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MALABO. — The emergence of new conflicts alongside terrorism could reverse socio-economic progress achieved in many African countries, officials said on Monday during a meeting of the Executive Council of the African Union, which is made up of ministers of AU member countries.“We remain deeply concerned about the situation in Central African Republic and South Sudan. The massive loss of lives and sexual violence are appalling,” said AU Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
The chairperson of the AU commission stressed that peace and stability underpins sustainable development in Africa.
“We strongly condemn acts of terrorism in Kenya, Nigeria and Libya. The abduction of young school girls in Nigeria by armed militants should be a wakeup call on the need to strengthen vigilance,” Dlamini-Zuma remarked.
She urged the international community to partner with African states to combat new security threats.
The African Union commission has proposed the establishment of a standby force to strengthen response to emerging security challenges.
Dlamini-Zuma stressed that early warning mechanisms and intra-country sharing of best practices will strengthen response to insecurity.
Equatorial Guinea’s foreign minister Agapito Mba Mokuy regretted that rising insecurity has dented Africa’s image.
“We need to propose solutions to conflicts and terrorism that have reversed development in Africa,” Mokuy said.
He challenged African countries to safeguard their sovereignty through promoting communal harmony and inclusive development.
Chairman of the AU Executive Council Ahmed Ould Teguedi stressed that stability and peaceful co-existence are key to economic growth in Africa.
“We must re-organise our security architecture to guarantee long-term peace, stability and growth. Africa has re-awakened and people’s aspirations will only be achieved in an environment of peace,” Teguedi told the foreign ministers.
He noted that complex socio-economic factors are fuelling new conflicts in Africa.
“The difficult situations in Nigeria, Kenya and Somalia call for a review on socioeconomic triggers of conflicts,” Teguedi said. — Xinhua.
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