"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, such as China and India, so that there is a global reduction in arms manufacture and supply, armed conflict, and armed or military interventions, and a greater emphasis placed on dialogue instead. 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.

"This Issue of Conflict Trends is the last of the tenth anniversary series in 2008. It is being published at a notable time when there are 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."

"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. These two events − the opening of the Beijing Olympics and Russia’s military response directed at Georgia − have once again indicated the shifting global power balance from a unipolar world order, following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989, to an emerging multipolar world order... What does this shifting global power balance, shaped by energy security, mean for Africa?"

"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."

"This is the most rewarding and the most troubling editorial I have written for Conflict Trends. My pleasure in writing this editorial stems from the success of achieving our goal, established 10 years ago when Conflict Trends was first published, to present the various trends in African conflict. More importantly, we wanted to create an African medium through which we could present ‘African solutions to African challenges’..."

"...this issue of Conflict Trends highlights the impact and consequences of civilian protection, post-conflict reintegration, elections and peacebuilding coordination as a snapshot of Africa’s multifaceted needs. In order to move forward in these and other areas, a strengthened and coordinated regional and interna- tional approach is required to address pressing issues and ensure the effective mobilisation of the maximum available resources. It is also crucial to remember that, as significant as the role of the international community is in addressing Africa’s conflicts, national ownership and capacity must still be harnessed."