A Shared Commitment: African-Nordic Peace and Security Cooperation

Abstract

The bond between African and Nordic countries, encompassing Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway and Sweden, is a unique and enduring testament to collaborative efforts that have evolved over time. This special relationship finds its roots in the unwavering support provided by the Nordic countries during the liberation struggles of a number of African countries, especially in Southern Africa. Subsequently, this relationship solidified through decades of steadfast collaboration across humanitarian, developmental, peace, and security spheres.<p>

<p>This report delves into the intricate tapestry of Africa-Nordic cooperation, focusing specifically on the area of peace and security between 2012 and 2021, the most recent year for which data is available. This period witnessed further growth in the agency of the African Union, which has developed significant peace and security capacity, partly with Nordic countries’ support. Concurrently, several regional economic communities and regional mechanisms enhanced their peace and security capacities, manifesting notable advancement in areas such as mediation; women, peace and security, and peace operations, for instance, through the development process of the African Standby Force. The Nordic countries take pride in their enduring partnerships with these institutions across all these domains. Nevertheless, despite these gains, certain peace and security risks persist, and new risks have emerged. These include transnational threats with a global origin and impact, such as the adverse effects of climate change on peace and security, as well as extremist violence and terrorism.<p>

<p>This report was written as a collaborative effort, involving the dedicated efforts of more than a dozen African- and Nordic-based researchers. The research has been led by our two institutions, namely the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) and the Nordic Africa Institute (NAI), with support from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.<p>

<p>We trust that this report will serve as a catalyst for stimulating discussions on African-Nordic cooperation across various platforms, where African and Nordic researchers, diplomats, officials and stakeholders gather, including the annual meeting of African and Nordic foreign ministers. As the report maps contemporary and historic areas of cooperation over the last decade, we hope it will enable stakeholders to identify gaps and untapped opportunities for further cooperation.