Story by John Nhandara
THE Pan African Parliament has reached out to the African Union to find the best approach for conflict prevention and resolution in line with Agenda 2063, which aspires for inclusive development underpinned by a peaceful and secure Africa.
The recent rebel attack which left more than 30 people dead in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has irked the Pan African Parliament Committee on Cooperation, International Relations and Vonflict Resolution which has in turn called for urgent action to end terror attacks on the continent.
The committee this Monday engaged the African Union’s Commission for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, led by Ambassador Bankole Adeoye in Midrand, South Africa on how guns can be silenced to ensure Africa becomes a more peaceful and stable continent.
Ambassador Adeoye summed up the situation in most parts of Africa as dire, amid conflicts in countries like Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Tunisia and Mozambique.
Ambassador Adeoue said, ‘‘The African continent is facing a lot of challenges. For example in Somalia, thousands of African soldiers have paid enough price. We have a serious challenge that requires concrete action to bring stability. Central African Republic is battling with stability issues and we need political dialogue.’’
It was agreed that conflict resolution in Africa requires action instead of talk shows with relevant organs such as the African Union expected to play a leading role.
Botswana Member of Parliament, Hon Nkodana Simon Moabi noted, ‘‘We spend a lot of time discussing these problems and challenges and we don’t come up with solutions. We need to solve these problems.’’
Uganda Member of Parliament, Hon Felix Okot Ogong said, ‘‘The meetings brings together members of PAP and AU in creating harmony and a relationship that provide a clear picture of coordination in how we must execute our mandate of solving conflicts in Africa.’’
The impact of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on the continent’s agricultural sector also dominated the discussion.
