Challenges

Africa is currently facing a number of distinct security threats, from the rise of terrorist groups to civil wars and increased natural resource extraction. The situation is exacerbated by weak security forces that are ill-equipped to meet these challenges, the deep-rooted causes of which do not stem from deficiencies that could be readily addressed.

The threat from radical groups has been evident in the Group of Five for the Sahel (G5?Sahel), namely Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger. Violence and rebel groups have also spread across Kenya, Nigeria and Somalia. These countries must build national institutions and a security sector that would enable them to implement strategies and execute plans to safeguard their citizens from violence.

The Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development (EAPD), in cooperation with various State agencies, has organized activities to build African capacities and transfer expertise and technical knowledge in order to meet the needs of countries across the African continent and support their development aspirations.

Toward a Solution

Addressing the needs of countries and communities affected by or emerging from conflict is among the most complex challenges facing Africa. Restoring and building state authority and its ability to perform basic functions, building trust in a new political order and governance structures, repairing the social fabric and addressing the root causes of conflict to prevent relapse are complex and long-term processes that span peacemaking, peacekeeping, peacebuilding and development mandates and efforts. They require comprehensive, integrated and inclusive politics and policies, sustained funding, and engagement and coordination among a wide array of local, national, regional and international actors across the humanitarian-development-peace nexus.

Mindful of the above and in response to the changing dynamics of conflict and the emergence of new threats, the international community’s toolbox of conflict management and resolution is undergoing reform, with a view to ensuring integration and complementarity of efforts across the peace continuum.

Egypt has been a significant contributor to eight of the nine peacekeeping missions in Africa and has accumulated extensive experience in combating terrorism, securing borders and fighting organized crime. Many African officials are attending training programmes on human trafficking, illegal migration, antiterrorism, humanitarian law and leadership skills through partnerships with the Ministry of Justice, the Armed Forces and the Police Academy of Egypt. Over 40?capacity-building programmes were implemented, reaching over 1,200?African participants. EAPD organizes these events in the spirit of promoting peace, with no hidden agenda or concealed conditionality.

Since EAPD believes that development and security are closely linked, the Agency is collaborating with the Ministry of Defence, the Police Academy and the Cairo Centre for Conflict Resolution and Peacekeeping in Africa to support other African countries in achieving Sustainable Development Goal?16 to promote just, peaceful and inclusive societies.

EAPD has also deployed technical and political experts to support African countries in building national security institutions and is hosting African students in the Egyptian Police Academy. To ensure the sustainability of this initiative, selected participants hold a position in the country that allows them to disseminate knowledge, such as extension officers or instructors at the relevant institution. In some cases, graduates assist in selecting new candidates, as this can help to strengthen the relationship between former and new participants, allowing them to become leaders in their countries.

Egypt deeply appreciates its African roots and is aware of the common challenges facing the continent. The country strives to build on and leverage its national expertise to complement efforts throughout the continent to promote sustainable development and fulfill aspirations for peace, stability, prosperity and welfare.