Africa must end reliance on external donors for peace efforts – Rwivanga

Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, the Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), has called for an end to Africa's dependence on external donors for peace efforts. He stressed that the continent must cultivate its own sustainable funding sources to support peace and security initiatives.

Rwivanga's remarks underscore a growing sentiment within African nations for greater self-reliance in managing regional challenges. The reliance on foreign aid for critical operations, including peacekeeping and conflict resolution, has often led to conditionalities and a lack of consistent support.

By advocating for internal funding mechanisms, Rwivanga aims to empower African institutions to take greater ownership of their security agendas. This shift could lead to more tailored and effective strategies for conflict prevention and resolution, better aligned with the specific contexts of the continent.

The EASF's director's statement is a significant call to action, urging African states to invest in their own peace and security infrastructure, thereby fostering greater autonomy and long-term stability.