Aligning Africa’s peace and development agenda

The Director of European External Action Service, Bernard Quintin, believes that strategic communication between African countries is crucial for the continent's shared goal of peace and development. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa's Kenneth Igbomor at the International Forum of Dakar on Peace and Security in Africa, Quintin emphasized the importance of addressing insecurity issues holistically to foster progress. Quintin highlighted the need for enhanced communication among African nations despite ideological differences. He stressed the significance of understanding each other's perspectives, particularly in conflict situations, to mitigate misunderstandings and promote peaceful resolutions. Acknowledging the European Union's (EU) role as a significant partner in Africa's peace and security efforts, Quintin expressed the necessity of investing more in communication to bridge gaps and align priorities effectively. He underscored the mutual respect for sovereignty as a fundamental principle in fostering collaboration between the EU and African countries. Quintin discussed the EU's multifaceted engagements in Africa, ranging from political dialogue and security support to societal development cooperation. He emphasized the EU's commitment to Africa as a major partner and outlined ongoing efforts to strategize an autonomous approach in the relationship. Addressing the complex security landscape in Africa, Quintin underscored the importance of political will and legitimate structures in addressing challenges effectively. While expressing support for African-led initiatives, he emphasized the need for constitutional order and respect for the will of the people to ensure sustainable solutions to instability. Regarding recent coup d'état incidents in West Africa, Quintin highlighted the detrimental impact of such events on the negotiation processes and emphasized the need for peaceful and democratic transitions. He cautioned against viewing coups as solutions and reiterated the need for constructive communication and support for regional organizations like ECOWAS. Quintin reflected on the significance of communication in fostering understanding and collaboration, particularly in forums like the International Forum of Dakar on Peace and Security in Africa. He emphasized the value of dialogue, exchange of perspectives, and finding common ground while respecting diverging views. When posed with a hypothetical scenario of addressing all African presidents on security challenges, Quintin emphasized the importance of a holistic approach that goes beyond military solutions. He advocated for addressing security issues through social cohesion and services to the population, emphasizing the long-term commitment required for sustainable peace and development. Overall, Quintin's insights underscore the critical role of communication in advancing Africa's peace and development agenda, emphasizing the need for mutual understanding, collaboration, and long-term strategic planning.