"...We have to strive to build a set of normative rules and values and generate the collective political will of the people of Africa to hold our public officials accountable for the negative consequences of these unconstitutional changes. We must address both the manifestation of the problem and the cause if we are to move Africa forward."

"This special issue of Conflict Trends on ‘Conflict in the Developing World’ provides a platform for perspectives from the developing South. The introduction of new contributors from Asia and Latin America fosters a wider conversation on the way conflict is evolving globally and encourages dialogue among practitioners and academics beyond Africa. The contributions in this issue record unique, as well as common experiences, in conflict and conflict resolution."

"This issue of Conflict Trends covers the specific developments in African peacekeeping and peace-building, and the synergies and overlapping concerns that exist between them. With the current global economic decline, the challenges of peacekeeping and peacebuilding on the continent are even more acute. It is these challenges that we must address, realistically and over the long term, if keeping the peace and building the peace are to succeed on the African continent."

"The South African experience illustrates that robust and independent democratic institutions – combined with impartial policing, and strong political will and leadership directed at preventing violence – can lead to free and fair elections that genuinely reflect the will of the people. This is a good example for other countries to aspire to and emulate.

"It is... refreshing to observe the United States’ (US) new policy commitment to move away from military solutions as a first response, and towards dialogue and political solutions instead... Such efforts must also be complemented by other major global players... This requires that there be a renewed and genuine global commitment to dialogue, including providing financial resources and skilled personnel who are capable of promoting and facilitating dialogue around the world.

10th Anniversary Issue

"Several watershed events taking place globally and in Africa that will have a significant impact on Africa’s fortunes. Internationally, the global financial crisis, which started in the United States (US), and the election of the first African-American into the office of President of the US have shaped, and will continue to shape, the developments around the world for several decades."

10th Anniversary Issue: Peacekeeping in Africa

"August 2008 marks a turning point in our evolving world order. On 8 August, China introduced itself as the new power to be reckoned with on the world stage at the opening of the Beijing Olympics. At the same time, Georgia staged an attack on the small separatist state of South Ossetia, prompting a military response from Russia... What does this shifting global power balance, shaped by energy security, mean for Africa?"

10th Anniversary Issue

"This editorial is being written on the eve of the African Union Summit in Egypt. We at ACCORD therefore take this opportunity to appeal to the African political leadership not to fail the continent and its people at this historic turning point. The collective political leadership in Africa must assist the leaders of Kenya and Zimbabwe to restore African pride, and the hopes of the millions of African people who place their future in the hands of their elected leaders."