Four former African presidents establish landmark conflict resolution centre
Former African presidents unite to launch conflict resolution centre to address the continent's persistent challenges
In a historic moment for peace and conflict resolution in Africa, four former presidents have embraced a pivotal role in addressing the continent’s persistent challenges. Joaquim Alberto Chissano (Mozambique), Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya), Goodluck Jonathan (Nigeria), and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia) recently signed a historic Letter of Understanding (LoU) during the opening session of Johannesburg Arbitration Week (JAW) 2026, held at the Sandton Convention Centre. Their commitment culminates in the establishment of the Africa Forum Conflict Resolution Centre (AFCRC), a major step towards fostering sustainable peace initiatives in Africa.
The agreement aligns the collective wisdom and experience of Africa’s former leaders with the world-class arbitration and mediation expertise provided by the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa (AFSA). This collaboration is not just symbolic; it seeks to harness the deep understanding these leaders have regarding the unique socio-political landscapes of their nations and the continent as a whole.
Addressing Africa’s Conflict Challenges
With over 50 active armed conflicts reported across Africa, AFCRC’s mission is both timely and crucial. This newly established centre will play a key role in providing high-level mediation and negotiation support, utilising both formal and informal processes to address conflicts at their roots.
The AFCRC aims to prioritise training and capacity building, with a particular focus on empowering African women mediators, as they are essential in the peace-building process. By creating a pool of skilled negotiators and mediators, the initiative aspires to develop a distinctly African model of conflict resolution, informed by past lessons and experiences.
Additionally, the AFCRC will collaborate with the African Union, regional economic communities, and national governments to implement practical interventions grounded in real-world experiences. This initiative represents a unique combination of the moral authority of 37 former African presidents and the institutional strength of the African Security Authority (AFSA).
