Savoir-Faire: A New Frontier in Global Security Alignment
China-Africa
Peace and Security Forum
Beijing, July 15, 2019
Interview transcript & lecture RL Vol XV No 571 MMXIX
Costantinos
Berhutesfa Costantinos, PhD
Former
Chairperson of the African Union Anti-corruption Advisory Board
Professor
of Public Policy and Sustainable Institutional Reforms
Summary
A
quick scrutiny of African conflicts shows the domineering weight of
dictatorship of African states and the presence, albeit in a weaker form, of
some countervailing tendencies. Undoubtedly, the struggle between tyrants and
pro-democratic elements in African society has been an uneven one, with the
scales unmistakably tipped towards the former. Boko Haram in West Africa, Cameroon’s English-speaking population
revolt, Burkina Faso will to eradicate the flow of terrorism, Mali’s war with
insurgents, Persistent ‘al-Sunna wa’a Jama’a viciousness in Mozambique,
al-Shabaab in Somalia are only a few examples that exclude South Sudan, Sudan,
DRC, CAR, Burundi, etc…
While attitudes about conflict can differ
radically from one cultural context to another, it is assumed here that
conflict is a normal process in society; that is, it is a given. In many
societies, conflict is seen as a normal element of social interaction. In some,
it is seen as a positive and necessary force, desirable because individuals and
groups are naturally seen as having different needs and interests, valued
because it is realised that conflict often serves as an important impetus for
positive change. In others, while it’s potential for creating change is
acknowledged, dominance patterns in the society are such that conflict can be
very destructive e. More homogeneous and tradition-oriented societies often do
not place a positive value on conflict. Patterns of reciprocity and exchange engender
a feeling of security, and a high value is placed upon quick resolution of
public disputes, even if agreements reached might not address the underlying
issues. Within these small face-to-face rural communities, whether in Africa,
Asia or Latin America, conflict is seen as being dysfunctional.
The Beijing Action Plan on Political and Security Initiatives
(2019-2021), on political cooperation, the action plan focuses on the two sides
to continue to promote high-level exchanges to deepen traditional friendship,
enhance political mutual trust, strengthen strategic coordination and cement
the political foundation of China-Africa relations. On the security front, the
China-Africa peace and security plan supports the operationalisation of the
African Peace and Security Architecture. China will increase defence and
security assistance to Africa and the two sides will enhance cooperation,
strategies, and experience sharing in social governance, public security,
peacekeeping, cyber security, anti-piracy and counter-terrorism. Hence, the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum must
focus on tenets of The Beijing Action Plan on Political and Security
Initiatives (2019-2021) on building Peace, popular participation &
alternative conflict management. This
must be based on the Principles for democratic
egalitarianism and develop tools for an
inclusive economy.
Key words: Africa, China, China-Africa Peace and Security Forum, The Beijing Action Plan on
China-Africa Cooperation, social governance, public security, Peace, popular
participation , alternative conflict management, democratic egalitarianism,
inclusive economy
(Background paper for an interview
- Costantinos Berhutesfa Costantinos by Habtamu W. Liben)
See paper here or https://www.academia.edu/39866403/Savoir-Faire_A_New_Frontier_in_Global_Security_Alignment_-_China-Africa_Peace_and_Security_Forum_RL_Vol_XV_No_571_MMXIX
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