Diplomacy, the art of negotiating and solving problems through dialogue and peaceful means, is transforming Africa into a more peaceful and stable continent. African leaders have realized the benefits of diplomacy, and they are using it to solve long-standing conflicts that have bedeviled their nations for decades.
One of the most significant examples of diplomacy in Africa is the Sudanese peace talks. In 2018, after several months of negotiations, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and opposition leader Riek Machar signed an agreement to end the country’s five-year civil war. The talks were facilitated by regional powers, the African Union, and the United Nations. The agreement paved the way for the formation of a unity government, which brought together the various factions and created a new political order in the country.
Similarly, in 2020, the Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed brokered a peace deal between Ethiopia and Eritrea, putting an end to the twenty-year conflict between the two countries. The agreement was reached through dialogue and negotiations on both sides, and it resulted in the withdrawal of Ethiopian troops and the opening of the border between the two countries. The agreement has brought lasting peace to the region, reducing tensions and promoting mutual cooperation.
In addition to resolving conflicts, diplomacy is promoting regional integration in Africa. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a shining example of diplomacy at work. The AfCFTA is a trade agreement signed between 54 African nations that seeks to create a single market for goods and services, as well as free movement of people across the continent. The agreement is expected to stimulate Africa’s economic growth, reduce trade barriers and create job opportunities for millions of people.
The successful implementation of the AfCFTA requires diplomacy and cooperation among African nations. Diplomatic efforts, such as negotiating tariffs, trade agreements, and resolving disputes, are essential to ensuring the success of the AfCFTA. The agreement could transform Africa’s economies and make it a leading global economic hub.
In conclusion, diplomacy is shaping a more peaceful Africa. African nations are using dialogue and peaceful means to resolve conflicts, promote regional integration, and stimulate economic growth. The power of diplomacy is apparent in the successes achieved so far, and more efforts should be made to embrace diplomacy as a tool for building lasting peace and development in the continent. Diplomacy should continue to be a central pillar of Africa’s foreign policy.