African-led mediation approaches needed to resolve conflicts —-Air Commodore Akrong

The Deputy Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Air Commodore David Akrong, has called for renewed focus on African-led mediation approaches to resolving conflicts on the continent.

Speaking during a panel discussion at the eighth edition of the African Peace and Security Annual Conference (APSACO) in Rabat, Morocco, he stressed the importance of building and enhancing the indigenous mediation capabilities of actors within the African peace building framework.

The conference, which was on the theme: “Mediation in African internal conflicts,” brought together experts from the military, political actors, academia and civil society to promote high-level conversations on peace and security in Africa. 

It focussed on tailored solutions for sustainable peace, and achievements and limitations of current institutional mechanisms and mediation processes. 

The participants also explored effective mediation strategies to prevent fragmentation in conflict zones, and the roles of both regional and international actors in supporting such efforts, including ensuring their long-term success, as well as strengths and limitations of current mediation processes and institutions.

Mediation capacity 

Air Commodore Akrong also highlighted the critical role women and youth play in conflict resolution efforts, adding that successful mediation requires investment in developing and strengthening mediation capacities, and leveraging of local skills and expertise.

He also said that the over-reliance on external funding had hampered the effectiveness of mediation efforts, and underscored the need for actors to critically evaluate funding mechanisms for mediation initiatives.

“The importance of leveraging African expertise and skills in mediation efforts requires a collaborative and unified approach to strengthen Africa's mediation capacities,” Air Commodore Akrong stated.

Commitment

The Deputy Commandant reaffirmed KAIPTC's commitment to exploring valuable lessons and effective mediation strategies to prevent regional fragmentation and also identify roles of regional and international actors in supporting sustainable peace.

In addition to participating in the conference, Air Commodore Akrong and the KAIPTC team also met the Executive President of the Policy Centre for the New South, Karim El Aynaoui, and his staff to deepen engagement and explore potential areas of collaboration between the two institutions.