Linking Peace, Security and Regional Integration in Africa

In the face of Africa’s multiple security threats, integration and regionalisation endeavours are increasingly seen as providing opportunities for establishing sustainable economic growth, peace and stability, and securing democratic consolidation. Thus, regional integration and co-operation groupings such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) are emerging as conflict managers in their respective regions. In response to regional conflict dynamics, some have come up with regional early warning and early response apparatus, such as the ECOWAS Early Warning Mechanism and the IGAD Conflict Early Warning and Early Response Mechanism, CEWARN. Projects such as the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), the UN Millennium Declaration, and the newly launched African Union (AU) have emphasised the role of regional economic communities in responding to Africa’s challenges.