Senegal's capital, Dakar, is hosting the 10th edition of the International Peace Forum on Monday, drawing leaders, diplomats, and activists from across the continent. The event comes as regional tensions flare, with conflicts in the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, and the Great Lakes region intensifying. The forum, which runs through Tuesday, aims to address peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and security cooperation, but its effectiveness remains under scrutiny by local communities and regional stakeholders.
Peace Forum Seeks to Address Growing Instability
The International Peace Forum, established in 2008, has become a key platform for African leaders to discuss security and governance challenges. This year’s edition, hosted by the Senegalese government, focuses on strengthening regional partnerships to counter terrorism, promote democratic governance, and address the root causes of conflict. Over 500 participants, including heads of state, civil society representatives, and international observers, are expected to attend.
The event is held at the Dakar Convention Centre, a venue that has hosted several high-profile African summits. Senegalese President Macky Sall, who opened the forum, emphasized the need for a unified African approach to security. “We cannot afford to let the continent be a battleground for external interests,” he said during his keynote speech. His remarks reflect the growing concerns among citizens in Senegal and neighboring countries about the impact of regional instability on their daily lives.
Local Communities Feel the Effects of Regional Tensions
As conflict spreads across the Sahel, communities in Senegal’s eastern regions, particularly in the Tambacounda and Kolda areas, have seen increased security measures and economic disruptions. The region, which shares borders with Mali and Burkina Faso, has become a flashpoint for cross-border violence. According to the United Nations, over 300,000 people have been displaced in the Sahel since 2020, with many seeking refuge in Senegal.
Local traders in Dakar’s central markets report rising costs due to supply chain disruptions. “We’re seeing fewer goods from the north, and prices are going up,” said Aminata Sow, a vegetable seller. “This affects everyone, from farmers to consumers.” The economic strain is compounded by the ongoing currency crisis in several West African nations, with the CFA franc losing value against the dollar over the past year.
International Engagement and Local Skepticism
The forum has drawn participation from the African Union, the United Nations, and the European Union, but local analysts remain cautious. “While these gatherings are important, they often fail to translate into real change on the ground,” said Dr. Amadou Diallo, a political analyst at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar. “Communities need more than promises—they need concrete action and accountability.”
The Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has pledged to use the forum to push for greater African agency in global security discussions. However, some critics argue that external powers, particularly France and the U.S., still hold too much influence over regional security policies. “We need to rethink our partnerships,” said Mame Diop, a civil society leader. “Peace should be driven by Africans, not imposed from outside.”
What to Watch Next
The forum’s outcome will be closely watched by both regional and international stakeholders. A key focus will be the proposed African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) reforms, which aim to streamline conflict response mechanisms. The final declaration, expected on Tuesday, could set the tone for future regional cooperation.
For citizens in Senegal and beyond, the real test will be whether the forum’s commitments lead to tangible improvements in security, economic stability, and governance. As the event concludes, the question remains: will the promises made in Dakar translate into meaningful change for the people who need it most?
