The 56th Munich Security Conference took place from the 14th-16th of February in Germany. It centred on issues relating to the ongoing Libya crisis, implications of the coronavirus outbreak and the Middle East. Also discussed was the international defence issues, with Africa having the major focus.

At the Munich Conference, Germany and other world powers raised concerns about the “Westlessness” which is the idea that Western countries uncertain of their values and their strategic orientation. It also focused on the deteriorating security situation in Africa, however African heads of state who had been invited to the conference were absent, despite the continuous issues of insurgency happening in the region.

During the conference, security experts expressed their concern over the lax attitude of the western countries, especially the European Union(EU) countries, towards the ongoing conflicts in Africa. In the absence of African leaders, Germany’s spokesperson also raised a discussion about the raging conflicts in the region.

Germany’s defense minister, Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer called for an increased effort in the fight against Islamists in Africa. According to her, Africa is a key region for Europe, in issues relating to migration or the threat of terrorism which makes it important for Germany remain committed in Africa, as well as in the militarily.

Since 2012, the Central African Republic has suffered a civil war and has been dominated by an armed group known as Seleka that took over the capital, Bangui, in 2013. This has led to the death of thousands amid clashes with Christian militias.

However, this has been the case of several African countries that have been dominated by various Islamist groups. Millions of children are suffering, women are being raped and villages have been burnt down or destroyed.

A report published by Save the Children, ahead of the Munich conference shows that at least 95,000 children had been killed or maimed across the world since 2005. Tens of thousands were abducted and millions were denied access to education, with African children as the worst affected. It also shows that over 170 million people in Africa and the Middle East are living in war zones.

In backing up the plea for the involvement of western countries in curbing conflicts affecting Africa, the World Bank attributed climate conditions as one of the causes of conflict in these regions citing the war in Darfur 17 years ago was triggered by the effects of climate change and claimed the lives of 300,000 people.

It also highlighted the rapid rise of climate-related conflict in Africa with reports showing over 4.2 million people being displaced as of March 2019. Africa has recorded a rise in violence particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and the areas around Lake Chad.

Nonetheless, the World Bank is sending out its director of operations, Axel van Trotsenburg, to Africa. The World’s Bank plan in the next three years is to provide $53 billion (€49 billion) to the Africa region. Ahead of Trotsenburg visit to Burkina Faso, Mali, Chad and Mauritania, special attention would also be given to fragile states like the Sahel region, the Horn of Africa and Lake Chad.

Therefore, there should be a call for action in conflict areas across Africa. African governments, EU countries and other world organizations should prioritize security by coming together to put an end to Islamist insurgency. This will make Africa a safer place and open doors for greater investment opportunities and economic growth.

By Faith Ikade.