Online Reporter
Joseph Madzimure
Zimpapers Politics Hub
AFRICAN nations must unite against foreign interference which has contributed to civil wars and regime changes on the continent, Rwandan Ambassador to Zimbabwe James Musoni has said.
Ambassador Musoni, who is the Dean of African ambassadors accredited to Zimbabwe, said most of Africa’s challenges were deeply rooted in neo-colonial influences and historical legacies.
He urged leaders and the youth to collaborate in combating these interferences and foster solidarity among African countries.
He pointed to the African Union’s “Silencing the Guns” initiative, a key component of Agenda 2063, which aims to achieve a conflict-free Africa by 2063 with all conflicts ending by 2030.
The initiative seeks to address wars, gender-based violence, and prevent genocide, reflecting a commitment to peace and stability.
Originally set to conclude conflicts by 2020, the timeframe for this initiative has now been extended to 2030.
Despite this extension, the long-term vision remains focused on a peaceful and secure Africa by 2063.
Ambassador Musoni stressed that achieving the goal requires collective effort and support for ongoing programmes aimed at promoting peace and development across the continent.
While acknowledging that conflicts and injustices continue to affect regions, he remains optimistic about the potential for a well-developed, conflict-free Africa.
“The Africa we want, as outlined in Agenda 2063, is a continent free from conflicts,” he stated.
Ambassador Musoni noted that many conflicts have external origins, stemming from neo-colonial effects.
He called for a united front, particularly among young Africans and leaders, to address these challenges.
Drawing parallels to the unity displayed in the 1960s, when African nations banded together to support each other in achieving independence, he underscored the importance of solidarity today.
The African Union has initiated various programs to foster community and cooperation among member states.
One significant effort is the Peace and Security Commission, which focuses on resolving the continent’s challenges.
