
Towards a New Social Contract for Peace and Security in Africa
Towards a New Social Contract for Peace and Security in Africa
Online Interactive Panel Discussion, March 1st, 2022 (Register Now)
9:00 – 10:30 am Washington D.C / 3:00 – 4:30 pm Yaoundé
1. Context
Africa remains the region of the world with the highest proportion of fragile states, with many countries trapped in a vicious cycle of armed conflict, poverty and insecurity. Today, there are at least 15 active armed conflicts across the continent: Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, CAR, Chad, DRC,
Ethiopia, Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan. The conflicts in Cameroon, Ethiopia, Nigeria, the Sahel are prime examples of cyclical violence perpetuating state fragility. For five years, Cameroon has been gripped by escalating separatist armed conflict in its Anglophone regions. The civil war in Ethiopia demonstrates the underlying nature of state fragility. This fragility in Africa is also seen in the significant rise in the number of coups or attempted coups since 2019. In fact, the number of coups or attempted coups matches the high point of the 21st century: Sudan, Mali, Guinea, Tchad and Burkina Faso for example, have experienced coups in the last three years.
With the devastating impact of COVID-19 in Africa, the lack of sufficient vaccines to vaccinate the continent, the worsening impact of climate change and the growing youth population without access to decent jobs, it is necessary to begin discussions on the contours of a New Social Contract for peace and security in Africa.
2. Objective
This panel aims to use lessons drawn from conflict situations in Africa to explore the root causes of conflict, especially the breakdown in the “social contract”.
3. Who should participate
This event is open to experts in peace and security, governance and democracy, civil society, national governments, the private sector, multilateral institutions and the general public across Africa and beyond.
4. Expected output
The event intends to enhance understanding of models that ensure shared prosperity and sustainable peace in countries emerging from violent conflicts.
5. Panelists

Fonteh Akum
Executive Director, ISS Africa

Esther Omam
CEO, ReachOut Cameroon

Denis Foretia
Executive Chairman, Nkafu Policy Institute
Moderator
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