Early warning

Abstract

Africa’s conflicts are inter- and intra-state in nature. However, since 1990, the latter has become the more prevalent.28 There are several strategies to prevent, manage and resolve these conflicts. Among the plethora of available options are: fact-finding missions, mediation missions, and peacekeeping missions. When parties to conflicts have reached a compromise, it usually results in the signing of peace agreements between the parties. In response to the episodic difficulties faced by such regional organisations, early warning frameworks have been established aimed at identifying and anticipating possible areas or situations that are likely to cause conflicts, and to attempt their resolution before they escalate into full-blown conflict. This chapter analyses and evaluates the level of implementation of the different treaties regarding early warning and associated conflict prevention and state compliance with the chosen commitments.