Story by Wellington Makonese
The Africa Peace and Security Dialogue continued on Sunday, with key stakeholders gathering to discuss lasting solutions to the continent’s stability challenges.
Representing President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Ambassador Frederick Shava emphasised that Africa faces emerging threats under the 4th industrial revolution and outlined recommendations to address these challenges.
“The following will contribute to the experts’ analysis and recommendations, delivered here, towards finding lasting solutions to Africa’s conflicts. Governments should serve and protect the national vision and values for transparency and national cohesion. We have to uphold democracy and constitutionalism. Our intergovernmental organisations have often fallen prey to divergent interests and manipulation. We need a paradigm shift!
“The integrity of all our institutions should, at all levels, be beyond reproach. We need African institutions that are responsive to challenges we face and that effectively deliver on the objectives of our Agenda 2063 – The Africa We Want.
“African Union member states must reduce donor dependence, in all its aspects, to the barest minimum. It is the only way to eliminate political and economic manipulation. The SADC treaty and the African Union Charter envision the eventual establishment of a single foreign and defence policy. This will strengthen our position in the global arena and unify our responses to peace and security threats. We continue to fall short on this aspect. Africa must speak with one voice on issues of common interest,” he said.
Investment in African institutions has been cited as key to the maintenance of peace across the continent.
“Sustainable development requires foundational peace and security with investment in infrastructure, education and job creation to offer opportunities for youth and counter extremist ideologies. Africa must tackle insecurity and leverage opportunities for a peaceful society,” said Honorable Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation South Africa.
Kenyan Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Director Peace and Security, Ms Lenah Nyambu weighed in,
“The African continent, in particular the AU and SADC, should also work with speed to find a critical mineral strategy because economists argue that this is not stable, is evolving and is moving at a fast pace. If the continent does not act with speed, this wave may also pass us. The natural resources of the continent must help shape the reasoning and us finding the solutions on many of the sources of our conflicts in the continent.”
Part of the recommendations is for African Union member states to subscribe to democracy and constitutionalism.
This includes respecting human rights, holding free and fair elections, ensuring good governance, and fostering inclusive participation, particularly for women and youth, as outlined in the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance
