As the world's most powerful countries converge on the G-8 summit next week, there is great hope that they will pass a comprehensive debt relief, trade and aid package for Africa. Yet, if this is all the G-8 summit does, the good intentions will be in vain. Africa needs peace and justice for such charity to be effective and sustainable.

Today, the Africa sub-continent is plagued by brutal post-colonial conflicts that have displaced more than 20 million people. Conflicts in Sudan, Congo, Somalia, Angola, Zimbabwe and elsewhere are horrific and persistent. Internally-displaced camps and refugee camps cloak the continent. With such mass violence raging, debt relief and aid packages may hurt more than they help.

Uganda is a case example of this. At present, more than 50% of Uganda's budget consists of foreign aid. Yet, much of that foreign aid has simply perpetuated politics of division and repression within the "pearl of Africa." The 19-year old conflict in the northern regions has persisted, leaving millions affected, while the Global North has simply ignored such peace and security realities.

It is clear that the countries of the G-8 with their economic power and foreign aid packages can do a lot of good, but that good must include being willing to face the violent realities and injustices laden through much of Africa. In many of these conflicts, particularly those in the Great Lakes Region (Congo, southern Sudan, northern Uganda, Darfur), the G-8 has powerful opportunities to take small actions to support peace processes.

As the world turns it eyes to Gleneagles, let's hope the G-8 turns its eyes to our amazing opportunity to promote peace and security in Africa. For more, read the Crisis Group's press release on the G-8.