The third China-Africa Peace and Security Forum at the Ministry of National Defense in Beijing is yet another step towards realizing Africa’s goal of attaining long-term peace, stability, development and prosperity. The 2023 forum brought together leaders of respective defense departments in African states, military chiefs from nearly 50 countries, heads of peace and security affairs of the African Union and military attaches of African states to China. The forum came at an opportune time, given that both sides have maintained solid bilateral and multilateral underpinnings. This further consolidates amicable ties and builds upon joint understandings for a shared future. 

The theme of the 2023 forum was ‘Implementing the Global Security Initiative, Strengthening China-Africa Solidarity and Cooperation’. The aim is to enhance strategic communication between China and African states which is critical for the dissection of issues, implementation of robust security mechanisms, and developing a greater understanding of the multifaceted security challenges that Africa faces today. Since the end of the colonial era, Africa continues to be plagued by the legacy of colonialism which was characterized by subjugation, erosion of human rights, and exploitation of its resources at the expense of the African public. These harsh realities have stifled its development potential despite the presence of enormous natural resources. In the 21st century, each of the continent’s sovereign states have been subject to neo-colonialism or domination by more powerful Western nations who through the development of international capitalism and intervention prevented it from prospering. This status quo should not continue.  

Given that Africa continues to confront difficult security quagmires in 2023 it is important for robust security mechanisms to take hold and be implemented. In this regard, China’s Global Security Initiative takes a more pragmatic, prudent and visionary approach towards dealing with global conflicts. Based on its concepts and principles, the GSI advocates a concept of ‘common security’ instead of imposition and holds the territorial integrity of sovereign states as supreme and inviolable. It also expresses an unwavering commitment to the principles of the UN Charter and rejects Cold War mentalities, hegemonic designs, bloc confrontations, intervention and unilateralism. Respecting international law, the rights of states, resolving disputes amicably in the absence of military solutions while treating each state’s security concerns seriously is the hallmark of the GSI. Additionally, addressing challenges such as terrorism, cybersecurity and climate change which continue to plague African states is also a central component of the initiative with each of the six commitments being mutually reinforcing. 

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In Africa’s case, the central tenets of the GSI provide a roadmap to deal with security challenges. According to ECOWAS, West Africa witnessed more than 1,800 attacks in the first six months of 2023 while violent extremism in the Sahel region also witnessed a surge due to weak governance, fragility and the inability of states to establish their writ on their respective territories. Terrorist organizations such as Boko Haram, domestic unrest in countries such as Niger and territorial disputes between states have all plagued Africa’s progress towards modernization. As a result, strong, apolitical and meaningful cooperation is needed. As pointed out by President Xi Jinping in his address titled ‘Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Create a Great Future for China and Africa’ at the China- Africa Leaders Dialogue in Johannesburg, China stands ready to work with the continent to advance a new vision of common, cooperative and sustainable security while also seeking to facilitate political settlements of regional hotspot issues. It is hence, clear that strategic communication in the absence of interventionism is precisely what Africa needs to navigate through challenging security landscapes, existential threats to political stability, and impediments to growth, investments, and prosperity. 

To Africa’s benefit, an integral aspect of cooperation priorities under the GSI is to support United Nations efforts at enhancing conflict prevention and harnessing peace-building structures. This includes the provision of peacekeeping operations with adequate resources while also strengthening the African Union, both as a continental union and a deliberative body, through sufficient, predictable, and sustainable financial assistance. This clearly demonstrates the seriousness with which African conflicts are prioritized given that more than 80% of China’s military peacekeepers and 75% of its contributions to the peacekeeping assessment are deployed on the continent. Ten peace and security projects will also deliver military assistance to the AU and conduct joint exercises and on-site training between Chinese and African peacekeeping troops.  This breadth of military ties has been lauded by countries such as Zimbabwe where President Mnangagwa stated that ties between the two countries and the militaries are fraternal. Acting Defense Minister, Daniel Garwe also stated that Zimbabwe vows to continue to cement ties with China as both sides faced geopolitical threats. 

Zimbabwe is not in a club of one in Africa. Most states on the continent prioritize apolitical engagements with states. The smooth progression of the continent rests solely on the stability of countries where unique political systems must remain intact. Any attempt to upset the status quo in states ranging from the thriving democracy of South Africa to the totalitarian government in Niger would have dangerous implications for the wider region. The spike in terrorism, nefarious elements threatening peace and stability, and a breakdown in social systems can follow attempts to tinker with Africa. 

The previous forum held online in 2022 however, resulted in affirmations that China has provided security products for peace and stability and played a positive role in improving security governance on the continent. In 2023, greater understandings have been reached which bodes well for world peace.