By Gabriel Amen
China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has urged African countries to strengthen regional cooperation, uphold sovereignty and address the root causes of conflicts to achieve lasting peace and stability across the continent.
Dunhai said four principles outlined by Chinese President Xi Jinping provide a framework for resolving conflicts and addressing security challenges in Africa.
The principles include upholding African leadership, safeguarding equity and justice, ending hostilities through dialogue and peacebuilding, and tackling both the immediate symptoms and underlying causes of conflicts.
In an opinion article published on October 16, 2026, the Chinese ambassador said Africa faces growing opportunities for development alongside persistent security challenges that continue to affect communities across the continent.
He noted that resolving these challenges requires collective action, stronger regional partnerships and solutions that reflect the realities and aspirations of African people.
AFRICA MUST LEAD ITS OWN PEACE EFFORTS
Dunhai stressed that African countries and institutions must remain at the centre of efforts to resolve conflicts on the continent.
According to him, externally imposed solutions often fail because they do not adequately reflect local realities, making it essential for international partners to respect Africa’s independent choices.
He reaffirmed China’s support for the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other regional organisations in promoting peace, security and development.
The ambassador also commended Nigeria for its role in maintaining stability in West Africa through regional mediation, efforts to combat extremism and initiatives aimed at building consensus among neighbouring countries.
He said China would continue supporting ECOWAS and other regional organisations in mediation and diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes.
SOVEREIGNTY AND FAIRNESS KEY TO REGIONAL STABILITY
On equity and justice, Dunhai said African countries should be treated fairly in international relations, with their sovereignty and territorial integrity respected.
He argued that double standards, external interference and attempts to impose political preferences on African nations could create further instability rather than resolve existing conflicts.
The ambassador maintained that the international community should support African countries in addressing security challenges while respecting their independence and legitimate national interests.
He added that China supports African nations in their efforts to protect their sovereignty, security and development interests.
DIALOGUE, NOT CONFLICT, NEEDED TO RESOLVE DISPUTES
Dunhai also called for dialogue and consultation as the preferred approaches to resolving disputes, warning that war and unilateral sanctions do not provide lasting solutions.
He highlighted continuing security challenges in the Sahel and Lake Chad regions, where terrorism, extremism and cross-border crime remain major concerns.
According to him, the interconnected nature of these threats makes it difficult for individual countries to address them without broader regional cooperation.
He said China supports efforts by the United Nations Security Council and the international community to encourage negotiations and mediation in African conflict zones.
The ambassador also expressed China’s readiness to support African countries in strengthening peacekeeping and counterterrorism capabilities through its Global Security Initiative.
DEVELOPMENT CRUCIAL TO LASTING PEACE
The Chinese envoy emphasised that resolving immediate security threats must go hand in hand with long-term economic development.
He argued that insecurity undermines economic progress, while poverty and a lack of sustainable development can weaken the foundations of peace.
Dunhai identified industrialisation as a major priority for Nigeria, given its large population and youthful workforce.
He said China was prepared to work with Nigeria and other African countries to advance industrial development, agricultural cooperation, poverty reduction, green development, science and technology.
According to him, such partnerships could help strengthen economic opportunities, improve livelihoods and create conditions for greater stability.
He maintained that security and development are interconnected, adding that sustainable economic growth is essential to addressing the underlying causes of conflict.
CHINA REAFFIRMS PARTNERSHIP WITH AFRICA
Dunhai said China would continue working with Nigeria and other African countries to promote peaceful solutions to conflicts, deepen economic cooperation and support development initiatives.
He described China and Africa as longstanding partners with shared interests in peace, stability and prosperity.
The ambassador expressed confidence that African countries could build a more stable future by taking ownership of their peace efforts, strengthening regional cooperation and pursuing development that addresses the needs of their people.
He said China remained committed to working with African nations to implement the four principles and advance a future of peace, development and mutually beneficial cooperation across the continent.
Source: Yu Dunhai, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria.
