On the 25th June 2025, the KAIPTC participated in a high-level debate, which was streamed live on UN Web TV, at the United Nations Headquarters
Represented by its Director of Research, Dr Emma Birikorang, the session themed “The Multifaceted Aspects of Peace and Security in Africa and the Future of Peace Operations,” explored current challenges in peacekeeping and emphasized Africa’s evolving role in shaping global peace operations.
Dr. Birikorang expressed gratitude to the UN and emphasized the Centre’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to global discussions on the future of peacekeeping and security on the continent.
Reflecting on Africa’s progress over the last decade, she acknowledged the gains made but cautioned that multiple threats continue to undermine peace efforts — including terrorism, weak governance, unconstitutional regime changes, food insecurity, and the growing impact of climate change.
“These threats continue to dwarf the gains we have achieved so far,” she warned.
Dr. Birikorang underscored the critical role of Africa’s youth, noting the continent’s rapidly growing population. With 850 million young people projected by 2050, she described this demographic as both “a risk and an opportunity,” stressing the need to create economic and social pathways for youth to avoid instability.
She also spotlighted the emergence of regional security coalitions like the G5 Sahel, the Multinational Joint Task Force, the Accra Initiative, and the newly formed Alliance des États du Sahel. These developments, she argued, reflect declining trust in traditional multilateral systems and the rise of more pragmatic, localized responses to insecurity.
Turning to the state of peacekeeping, Dr. Birikorang noted that the global model is under strain. “Shrinking funding, expanding mandates, and limited political will are eroding its effectiveness,” she said. While rapid deployment used to be a given, she explained, today’s international response is marked by hesitation.
Concluding her remarks, she called for a bold reimagining of peacekeeping, one that prioritizes prevention, supports local solutions, and fosters sustainable peace.