Dr Olonisakin, a founding director of the Kenya-based African Leadership Centre, argued that conflict is inevitable and even functional: “It is necessary because it helps countries and states to develop. It is a part of the human condition.”

However, she also stressed the importance of understanding the root causes of persistent conflicts on the continent in order to prevent their relapse. The long-term success of conflict resolution efforts requires a focus that goes beyond the mere cessation of violence and includes a better understanding of the reasons behind conflicts. It should also extend beyond the elites that negotiation strategies traditionally focus on.

Using former South African president Thabo Mbeki and the role he played in the mediation process in war-torn Sudan as an example, Dr Olonisakin explained how new norms and approaches are needed in order to broker peace deals when engaging in peace talks.

Peacemaking, like conflict, occurs along a spectrum, according to Dr Olonisakin. Successful resolution of conflict thus requires peacemaking strategies that match the various manifestations of conflict. With that in mind, Dr Olonisakin identified a number of issue areas that require further research: the extent to which peacemaking in Africa adopts a people-centred approach; the trajectory of peacemaking; influences on peacemaking approaches; attitudes of peacemakers and affected communities; and the role of elites and leaders in conflict resolution.


The African Leadership Centre recently announced a call for applications for Peace, Security and Development Fellowships for Africa. For more information is available here.