African Peace and Security Annual Conference (APSACO) 6th Edition: African Security in Times of Uncertainties

By invitation

2021 was a year of global geopolitical disruption and geo-economic upheaval. As events gather momentum, the world enters a period of geopolitical and geo-economic transition; the end of one historical cycle foreshadowing the uncertain prospects of a new one. We are henceforth, in presence of a true global shift with multiple pressure points and driving geopolitical, economic, climatic, technological, security and health-related forces.

The African continent, which over the past two decades pursued a process of diversification of economic, political, and military partnerships at State and institutional levels – both continental and regional – stands to be affected to varying degrees. Indeed, global economic conditions combined with Africa's structural challenges exacerbate underlying trends with irreversible geopolitical consequences. First, the war in Ukraine occurs at a time when the global geopolitical stage is fraught with China-U.S. tensions and difficulties in defining new world order leverage points. It therefore becomes a stake in an already entrenched dynamic sustained by a logic of optimal solution (minimum cost-maximum benefit). Next, food security in Africa is jeopardized. The capacity to securely access sufficient food is severely impacted by the sequence of conflicts, natural disasters, and epidemics.  Additionally, climate change increases conflict risk in several areas by further exacerbating existing social, economic, and environmental factors. Populations in these areas are among the most vulnerable to the climate crisis and the most neglected by climate action. Finally, the institutional weakness and instability of several States are major obstacles in the fight against violence and poverty.  Overcoming this vulnerability, in its economic and environmental dimensions, is a vital priority for Africa.

This state of affairs begs a few critical questions:

What are the repercussions of war on African States in terms of struggles for influence on the continent as well as economic, military-security and diplomatic constraints? What individual and collective resilience and affirmative strategies should African States pursue in the face of this situation? What implications are there for food insecurity in Africa? How can Africa’s food security be improved? What challenges does climate change entail for Africa? What specificities do fragile states have in Africa?  How to sustainably strengthen States in post-conflict contexts?

Sessions :

The impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on Africa
Russia's military engagement in Ukraine has very quickly become a major post-Cold War global event. The question is to what extent will this event alter global strategic arrangements and impact Africa?

Conflict resolution and peacebuilding in Africa
Conflict resolution and peacebuilding are at the heart of the ongoing debate on security and development in Africa. Mastering both processes requires a better understanding of the nature of conflicts, the mechanisms of resolution and the conditions for sustainable peace. This panel will shed the light on the importance of conflict resolution and peacebuilding processes in solving the problem of conflicts in the continent.

Security implications of climate change in Africa
Climate change is a threat to human security, generating multiple vulnerabilities and exacerbating social tensions. This panel will examine the correlation between climate change and conflicts.

The worsening of the food security challenge in Africa
Africa is at a pivotal juncture, demanding careful consideration of measures needed to strengthen food security for its people. This panel will therefore examine Africa's resilience to the enduring challenge of food security in the wake of the Russia-Ukraine war.

African fragile states in times of uncertainty
State fragility remains a major obstacle to stability in Africa. This panel will reflect on how best to deal with post-conflict situations and discuss the right approach to help fragile states rebuild sustainably.

Report Discussion: Annual Report on Africa’s Geopolitics
The Policy Center for the New South is launching the fifth edition of the Annual Report of Africa’s Geopolitics. This new edition will focus on the continent’s socio-political and security situation in 2021. This year's retrospective work on Africa aims not only to recount last year’s highlights but also to detect trends and weak signals, through diverse analyses, so as to forecast future developments on the continent. The book gives a voice to African authors to develop an African narrative on the continent’s affairs. The aim of this publication is not to give Africa an artificial embellishment; however, its ambition is to describe Africa as it is; with its setbacks, but also its progress, ambitions, and opportunities. The report is in line with the Policy Center’s vision of a new South; a South that is aware of its limitations and vulnerabilities, yet strong because of its potential, means, and genius. This vision also advocates for the South to position itself in an ever-changing world.
Simultaneous translation in Arabic and French available.  

For more information, please reach out to Zakaria Jouhari, Partnerships Manager, at: z.jouhari@policycenter.ma.