisa's Department of History, organised a two-day high-level BRICS dialogue, themed "The role of external actors in the past, present and future of peace and security cooperation in Africa".
The event was held on 14 and 15 August 2023 at Unisa’s Muckleneuk Campus.
Representatives of the TM-School, Unisa and ACCORD
In his opening address, the Acting Dean and Director of Research at the TM-School, Prof David Mello, emphasised the historical significance and timing of the upcoming BRICS Summit in South Africa. He also spoke about the global conflict between Russia and Ukraine and the crucial role of the TM-School's curriculum in peace and security studies. He further shed light on South Africa's involvement in geopolitics and encouraged academics, international relations practitioners and civil society to participate.
Prof Kwesi Prah, from the Department of History at Unisa, facilitated a discussion with the Senior Advisor at ACCORD, former Ambassador Welile Nhlapo, academic participants and diplomats. He opened the discussion with an overview of African conflicts in the 21st century. These included the concept of independent African sovereignty, challenges of nation-building in Africa due to (mis)governance and exploitation of natural resources, the involvement of foreign powers in development, the tension caused by religion and the role of African leaders in mediating conflicts of the past, present and future.
Nhlapo drew on his extensive experience and knowledge of international relations, politics, peace and security to engage academic attendees. He traversed several historical and contemporary issues, among them the ICC's warrant of arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also mentioned the challenges of leadership in Africa and the importance of maximising benefits from, and sustainably managing natural resources in, countries such as Niger, DR Congo, Libya, Somalia, South Sudan and Burundi.
Nhlapo closed with a critical question: "How can we achieve peace and security with European monetary resources?"
Prof Charlotte Du Toit from the TM-School provided a historical context on issues relating to peace and diplomacy. Chinese perspectives on peace diplomacy in Africa as well as China and South Africa’s future sustainable relations key agenda items were also discussed.
Prof Anthoni van Nieuwkerk of the TM-School moderated the last panel discussion focusing on Pan-African perspectives on peace and diplomacy in Africa. During the discussion, Dr Cecilia Nedziwe, a senior lecturer in Political and International Studies at Rhodes University, and Dr Philani Mthembu, the Executive Director at the Institute for Global Dialogue, shared their valuable insights on peace, safety and security issues in Africa. Their perspectives provided a comprehensive understanding of these important topics.
* By Boikhutso Mfusi and Sipho Mantula, Researchers, Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs
Publish date: 2023/09/05
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