Online Reporter
Kudakwashe Mugari in ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia
PRESIDENT MNANGAGWA has called for the urgent reclamation of Africa’s peace and security agenda, telling continental leaders that the full operationalisation of the African Standby Force (ASF) is no longer a mere aspiration but a “strategic necessity”.
Making a contribution during a closed-door debate on continental security at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) here yesterday, the President said Africa must assert its autonomy and speak with one voice to “silence the guns” and shape a dignified future for its people.
The President’s remarks come at a time when the continent is seeking homegrown solutions to security challenges, moving away from over-reliance on external actors.
“Africa must reclaim ownership of its peace and security agenda, and count on our enduring philosophy, African solutions for African problems,” President Mnangagwa said.
“The full operationalisation of the African Standby Force and the predictable financing of AU-led mechanisms are now matters of strategic necessity, not mere aspirations.
President Mnangagwa speaks to former President of Botswana Mokgweetsi Masisi (back to the camera) at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa yesterday. – Picture: Presidential Photographer Tawanda Mudimu.
“By speaking with one voice, acting in unison and asserting its autonomy, Africa must silence the guns towards shaping a secure and dignified future that ultimately benefits our peoples.”
The two-day summit is being held under the theme “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063”.
Several regions continue to face instability, including South Sudan, northern Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo, while unconstitutional changes of government in parts of the Sahel remain a major concern for the continental body.
President Mnangagwa also hailed the draft memorandum of understanding between the AU and regional economic communities.
President Mnangagwa shares a lighter moment with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Professor Amon Murwira at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, yesterday.
“The draft memorandum of understanding between the African Union, regional economic communities and regional mechanisms is a step in the right direction,” he said.
“This critical framework clarifies the roles and responsibilities in the preparation, deployment and post-deployment of the ASF.”
President Mnangagwa expressed concern over “troubling” global security trends, reaffirming Zimbabwe’s support for AU-led efforts to restore constitutional governance in conflict regions.
“While some regions enjoy peace and security, the overall trend remains troubling and demands resolute collective action. Zimbabwe fully supports AU-led engagement efforts, aimed at restoring constitutional order through inclusive political processes, clear transition timelines and return to democratic governance,” he added.
The President also welcomed the continued deployment of AU election observer missions, describing them as a demonstration of the continent’s collective commitment to democracy.
“We further welcome the continued deployment of AU election observer missions as a demonstration of our collective commitment to democratic governance and constitutional order and credible electoral processes.”
