Africa's Security Crisis Overlooked at Munich Conference
Africa's security challenges were sidelined at the Munich Security Conference, dominated by Ukraine, Venezuela, and Indo-Pacific conflicts. Jakkie Cilliers of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) noted the event's focus on hard security and transatlantic tensions crowded out African issues. Side events co-hosted by ISS and Hanns Seidel Foundation highlighted Sudan's civil war and Sahel violence, but external support for peacekeeping is declining. Markus Ferber warned of rising private military companies like Wagner violating human rights and recruiting Africans for Ukraine. With 50 armed conflicts displacing 45 million people, Africa faces instability for at least a decade. The AU's $400 million Peace Fund is insufficient. China is filling the vacuum left by the US, becoming Africa's top arms supplier. ISS experts urge Africa to rethink military roles and consolidate state authority.