East Africa has long been confronted with multilayered crises shaped by political instability, ethnic tensions, border disputes, resource scarcity, and external interventions. Among these crises, Sudan has recently emerged as a flashpoint, where escalating violence has triggered both humanitarian and geopolitical reverberations. In Sudan, the escalation of violence, particularly actions perpetrated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), including the recent targeting of humanitarian personnel from World Central Kitchen, constitutes grave violations of international humanitarian law and is widely regarded as amounting to war crimes. These incidents underscore not only the severity of the Sudanese crisis but also the imperative for the international community to respond effectively to such breaches. The intensifying geopolitical competition within the region directly implicates both regional actors and global powers, further complicating the delicate balance between conflict and reconciliation. In this context, international peacebuilding efforts—when aligned with credible local initiatives—must contend with fragmented governance, distrust among stakeholders, and competing regional interests.
This session will explore the evolving dynamics of conflict and peace processes across East Africa. Particular focus will be placed on Ethiopia’s internal tensions, Somalia’s state-building efforts, Sudan’s brutal civil war, and South Sudan’s fragile peace framework. The session will also assess Türkiye’s expanding diplomatic, humanitarian, and development engagements in the region, and how these initiatives contribute to stabilisation and reconciliation. Additionally, the roles of multilateral actors such as the African Union, IGAD, and the United Nations will be critically examined in terms of their capacity to facilitate durable peace and regional cooperation.
Discussion Themes:
- What are the structural and historical drivers of conflict in East Africa?
- To what extent have regional and international peace initiatives been effective in addressing ongoing crises?
- How does Türkiye’s multifaceted involvement in these regions contribute to peace and reconciliation efforts?
- What local and institutional mechanisms are needed to support long-term stability and inclusive governance?