Resolving conflict in Sahel region top priority for new AUC chair

The Sahel region and parts of Eastern DRC are facing heightened conflict, posing a threat to African economies that could spiral into economic and political instability. Annette Weber, the EU Special Representative for The Horn of Africa, emphasizes the urgent need to address the conflicts in these regions to prevent further destabilization. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Weber highlighted the importance of resolving the conflict in Sudan as a key priority to bring calm to the region. She stressed the significance of getting the parties to negotiate and establish a civilian transition to achieve stability. The impact of conflicts on African economies is significant, with economic instability often fueling further unrest. Governments and international partners must work together to break this cycle, especially in resource-rich but conflict-prone areas like the Sahel and the Horn of Africa. Weber emphasized the need to ensure that resources benefit the local population and contribute to stability rather than becoming a source of conflict. Drawing parallels to the Norwegian model of oil, she suggested the creation of state trust funds to distribute resource revenues to communities, promoting sustainable development and reducing conflict risks. External influences from foreign countries and private entities also play a role in African conflicts. Weber called for improved governance and accountability systems within African nations and regional bodies like the African Union to manage these influences effectively and reduce their destabilizing effects. By strengthening governance and citizen participation, African countries can diminish the impact of external interference and build resilient states capable of managing conflicts effectively.