Xi Sets Out Four Principles for Resolving Africa’s Conflicts

Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed four principles to guide efforts to resolve conflicts and security crises in Africa, calling for African-led solutions, respect for national sovereignty, peaceful dialogue and strategies that address the root causes of instability.

Xi outlined the principles on Tuesday during a meeting with Togo’s President of the Council of Ministers, Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, who is visiting China officially.

The Chinese president said African people should remain at the centre of decisions concerning the continent’s affairs, stressing that external actors must respect Africa’s right to determine its own path towards peace and stability.

He identified the first principle as Africa-led solutions, arguing that African countries and their people should play the leading role in resolving conflicts on the continent.

“The African people are the true masters of Africa and should play a central role in regional affairs,” Xi said.

The second principle, he explained, is fairness and justice, with all parties involved in conflict resolution expected to uphold the principles of the United Nations Charter and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of affected countries.

Xi said respect for international law and the rights of sovereign states should guide efforts to address regional disputes.

On the third principle, the Chinese leader called for an end to hostilities through peaceful dialogue, maintaining that wars and unilateral sanctions could not fundamentally resolve conflicts between countries.

He advocated mutual respect, extensive consultations and a willingness to accommodate differing positions in the search for lasting solutions.

Xi’s fourth principle focuses on addressing both immediate security threats and the underlying causes of conflict.

He said efforts to restore peace should go beyond ending violence to include long-term development initiatives capable of preventing conflicts from recurring.

The principles underscore China’s position that resolving Africa’s security challenges requires African leadership, respect for sovereignty, peaceful engagement and sustained development.

Xi’s meeting with Gnassingbé also highlighted ongoing diplomatic engagement between China and Togo, against the backdrop of broader China-Africa relations and discussions on peace, security and development across the continent.