The issue of port conflict in Africa has become a source of concern in recent years. African countries have been grappling with a range of issues such as poverty, corruption, and civil unrest, and the issue of port conflicts has only added to the complexity of the situation.

The port conflict in Africa can be attributed to various factors, including economic interests, political instability, and historical legacies. These conflicts often arise due to competition for control and access to port facilities, which are critical for trade and commerce in the region.

One of the most notable examples of port conflict in Africa is the dispute between Djibouti and Ethiopia over access to the Port of Djibouti. The Port of Djibouti is strategically located at the southern entrance of the Red Sea and is a major gateway to landlocked Ethiopia. In 2018, Djibouti terminated its concession agreement with Dubai-based DP World, which had been managing the port since 2006. The termination of the agreement was followed by a series of legal battles between DP World and Djibouti, with Ethiopia also joining the fray. The dispute has yet to be fully resolved, and it has had a significant impact on trade in the region.

Another example is the conflict between Kenya and Tanzania over access to the Port of Mombasa. The Port of Mombasa is the largest seaport in Kenya and serves as a gateway to the East African region. In 2015, Tanzania began developing the Port of Bagamoyo, which was intended to rival the Port of Mombasa. The move was seen as a direct challenge to Kenya’s dominance in the region, and it sparked tensions between the two countries. However, the project was later put on hold, and the conflict has since subsided.

The issue of port conflict in Africa has also been compounded by the presence of foreign powers, particularly China. China has been investing heavily in Africa’s port infrastructure, and some experts have raised concerns that this could lead to a new form of colonialism. China’s involvement in African ports has been a source of tension with other powers, particularly the United States, which has accused China of using its investments to gain political influence in the region.

To address the issue of port conflict in Africa, there is a need for greater regional cooperation and collaboration. African countries should work together to develop a shared vision for the development of port infrastructure in the region. This could include the creation of a regional body to oversee port development and management, as well as the establishment of common standards and regulations.

In addition, there is a need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of port facilities. Corruption and mismanagement have been major contributors to port conflicts in Africa, and addressing these issues will be critical to preventing future conflicts.

The US, EU, and UN can play a significant role in minimising the risk of port conflicts in Africa by supporting regional cooperation and promoting transparency and accountability in the management of port facilities.

One way they can do this is by providing technical and financial assistance to African countries to develop and implement effective port management and governance systems. This could include training and capacity building for port managers and staff, as well as support for the development of regulatory frameworks and standards for port operations.

The US, EU, and UN can also support the establishment of regional bodies to oversee port development and management, such as the African Union’s African Maritime Transport Charter. By promoting regional cooperation and collaboration, they can help to reduce competition and conflicts over port access and control.

In addition, the US, EU, and UN can encourage greater transparency and accountability in the management of port facilities by promoting international best practices and standards for governance and accountability. This could include supporting the development of independent oversight mechanisms, such as port ombudsmen or independent regulatory bodies, to ensure that port operations are conducted in a transparent and accountable manner.

Overall, the US, EU, and UN have an important role to play in promoting peace and stability in Africa by supporting efforts to prevent port conflicts and promote sustainable development. By working together with African countries and other international partners, they can help to build a brighter future for the continent.

China and Russia have different agendas in Africa, but both countries are seeking to expand their economic and geopolitical influence on the continent.

China has been investing heavily in African infrastructure, including ports, as part of its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Through the BRI, China aims to create a network of infrastructure projects connecting Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. China’s investments in African ports have been significant, with Chinese companies involved in the construction and management of several major ports in the region, including the Port of Djibouti, the Port of Mombasa, and the Port of Berbera in Somaliland. China’s investments in African ports have raised concerns about debt sustainability and the potential for China to gain strategic and political influence in the region.

Russia’s agenda in Africa has been more focused on security and military cooperation. Russia has sought to expand its influence in Africa through arms sales, military training, and diplomatic engagement. Russia has been particularly active in North Africa, where it has established close ties with Egypt, Algeria, and Libya. In addition to military cooperation, Russia has also been involved in energy and mining projects in Africa, with Russian companies investing in oil and gas exploration and mining projects in several countries.

Overall, China and Russia’s agenda in Africa reflects their broader global ambitions, with China seeking to expand its economic and geopolitical influence through investment and infrastructure projects, and Russia seeking to expand its military and diplomatic influence through arms sales and security cooperation. The extent to which these countries’ efforts will be successful remains to be seen, and will depend on a range of factors, including the responses of African governments and other international actors.

In conclusion, Africa has become a battleground for global powers seeking to expand their economic and geopolitical influence on the continent. The issue of port conflict in Africa is just one manifestation of these broader ambitions, as countries like China and Russia invest heavily in African infrastructure and seek to gain strategic and political influence in the region.

However, African countries have agency in this dynamic, and have the potential to shape the outcomes of these power struggles. There is a need for greater regional cooperation and collaboration to address the issue of port conflict in Africa, and African countries should work together to develop a shared vision for the development of port infrastructure in the region. This could include the creation of a regional body to oversee port development and management, as well as the establishment of common standards and regulations.

In addition, African countries must prioritize transparency and accountability in the management of port facilities, in order to prevent corruption and mismanagement. This will be critical to preventing future conflicts and ensuring that port infrastructure is developed in a sustainable and responsible manner.

Furthermore, it is important for other international actors, including the United States, the European Union, and the United Nations, to engage with African countries on issues of port infrastructure and development. These actors can provide support and expertise, as well as help to ensure that the interests of African countries are protected in the face of competing global powers.

Ultimately, the issue of port conflict in Africa highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of global power struggles in the 21st century. The outcomes of these struggles will have far-reaching implications for the future of Africa and the world at large, making it all the more important for African countries to take an active role in shaping these outcomes. By working together and prioritizing transparency and accountability, African countries can overcome the challenges of port conflict and build a brighter future for the continent.