Abstract

Nowadays the African continent continues to be affected by conflicts undermining its security and economic development. In such a context the strengthening of conflict prevention has a particular significance. On these premises this article aims at assessing the contribution provided by preventive diplomacy to preempt and prevent inter-state and, particularly, intrastate conflicts potentially damaging international peace. For this purpose, this article defines the concept of preventive diplomacy and frames it both within UN collective security system and the ones established within African regional organizations. Moreover, it analyzes to what extent the preventive diplomacy has been concretely employed.