ANCIP

In cooperation with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation office in Berlin, the ANCIP (African Non-Military Conflict Intervention Practices) competence network has organized its first transfer workshop on 6 February 2025. The project is generously funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF, 2022–2026).

The event brought together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to engage in meaningful discussions on non-military approaches to prevent, manage, and resolve conflicts in Africa. Held under Chatham House rules, the event provided an open and collaborative environment, allowing participants to share insights, challenges, and opportunities. The workshop was structured around a series of presentations from various projects by researchers from the network and a panel discussion, each contributing to a deeper understanding of the complexities and potential of non-military approaches by Africa actors.

The workshop began with a welcome address by Dr. Henrik Maihack (FES) and opening remarks by Prof. Dr. Christof Hartmann (ANCIP, University Duisburg-Essen), setting the tone for the day’s discussions. The first session featured presentations from the ANCIP project, starting with an introduction to the ANCIP database and dashboard, a highly innovative tool designed to map and analyze non-military conflict intervention practices across Africa. This presentation by S. Elisabeth Warnck and Vincent J. Schober (ANCIP, Leipzig University) highlighted the potential of data-driven approaches to inform policymaking and improve the effectiveness of interventions. The database and dashboard, which will soon be available on the ANCIP portal, were presented as valuable resources for identifying trends, gaps, and best practices in conflict intervention, offering a visual and interactive platform for researchers and policymakers alike.

Under the moderation of Dr. Antonia Witt (ANCIP, Peace Research Institute Frankfurt), the discussion shifted to the institutionalization of gender perspectives in peace and security frameworks, with a focus on lessons learned from regional initiatives, such as the African Network of Women in Conflict Prevention and Mediation (FemWise-Africa). This presentation by Camille Vern (ANCIP, Leipzig University) emphasized the critical role of women in conflict prevention and resolution, while acknowledging the challenges of translating high-level commitments into tangible outcomes on the ground. The conversation underscored the need for sustained investment in capacity-building, local ownership, and the integration of gender-sensitive approaches into broader conflict intervention strategies.

The next presentation explored the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in early warning and conflict prevention mechanisms. Jonas Schaaf (ANCIP, Peace Research Institute Frankfurt) and Taye Abdulkadir (African Union Commission) highlighted the importance of creating more inclusive frameworks that empower CSO umbrella organizations to contribute meaningfully to conflict prevention efforts, especially in the field of data collection by field monitors. The discussion addressed structural barriers, such as limited funding and political constraints, while also emphasizing the potential for stronger partnerships between civil society, regional organizations, and the African Union. This session reinforced the idea that CSOs are often the first to detect and respond to emerging conflicts, making their integration into formal systems a key priority.

The final set of two presentations focused on West African and geopolitical developments, particularly the role of ECOWAS. The first presentation by Dr. Emma Birikorang (Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, KAIPTC, Accra) examined ECOWAS’ interventions in regional politics in West Africa, with a focus on its response to recent crises in the Sahel. It critically analyzed what went wrong and the challenges ECOWAS faces. In the second presentation, Dr. Mona Saleh (ANCIP, Duisburg-Essen University) explored the evolving dynamics of international partnerships, using the EU-ECOWAS relationship as a case study. It highlighted the importance of maintaining and adapting collaborative frameworks amid geopolitical uncertainties, emphasizing the need for flexibility, mutual respect, and a clear understanding of shared goals. Both presentations called for strengthening regional institutions like ECOWAS, despite their current challenges, to avoid further fragmentation and the shift toward bilateralism in a time when multilateralism is most needed.

After a brief coffee break, the workshop transitioned to a panel discussion moderated by Iris Nothofer (FES), which brought together diverse perspectives on the challenges, opportunities, and future directions of non-military conflict intervention in Africa. Regine Heß (German Federal Foreign Office), Pascal Da Rocha (Berghof Foundation) and Dr. Annika Hansen (Centre for International Peace Operations, ZIF) reflected on the need for greater coordination among stakeholders, the risks of politicization and internationalization of conflict intervention efforts, and the difficulty of sustaining long-term engagement in complex conflict settings. They also discussed the importance of maintaining the nexus between military and non-military approaches. At the same time, they highlighted opportunities for innovation, such as leveraging digital tools for early warning, strengthening regional capacities, and fostering grassroots ownership of peacebuilding initiatives.

The workshop concluded with a reception, providing participants with an opportunity to network and continue discussions in an informal setting. Overall, the event underscored the importance of collaboration in addressing Africa’s complex conflict landscapes. By bringing together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners, it created a space for shared learning and reflection, contributing to the debate on the value of non-military interventions in building sustainable peace.

By Dr. Mona Saleh and Camille Vern