Africa-Press – Angola. African Union (AU Chairperson, João Lourenço, urged members of the organization’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) on Wednesday in New York to renew strategies focused on the issue of peace.
The Angolan President was speaking at the opening of a meeting of the AU’s PSC, under the theme “Reinvigorating Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa,” held on the sidelines of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“This meeting represents an opportunity to reinforce commitments, renew strategies, and reaffirm our focus on peace as a mandatory and essential asset for the peoples of the African continent,” he stated.
João Lourenço recalled that “we are part” of a continent of hope, diversity, and incalculable potential, but it is also where political tensions, ethnic rivalries, disputes over natural resources, and institutional weaknesses persist, which often degenerate into armed conflict.
The Angolan statesman said that these undermine peace and stability, hinder, limit, and delay economic and social progress, weaken democratic institutions, and multiply humanitarian tragedies on the continent.
He emphasized that everyone is aware of this reality, and must adopt a constructive, courageous political stance, based primarily on national interests and those of Africa, to make concerted and decisive efforts to end African conflicts.
“Observations are not enough; firm and immediate action is needed. Too many years of reflection and debate on the same topic have failed to produce the results we all desire, results that are achievable if there is collective political will and a sensitive approach to the critical situation of our populations,” he noted.
The President stated that the people are calling for urgent African initiatives that do not depend on third parties outside the continent, in order to seek feasible solutions aimed at putting a definitive end to the wars ravaging the continent and finally achieving the “Silencing of the Guns in Africa.”
He noted that there are many examples of efforts made in Africa among Africans, which, having relied on the genuine involvement of the parties in conflict, have led to reconciliation and the restoration of peace in certain countries on the continent.
But he also acknowledged the existence of cases in which disbelief or hesitation regarding Africa’s ability to contribute to conflict resolution has undermined, often in its final and hope-filled phase, a framework of realistic, effective solutions capable of ending the wars that “regrettably” still rage in certain parts of Africa.
He noted that every conflict that erupts takes lives, destroys economies, and undermines hard-won progress, making it imperative to coordinate efforts to prioritize the prevention and resolution of existing conflicts in each country, subregion, and the continent as a whole.
“Until we face these challenges with a transformative and innovative approach, we will surely fail to achieve the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the African Union’s vision, enshrined in Agenda 2063, in its seven aspirations, flagship programs, and projects,” João Lourenço emphasized.
He added that the responsibility for transforming this situation falls primarily on Africans themselves, even if this often requires the support of the international community, which has its role to play in implementing continental initiatives.
The meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council, at the level of Heads of State and Government, aimed to address the issue of conflicts in Africa.
It also included the participation of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Bankole Adeoye.
This month, the African Union Peace and Security Council is chaired by Angola.
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