African Conflicts Barely Registered At Munich - but China Is Paying Attention
AllAfrica
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Last week’s Munich Security Conference highlighted the marginalization of African security issues on the global stage, with conflicts across the continent struggling to gain attention amidst discussions dominated by Ukraine, the Indo-Pacific, and other pressing global concerns. Despite efforts by African experts like Jakkie Cilliers and Ottilia Maunganidze to bring spotlight to crises in Sudan, the Sahel, and the DRC, Africa remained largely overlooked. The conference’s focus on hard military security issues, driven by the war in Ukraine and strained transatlantic relations, overshadowed the continent’s struggles with internal conflicts, ethnic tensions, resource disputes, and displacement.
The situation reflects a broader trend of declining international assistance to African peacekeeping efforts, coupled with growing reliance on private military companies like Russia’s Wagner group, which often exploit the region for profit and destabilize local communities. With over 50 active conflicts across Africa—displacing nearly 45 million people—experts warn that the continent’s instability is set to worsen in the short to medium term. Cilliers of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) predicts that Africa will remain less stable than any other region, driven by factors like a young population, high unemployment, and weak governance capacity.
The African Union (AU), often seen as a potential leader in addressing these challenges, has shown limited progress in stepping up its role. Its Peace Fund, launched to support peacekeeping operations, has raised only $400 million—barely enough for half a year of operations. Meanwhile, countries like South Africa have even announced withdrawals from UN peacekeeping missions, further diminishing external support. The focus must shift toward strengthening state capacity and rethinking military priorities, as traditional security measures like purchasing advanced weaponry are increasingly seen as ineffective in addressing internal threats.
The under-reaction to African conflicts by the international community raises critical questions about who will fill the security vacuum. While Western interest wanes, China is stepping up its engagement in Africa’s resource-rich regions, signaling a potential shift in global power dynamics. The implications for stability and long-term development across the continent—and beyond—could be profound.
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Originally published on AllAfrica on 2/20/2026