“We must redouble our efforts to support Africa’s quest, for peace and security must never rest.” – António Guterres, UN Secretary-General.
On 24th October, the world observes United Nations Day, commemorating the founding of an institution established to promote peace, justice, and international cooperation. The UN emerged from the devastation of World War II in 1945 with a mission to prevent future conflicts, safeguard human rights, and foster global partnerships. Over nearly eight decades, its impact has been profound, especially in Africa, where peacekeeping and development efforts have significantly shaped the continent’s history.
This year’s UN Day is particularly meaningful, marking the 25th anniversary of the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace. The theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” highlights the importance of building lasting peace through justice, inclusion, and sustainable development, rather than solely through treaties and diplomacy. Africa, with its complex history of colonialism, civil wars, and political unrest, has been a central focus of the UN’s peacekeeping, development initiatives, and human rights advocacy. Let us explore the UN’s vital role in shaping Africa’s path towards peace and the challenges it continues to address.
A History of Peacekeeping
Africa has been a focal point of UN peacekeeping since the organisation’s early days. From post-colonial conflicts to more recent crises, the continent has hosted some of the UN’s most enduring missions. Today, Africa is home to over 80,000 UN peacekeepers, with some of the largest operations deployed there. These peacekeepers are tasked with preventing violence, protecting civilians, and supporting political transitions towards lasting peace.
Notable UN peacekeeping missions in Africa include MONUSCO (the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo), launched in 1999, which has been crucial in stabilising one of Africa’s most conflict-affected regions. Another key mission, UNMISS (United Nations Mission in South Sudan), has played a significant role in mediating peace agreements and protecting civilians in a country long plagued by civil war.
UNAMID, the joint African Union-UN mission in Darfur, Sudan, was one of the most significant hybrid operations, demonstrating how international cooperation can help resolve conflicts. Despite challenges, these missions reflect the UN’s unwavering commitment to fostering peace and security across Africa.
Peace Through Development and Human Rights Advocacy
The UN’s influence in Africa extends well beyond peacekeeping. It has been instrumental in promoting human rights, justice, and sustainable development—key elements of long-term peace. The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16 focuses on promoting peaceful, just, and inclusive societies, and the UN collaborates closely with African nations to meet these goals.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been pivotal in supporting governance reforms and socio-economic development across Africa. A 2023 UNDP report highlighted improvements in governance and political stability in nations like Ghana and Rwanda, both of which have seen enhanced peace and development as a result.
Additionally, the Human Rights Council works extensively in Africa to promote and protect human rights. Its Universal Periodic Review process has brought greater accountability and reforms in 42 African countries, advancing critical human rights issues such as freedom of speech, gender equality, and the protection of marginalised communities. These efforts are integral to the UN’s broader peacebuilding strategy.
A key contributor to peace in Africa is the World Food Programme (WFP). In 2023, WFP provided food assistance to 50 million Africans, alleviating hunger in conflict zones and regions affected by climate-related disasters. Addressing food insecurity is vital, as hunger and poverty are often underlying causes of conflict. By combating these issues, the UN helps to prevent violence and create conditions for sustainable peace.
Partnering for Peace
One of the most effective collaborations in Africa has been the partnership between the United Nations and the African Union (AU). This cooperation has resulted in peacekeeping efforts that combine local expertise with global resources, leading to more impactful interventions. A notable example is UNAMID in Darfur, where joint UN-AU efforts helped bring stability to a region long afflicted by ethnic conflict.
In 2017, the AU-UN Framework on Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security was signed, formalising this collaboration and guiding future peacekeeping and peacebuilding efforts in Africa. Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating, “Our partnership with the African Union is one of our greatest strengths in the quest for peace in Africa. Together, we have made progress, but much remains to be done.”
This framework continues to shape the way both organisations respond to security threats across the continent, ensuring that peace efforts are not only reactive but also preventive.
Building a Culture of Peace
As we mark the 25th anniversary of the UN’s Declaration on a Culture of Peace, it is crucial to recognise that achieving peace in Africa involves more than the cessation of violence. A true culture of peace requires justice, respect for human rights, and equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religion.
Countries such as Liberia and Sierra Leone, once devastated by civil wars, have become examples of how the UN’s peacebuilding efforts can help nations transition from conflict to democracy. However, challenges remain, as demonstrated by the ongoing conflicts in Mali, Somalia, and the Central African Republic. The rise of violent extremism in the Sahel poses another serious threat to Africa’s progress towards peace.
The UN Peacebuilding Fund remains a vital resource in conflict-prone areas, providing financial and technical support to prevent violence and foster long-term peace.
Supporting Africa’s Peaceful Future
As we celebrate UN Day 2024, it is vital to reaffirm our commitment to supporting the UN’s efforts in Africa. Governments, civil society, and individuals all have a role to play in building a future where peace is not merely a fleeting moment but a permanent reality.
The UN has laid a strong foundation for peace through its peacekeeping missions, development programmes, and human rights advocacy. Now, it is up to us—citizens, leaders, and global partners—to build upon that foundation. By embracing this year’s theme, “Cultivating a Culture of Peace,” we can ensure that future generations inherit an Africa where conflicts are resolved through dialogue, inclusion, and justice, rather than violence.
Together, we can support Africa on its journey towards a more peaceful and prosperous future.
