Cheikh Niang: "Peace in Africa Cannot Be Imported, Delegated, or Improvised"

At the close of the 10th Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security, Senegal's Foreign Minister, Cheikh Niang, delivered a powerful message: Africa's peace and stability are not commodities to be acquired from abroad, but rather achievements to be forged through concerted internal efforts. His address underscored a growing sentiment within the continent that true security stems from robust, self-reliant foundations.

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Peace in Africa cannot be imported, delegated, or improvised. It must be built by legitimate institutions, resilient economies, and inclusive societies.

Minister Niang articulated a vision where peace is earned, not decreed. He highlighted the critical need for legitimate institutions, resilient economies, and inclusive societies as the bedrock of enduring stability. This perspective resonates deeply within Senegal, a nation that has consistently championed African solutions to African problems. The Minister's call to address the root causes of insecurity—such as poverty, exclusion, and radicalization—reflects a nuanced understanding of the challenges facing the continent, moving beyond superficial security measures to tackle underlying issues.

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Stability is not decreed; it is earned by addressing the root causes such as precariousness, exclusion, and radicalization, especially among young people and women.

Furthermore, Niang's emphasis on economic sovereignty and regional integration, particularly through the AfCFTA, signals a forward-looking approach. The idea that Africa, rich in resources, must move beyond being a mere exporter of raw materials to developing value chains and creating jobs locally is central to this vision. This focus on "win-win" partnerships, rather than isolation, aligns with Senegal's diplomatic stance and its role as a key player in promoting intra-African cooperation. The forum's discussions, culminating in the potential "Dakar Doctrine" on conflict prevention, suggest a continent actively seeking to shape its own destiny and contribute to global stability.

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Economic sovereignty is paramount. However, it is necessary to process natural resources locally to create value chains and jobs.