5. The Role of Effective Governments and Institutions

The importance of effective governments as an enabler to economic development is highlighted in this chapter. The struggle that many African countries undergo in effective leadership is illustrated by means of a comparative case study between Ghana, The Gambia and Zimbabwe, illustrating the important role of leadership and internal and international action in ensuring that problematic states progress from dictatorships and warring factions towards peace and development. The role of Chinese peacekeeping forces engaged in peacekeeping operations, the largest number amongst the United Nations Security Councils permanent members, is provided as an example of China’s commitment to peace in Africa and elsewhere. A number of other efforts by China are also described that contribute to peace and security on the continent, for instance, China’s engagement in direct bilateral mediation in conflict situations, such as it has done in South Sudan and Burundi.