When we talk of peace, we often envision the absence of war, violence, and conflict. However, peace means more than just the mere state of tranquility and the absence of hostilities. The United Nations (UN) defines peace as “a situation where there is respect for human rights and dignity, the rule of law, good governance, social and economic development, and environmental sustainability.” Peace is not a result but a process that embodies stability, development, and opportunities.
The creation of multiple dimensions where individuals and communities thrive. Peace cannot exist in a situation where people are suffering from hunger, thirst, and deprivation. Even without open violence, if the underlying causes of conflict, such as poverty, inequality, and social injustice, are present or increasing, the foundations for lasting peace are not secure. Peace is more meaningful when people’s basic needs are met, and the conditions for human dignity, security, and opportunity are ensured.
China’s Role in Africa’s Peacebuilding
Africa has long faced numerous challenges, from civil unrest to cross-border conflicts. While peacekeeping operations, often facilitated by the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN), have played a crucial role in managing violence, the deeper causes of instability, such as poverty, unemployment, weak governance, and underdevelopment, require more attention. China’s involvement in Africa recognizes these root causes and has evolved beyond simply providing military aid or peacekeepers.
China is contributing to a broader vision of peace that enables long-term stability and progress. Through economic partnerships, infrastructural development, educational cooperation, and diplomatic initiatives, China’s engagement extends beyond preventing wars and resolving conflicts as a way of peacebuilding.
Economic Development as a Pillar of Peace
One of the key ways that China fosters peace in Africa is through economic development. As the adage goes, “Poverty is the parent of revolution and crime.” Economic deprivation often catalyzes social unrest, leading to protests, rebellions, and conflicts. By investing in Africa’s infrastructure, China is helping to create the conditions necessary for sustained economic growth, job creation, and poverty alleviation.
Through initiatives taken at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China has channeled billions into building roads, railways, ports, and telecommunications infrastructure across the continent. These investments help connect regions, facilitate trade, and promote regional integration, thereby contributing to economic stability. When people have access to jobs, healthcare, and education, the likelihood of conflict reduces, as communities feel more secure and hopeful for the future.
Peace through Education and Capacity Building
China’s engagement in Africa’s education sector is another facet of its broader peace strategy. By providing scholarships, establishing educational institutions, and fostering academic exchanges, China empowers the next generation of African leaders, technocrats, and entrepreneurs.
Educational cooperation between Africa and China has been instrumental in building human capital, which is crucial for both governance and development. Informed, skilled citizens are better equipped to manage political, economic, and social challenges, thus contributing to long-term peace and stability. By focusing on skills development and higher education, China is helping African countries create a pool of talent capable of fostering innovation and driving national progress.
China’s Diplomatic Efforts in Conflict Resolution
While economic and educational support forms a solid foundation for peace, China has also taken on a more direct role in conflict resolution. As Africa’s diplomatic and economic partner, China is increasingly involved in helping mediate conflicts and support peacebuilding processes. Its non-interference policy, which emphasizes respect for national sovereignty, is often combined with diplomacy that encourages conflicting parties to find peaceful solutions.
China’s participation in UN peacekeeping missions in Africa reflects its commitment to ensuring stability on the continent. Chinese peacekeepers have been deployed to conflict zones such as South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where they provide logistical support, medical aid, and infrastructure rebuilding in post-conflict areas. This commitment shows that China recognizes peace is not only the absence of war but also the presence of conditions that prevent its recurrence.
Initiatives Beyond War Prevention:
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
BRI is often viewed from the lens of global trade and infrastructure. However, in Africa, the BRI is also contributing to regional peace and stability by promoting connectivity, economic interdependence, and the development of critical infrastructure.
One important aspect that lessens the incentives for nations to wage military war and increases the appeal of peaceful coexistence is economic interconnectedness. The Democratic Peace Theory, which holds that democracies with close economic ties are less inclined to wage war, lends credence to this theory.
The BRI’s focus on building transport and energy infrastructure reduces logistical costs, increases productivity, and fosters economic growth. These projects, in turn, contribute to regional stability by providing communities with access to markets, employment opportunities, and essential services. As African nations become more integrated into global trade networks through the BRI, they also become less likely to engage in conflict, as their economies and development are increasingly tied to peace and cooperation. Strong economic links deter nations from entering military conflicts since they stand to lose a great deal.
Global Development Initiative (GDI):
The GDI lays an important foundation for peace. The GDI focuses on poverty reduction, sustainable development, and addressing inequality, all of which are critical to promoting long-term peace. China’s emphasis on development as a means to peace recognizes that economic deprivation, unemployment, and lack of access to basic services often lead to instability and conflict. By improving south-south cooperation to improve infrastructure, healthcare, education, and food security, the GDI seeks to reduce the economic differences that fuel conflict.
Global Security Initiative (GSI):
The GSI offers more support to peacebuilding. It highlights the importance of collective security and cooperation in maintaining global peace. It advocates for a security framework that respects the sovereignty of nations, promotes dialogue over confrontation, and seeks peaceful solutions to conflicts. The GSI’s emphasis on non-interference and respect for each country’s unique path to development supports diplomatic solutions to conflicts.
China’s involvement in UN peacekeeping operations in Africa, its efforts to facilitate peace talks in conflict zones like South Sudan, and its cooperation with regional organizations like the African Union demonstrate the practical application of the GSI. By promoting security through multilateral cooperation, China helps African nations maintain internal stability and prevent external conflicts, contributing to a more peaceful and secure continent.
Global Civilization Initiative (GCI):
The GCI acts as a platform to reach a consensus for peacebuilding. It seeks to promote cultural exchange and mutual respect among nations, fostering an environment where different civilizations can coexist peacefully. In the Africa-China relationship, the GCI is implemented through educational partnerships, people-to-people exchanges, and cultural initiatives that strengthen ties and reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings that can lead to conflict.
China’s Confucius Institutes in Africa, media collaborations, and scholarships for African students are part of its efforts to enhance mutual understanding and respect. By fostering dialogue and cultural exchange, the GCI helps create a foundation of trust and cooperation, which is essential for sustaining peace. When societies understand and respect one another’s values and traditions, the risk of conflict based on cultural or ideological differences is significantly reduced.
Conclusion
In conclusion, China’s role in fostering peace in Africa demonstrates that true peace requires an all-encompassing approach. Preventing wars is important, but sustaining peace requires tackling the root causes of conflict. By investing in Africa’s infrastructure, education, and governance, and promoting cultural exchange, China is contributing to creating a more stable and peaceful continent.
Africa-China relations showcase how peace can be achieved and maintained through comprehensive engagement. In as much as there will be some challenges, the path to enduring peace lies in partnership, development, and the building of a future where prosperity and cooperation replace the specter of conflict.
Through different engagements with Africa, China is helping to shape a new paradigm for peace, one that transcends traditional notions of war and conflict and looks toward a global community with a shared future for mankind.
Written by: Mercy Tedeku, Research Associate, ACCPA
