Xi’s principles on settling Africa’s hotspot issues resonate across continent

What the report says

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s four principles for addressing Africa’s conflict hotspots are drawing supportive responses from diplomats, academics and media figures across the continent, according to a Xinhua report republished by The Independent Uganda. The ideas were presented in Beijing during Xi’s meeting with Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe, president of the Council of Ministers of Togo, who was visiting China. The principles emphasize an Africa-led approach, fairness and justice, stopping hostilities for peace, and dealing with both immediate security problems and deeper causes of instability.

The article says African commentators described the framework as timely amid wars, outside interference and intensifying great-power competition. Supporters argued that African states should remain central to resolving their own disputes, rather than relying on imposed solutions. They also said respect for sovereignty, the UN Charter and international law is important for limiting destabilizing interventions and double standards.

The report further notes that experts linked the call for dialogue to efforts by the African Union, including its Silencing the Guns agenda. They said ceasefires and broad consultations can help reduce civilian suffering and create room for negotiated settlements. At the same time, they stressed that lasting peace requires political compromise, not just military pressure.

On development, the article says the principles also reflect the view that peace and long-term growth must go together. Commentators cited poverty, youth unemployment, weak institutions and inequality as conflict drivers, and pointed to China-Africa cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, education and industrialization as part of the broader context. The piece presents the four principles as a possible guide for future African conflict resolution.