ZIF with two events at the Munich Security Conference 2024
© MSC
ZIF was represented with two events at the Munich Security Conference (MSC) this year. Together with the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), ZIF invited selected experts to a side event on February 18, 2024 entitled "Redouble or Retreat? Rethinking Peace Operations in Africa". On 16 February 2024, ZIF Executive Director, Dr. Astrid Irrgang, also moderated a "Spotlight" session on the future of peace operations in the main public program of the MSC.
The side event focused on the question of a possible revitalization of peace operations in Africa and how alternative measures for peace and stabilization can strengthen the continent. Katja Keul, Minister of State at the Federal Foreign Office, was joined by representatives from the United Nations (UN), the EU and experts from international think tanks. The participants agreed that it was neither about doubling nor withdrawing missions in Africa, but about the question of how to remain or re-engage in Africa.
The debate focused on the question of whether peacekeeping missions or crisis management missions are still the right instruments for the current challenges. While the missions of the UN and the EU have come under pressure or are difficult to continue in view of current geopolitical rivalries, regional organizations such as the African Union (AU) could play a more active role. The participants also argued that African countries should take their security into their own hands and that the international community should support them rather than send missions.
The "Spotlight" session, moderated by Dr. Astrid Irrgang, focused on the future of peacekeeping missions. On the panel, government members from Portugal, Bangladesh and Norway discussed with Volker Perthes, Head, Independent Strategic Review of UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).
"Peace operations need political backing, sufficient resources, realistic mandates and the involvement of civil society in the host country from the outset," says Irrgang. "The key for success is trust; this must first be regained in many areas of deployment. New coalitions and a genuine willingness to learn are essential for this."
On February 12, 2024, the MSC published its annual report, in which the ZIF study on the challenges and opportunities for UN, EU, OSCE, NATO and AU peace operations is listed as one of its 16 global food for thought.