UNSC promotes peace in Africa

The 15-nation body, in a presidential statement adopted at the start of an open debate on combating terrorism in Africa, said it “notes with deep concern that terrorism continues to pose a serious threat to international peace and security . . . and prosperity in Africa.”

The Council members voiced deep concern at the increasing violence perpetrated by armed groups in several regions and sub- regions of Africa, said the statement.

“The Security Council underscores that the long term fight against terrorism must adopt a comprehensive approach by dealing with the challenges of increasing economic growth, promoting good governance, reducing poverty, building state capacity, extending social services and fighting corruption, particularly in Africa, but also in other regions,” it said.

According to the statement, the members of the Council recognised that “terrorism will not be defeated by military force or security forces, law enforcement measures, and intelligence operations alone.”

As a result, they underlined the need to address the conditions conducive to “strengthening efforts for the successful prevention and peaceful resolution of prolonged conflicts, and also promoting the rule of law, the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, good governance, tolerance and inclusiveness.”

In the statement, the Security Council stressed that terrorism cannot and should not be associated with any religion, nationality or civilisation.
“The Security Council also reaffirms that member states shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any State, and shall also give the United Nations every assistance in any action it takes in accordance with the United Nations Charter, and shall refrain from giving assistance to any State against which the United Nations is taking preventive or enforcement action,” said the statement.

The Council also called on UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to provide “a comprehensive survey and assessment” of the UN’s work in assisting member states and sub-regional and regional entities across Africa in fighting the continent’s terrorist threats.

In addition, the most powerful body of UN reiterated that the scourge of terrorism can only be defeated by a sustained and comprehensive approach involving active participation and collaboration of all states, and relevant international and regional organizations and civil society.

China said that efforts should be made to help African countries build their capacity in the fight against terrorism, calling for support and assistance to Africa “without any attached political conditions.”

Li Baodong, China’s permanent representative to the UN, made the remarks at an open debate of the UN Security Council on peace and security in Africa, which is themed on the challenges of the fight against terrorism in Africa.

“Terrorism organisations take advantage of the political and security turmoil in some parts of Africa and incessantly spread their activities to the continent in an attempt to establish a new safe haven there,” Li said, pointing out that the terrorist activities and ethnic and religious conflicts, which are interwoven in Africa, affect each other, further intensify the arms proliferation and cross-border organised crimes.

The Chinese ambassador underlined that limited resources and capacity are the biggest restriction of African countries to combat terrorism.
“We urge the international community, the developed countries in particular, to redouble the efforts in helping African countries promote capacity-building in justice and security sectors, strengthen the exchange of experience and information sharing, and support the relevant efforts of regional and sub- regional organizations,” he said.

Li also emphasised that the security turmoil in parts of Africa is the “hotbed” for terrorism and urged the international community to be objective and fair, comprehensively and proactively support the African countries and regional organisations in their efforts of maintaining regional peace and security.

“The international community should pay good attention to the economic and social development in Africa, effectively honour their commitment and actively provide the assistance to African countries without any attached political conditions,” he said.

The Chinese envoy reiterated the attitude of China, which is also a victim of terrorism, in supporting African countries in their efforts to combat terrorist activities.

“We will continue to do what we can to provide support and assistance to African countries to jointly face the threat the terrorism has brought to Africa and the world at large,” Li added. — Xinhua.