Africa, a continent teeming with potential, resources, diverse cultures, and vibrant populations, remains hampered by a complex web of internal and external conflicts. From civil wars and political instability to terrorism, ethnic tensions, and persistent foreign interference, the challenges are vast and multifaceted.
In this intricate context, the concept of a “Concert of Africa” emerges as a compelling vision for fostering peace, stability, and cooperation across the continent. Inspired by the 19th-century Concert of Europe, this modern initiative would aim to create a framework for African countries to collectively address conflicts, promote development, and safeguard their shared future. However, understanding how such a system might work requires a nuanced examination of historical lessons from Europe and a pragmatic assessment of Africa’s unique contemporary dynamics.
The Concert of Europe: Origins, Purpose, and Limitations
The Concert of Europe was a system of diplomatic cooperation among the major European powers, established in the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars. It originated from the Congress of Vienna (1814–1815), where leaders such as Austria’s Klemens von Metternich, Britain’s Lord Castlereagh, and Russia’s Tsar Alexander I sought to restore stability to a continent ravaged by decades of conflict. The primary goals of the Concert were to maintain the balance of power, prevent the resurgence of revolutionary movements, and uphold the territorial and political status quo established at the Vienna Congress.
Operating through a series of congresses and diplomatic meetings—including Aix-la-Chapelle (1818), Troppau (1820), Laibach (1821), and Verona (1822)—the Concert allowed the great powers (Austria, Britain, Prussia, Russia, and later France) to address emerging conflicts and coordinate their responses. For much of the 19th century, the Concert successfully maintained relative peace in Europe, largely by avoiding large-scale wars and resolving crises through negotiation rather than military confrontation.
Despite its early successes, the Concert of Europe ultimately faltered. Its decline was influenced by several factors: the rise of nationalism and liberal revolutions in 1848 challenged the conservative order it sought to uphold; the Crimean War (1853–1856) exposed the system’s limitations as the great powers found themselves on opposing sides of a major conflict; and the unification of Germany and Italy in the mid-19th century fundamentally shifted the balance of power, creating new rivalries and tensions.
Ultimately, the Concert’s reliance on consensus among the great powers proved increasingly difficult to maintain as their interests diverged. By the early 20th century, the Concert of Europe had effectively dissolved, paving the way for the alliances and rivalries that led to World War I.
A Concert of Africa: Why It’s Needed and Its Unique Challenges
Similar to 19th-century Europe, Africa faces a range of internal and external challenges that demand collective action today. Internally, many African countries face governance issues, corruption, and weak institutions, which often lead to civil unrest and instability. External factors, including foreign interference, resource exploitation, and geopolitical rivalries, further exacerbate these problems.
Conflicts in regions like the Sahel, the Horn of Africa, and the Great Lakes have displaced millions and destabilised entire countries. Concurrently, transnational threats such as terrorism, climate change, and economic inequality necessitate coordinated responses.
The African Union (AU) and regional organisations, such as ECOWAS, SADC, and IGAD, have struggled in conflict resolution and peacekeeping due to their efforts being frequently hindered by limited resources, political disagreements, and a lack of enforceable mechanisms. A “Concert of Africa” would need to foster a more robust and inclusive system for addressing the continent’s complex challenges.
Africa’s geopolitical landscape cannot simply mirror that of 19th-century Europe. The artificial borders drawn during the Berlin Conference of 1884–85 continue to shape the continent today, and the dynamics of modern Africa are vastly different from post-Napoleonic Europe. Unlike Europe, where the Concert system stabilised a continent recovering from war, Africa’s challenges are more complex, marked by weak states, persistent external interference, and unresolved post-colonial tensions.
Rather than consolidating into a unified diplomatic bloc, Africa may face a gradual erosion of some post-colonial states. Weak governance, ethnic divisions, and economic stagnation could lead to state collapse, potentially drawing neighbouring regions into instability. This scenario might lead to the emergence of powerful city-states—centres of commerce and security—exerting control over surrounding territories. In such circumstances, the AU risks losing relevance as it will be unable to enforce cohesion among fracturing states.
The European Concert’s temporary success stemmed from the balancing of power among the dominant empires (Britain, Austria, Russia, Prussia, and France). Africa, conversely, lacks a comparable group of stable, consensus-driven powers. Instead, the continent faces challenges such as artificial borders that often lack historical legitimacy, which can foster internal strife. Furthermore, external interference from former colonial powers and new global players (such as China, the US, and the EU) continues to manipulate African politics for strategic gain. Unlike Europe’s monarchies, many African governments contend with corruption and legitimacy crises, indicative of weak institutions.
Key Principles and a New Approach for a Concert of Africa
A successful Concert of Africa would need to be guided by several key principles. Firstly, it would prioritise collective security and conflict prevention, utilising early warning systems, mediation, and diplomatic engagement for peaceful dispute resolution. Secondly, it would respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each country, ensuring that larger powers do not overshadow smaller states. Thirdly, it would promote economic integration and shared prosperity, addressing the economic disparities that often fuel conflicts.
Fourthly, it would address transnational challenges such as terrorism, climate change, and migration through joint task forces and funding mechanisms. Finally, it would emphasise inclusive governance and youth empowerment, ensuring that marginalised groups, particularly women and young people, have a meaningful voice in decision-making processes.
Given the potential for fragmentation, Africa’s future stability may depend on:
Strong Regional Hubs: Cities like Lagos, Nairobi, and Johannesburg could serve as anchors of governance, drawing weaker states into their orbits.
Economic Alliances Over Political Unity: Trade blocs, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), may prove more durable than rigid political unions.
Security Partnerships: Coalitions of stable states (e.g., Rwanda, Kenya, Ghana) could effectively contain spillover conflicts.
Achieving a functional Concert of Africa would require several steps. The African Union would require significant strengthening through increased member state funding, streamlined decision-making processes, and enhanced capacity to enforce its resolutions. The Peace and Security Council (PSC) could be expanded to include more diverse voices and given greater authority to intervene in crises. Deepening regional cooperation and integration is also vital, building on the critical roles already played by regional economic communities (RECs), such as ECOWAS, SADC, and IGAD. Establishing a dedicated African mediation body, comprising respected leaders and diplomats, could facilitate conflict resolution before it escalates.
Additionally, the African Standby Force (ASF) should be fully operationalised for swift crisis response. Engaging civil society and the African diaspora is essential, as their insights and resources are crucial for peacebuilding and accountability. Partnerships with the international community, including the United Nations and the European Union, are also necessary, but these must be based on mutual respect and a commitment to African-led solutions.
Finally, the Concert would need to address the root causes of conflict, such as poverty, inequality, and resource competition, through long-term investments in education, healthcare, and job creation, alongside reforms to ensure equitable distribution of resources.
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Nwanze is a partner at SBM Intelligence