The Role of Africa’s Regional Organizations in Conflict Prevention and Resolution

Africa has been characterized by many conflict situations that have resulted in the loss of millions of lives, widespread displacement and a wide array of human rights abuses. Today, Africa accounts for about 70 percent of the United Nations’ peacekeeping operations in countries including Liberia, Cote d’Ivoire, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The African Union and its sub-regional organizations, such as the Economic Community of West African States, the Intergovernmental Authority for Development and the Southern Africa Development Community, have shown their resolve and commitment to preventing and resolving conflicts on the continent.

On November 23, the Africa Growth Initiative at Brookings will host Ruhakana Rugunda, the Ugandan permanent representative to the United Nations, for a conversation on Africa’s regional organizations. Ambassador Rugunda, who has just completed a term as the president of the United Nations Security Council, will discuss what role these regional organizations are playing in the conflict prevention and resolution process in Africa. His remarks will be followed by John Hoover, director of the Office of Regional and Security Affairs in the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs, who will discuss the U.S. role in the management of these conflicts. Senior Fellow Mwangi Kimenyi, director of the Africa Growth Initiative, will provide introductory remarks and moderate the discussion.

After the program, speakers will take audience questions.