China’s footprint in Africa’s peace and security has seen growing expansion on the continent with the deployment of its peace keeping force and provision of military training, according to an African Union official.
Chief of Staff of the African Union Commission, Mohamed El-Amine Souef said Thursday that China has emerged to be a key foreign player in fighting terrorism and extremism and helping scores of African countries maintain peace and stability.
“In many African countries where there is conflict, China dispatches peace keeping troops fighting enemies, extremist groups and terrorists to bring peace and security in the continent,” Souef told participants attending a policy briefing on China’s economy and trade cooperation.
He said Chinese peacekeeping troops are dispatched in South Sudan, Darfur, Mali and many other African countries where UN peacekeeping troops are deployed.
Noting China’s long standing support for Africa, dating back to the 1960s and 1970s when many African countries gained independence, Souef said China has been offering training to African soldiers providing ammunition support to Africa countries.
Souef said China’s contributions to Africa’s development, including in building strategic infrastructure, supporting in the health and security sectors, and the training of African military officers are praise worthy.
Speaking at the event, Hu Changchun, head of mission of China to the AU and representative to United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA),China and Africa economic and trade cooperation is gaining momentum, with their trade volume reaching over 219 billion U.S. dollars in 2024,
He said China has been Africa’s top trading partner for 15 consecutive years, with trade volume reaching over $219.5 billion in 2024, a 6 percent increase from the previous year.
Hu vowed China’s continued support for a successful peace operation in Africa.
The event aimed to deepen mutual understanding and explore more opportunities for shared development between China and Africa.
Hu further noted trade facilitation policies under the Forum for China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework and the Belt and Road Initiative are bearing fruits, attracting a growing number of Chinese enterprises to Africa.
MG/as/APA