A protracted conventional knowledge within mainstream International Relations (IR) has been that African agents (states, organizations, and diplomats) are consumers of international norms and practices designed in the affluent countries of the Global North. Papers in this special issue present a challenge to this view; they discuss the active role and the influence of African actors in international politics and renew a call for the development of IR theories, concepts, and methods that reflect Global Southern and African experiences, ideas, institutions, actors and processes.
Canada is a global leader in addressing refugee issues, particularly in the area of resettlement, but has a complicated relationship with African refugees. The complication is most profound in the case of those living in refugee camps in Africa. In addition, Canada's commitment toward peacekeeping—which it deems a solution for conflicts that are the leading cause of population displacement in the context of Africa—is fraught with complexities. This article reviews the complications underlying Ottawa's response to refugee issues from Africa, arguing that in the next 25 years, Ottawa can change its complicated relationship with Africa into a partnership aimed at providing a solution to the myriad refugee crises. Such a partnership will necessarily include contributing financial and technical support to refugee-hosting countries in Africa and returning to active participation in peacekeeping in Africa.
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