The African continent is one that has suffered many atrocities over the years and today still struggles with violence and wars across many different countries which is hindering Africa development. The only way that Africa can move forward as a united front and benefit from growing its economy and establishing successful political and socio economic allies, is to create a peace. The peace process in Africa is one that is gaining more and more attention of late and with the establishment of a Peace and Security Council by the African Union (AU), the quest for peace in Africa seems to be more of a reality. Africa development takes place in many forms and will only be fully realized when there is peace in each country.
Peace is a concept that seems simple enough to abide by, but with so many different cultures, religions, and political entities in Africa, the process is not going to happen overnight by any stretch of the imagination. Africa development will have to occur simultaneously and in fact one can help the other. For example, one way to improve Africa development is to educate the communities. Education has been found to have a very positive effect on warring nations and teaches the youth about better ways of handling conflict than to go to war. This in turn will help the peace process significantly.
However, for education to be a success in Africa, there has to be an opportunity for educators to step in and be allowed to teach the children of Africa, which in many warring nations is not possible. Fear is one of the most common agitators of war, and if people are scared to step forward and take a stand for fear of retaliation, then wars continue and Africa development is hindered.
Africa development also comes in the form of the economy. Most countries in Africa are poor and, largely due to the violence, have no investments to boost the economy. The political instability in many African nations also prevents investments. Slowly, with the help of organizations like the African Union through its Make Peace Happen campaign, running now for a second year, international aide and investments are starting to filter in, with the goal of working towards peace and making way for further Africa development.
One such way of improving relations internationally and between African countries is through sports, and the FIFA Soccer World Cup held in South Africa in 2010 was a perfect way to demonstrate this. Many other sporting events are planned to assist Africa development, including hosting One Day One Goal soccer matches across Africa on World Peace Day in September every year.
