AU calls for concerted efforts to address growing peace, security perils in Africa

The African Union (AU) on Saturday called for concerted continental efforts to address the growing peace and security threats across Africa that are mainly emanating from the scourges of terrorism and armed conflicts.

ADDIS ABABA, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) -- The African Union (AU) on Saturday called for concerted continental efforts to address the growing peace and security threats across Africa mainly emanating from the scourges of terrorism and armed conflicts.

The statement was made Saturday by Bankole Adeoye, AU commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, in line with the International Day of Peace, which is annually commemorated on Sept. 21.

The AU commissioner said this year's edition of the International Day of Peace, which is commemorated under the theme "Cultivating a Culture of Peace," is being observed amid growing threats of intractable terrorism, insurgency, and armed conflicts in different parts of the African continent.

Adeoye said in some instances of such continental peace and security perils, "the concept of protection of civilians is collapsing and genocide is either real or looming, driven by injustice, intolerance, exclusion, poverty, inequality and climate change challenges."

He warned that the concerning phenomenon poses "a grave threat to Africa and, indeed, to the global stability, peace, and prosperity." He also underscored the need to expedite cross-sectoral, inclusive, and locally-owned response efforts that aimed to address conflict and post-conflict situations across the continent, mainly security challenges in the Horn of Africa, the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel, and the Great Lakes regions, among others.

Noting that the 55-member continental organization has prioritized conflict prevention by strengthening early warning mechanisms, preventive diplomacy, inclusive peacemaking, and peace missions, Adeoye called on Africans from all walks of life to redouble efforts in achieving peace through sustainable development, good governance, and the protection of human rights.

"We urge all Africans, especially women and youth, to actively engage in policy-making and peace-building initiatives. Together, let us build on the African values of Ubuntu (an African traditional philosophy of "I am because we are"), solidarity, dialogue, and cooperation and to concretely build peace," Adeoye said. ■