Madam Chairperson,
My delegation congratulates you and the
Peace and Security Council for organizing this important debate on the subject
of structural prevention of conflicts in Africa.
Tackling the root causes of
conflict requires a comprehensive approach that focuses on creating and a
democratic culture, equitable distribution of resources, and more importantly
respect for the sovereignty and territorial borders of member states.
Multitude of factors account for the root
causes of conflicts in Africa: Conflicts breed where there is poor governance,
human rights abuses and grievances over the inequitable distribution of
resources, and power. Tensions simmer where people are excluded,
marginalized and denied meaningful participation in the political and social
life of their countries. Unrest flourishes where people are poor, unemployed
and without hope. All these vices characterized fragile states particularly in
Africa.
Madam Chairperson,
Structural prevention of conflicts must
start with the strengthening of democratic governance, the establishment of a robust,
resilient, accountable State institutions; ensuring adequate checks and
balances, promotion of a credible due process of the law and effective
democratic control over the security sector. Good governance can prevent
conflict and establish the baseline for durable peace and sustainable
socio-economic development.
Additionally, state’s ability to reduce
endemic poverty and social vulnerabilities could prevent conflict and promote
peace and security. Economic problems in Africa were often traced to the poor
management and inequitable sharing of benefits of its rich natural resources. Moreover,
the porosity of African borders and in most cases the existence of straddling
natural resources in these boundaries often result to conflicts over possible
disagreement in the management and optimal exploitation of the straddling
resources. National mediation efforts usually result to peace agreements
between political elites that address their immediate political problems
without dealing with the underlying root causes. Invariably, the peace
agreements are not fully implemented, monitored and enforced. The violation of
which could result to the resumption of conflicts and possible unconstitutional
change of government.
These problems are mostly acute when
States are fragile and armed movements operate with impunity across porous
borders, often with support from neighbouring States. The arms trade treaty adopted
by the General Assembly of the United Nations prohibits the illegal transfer of
weapons across borders and to non-state actors. Furthermore, the African legal
order requires African States to respect the principle of uti possidetis – an
important principle according to which African States’ boundaries should follow
those inherited at independence etc. International law and practice equally
necessitate neighbouring states with straddling natural resources in their
borders to embark upon joint exploitation of that resource for the mutual
benefits of both countries. Undoubtedly, these legal principles are designed to
prevent conflicts and promote peaceful co-existence between states. Perhaps the
African Union Border Programme which seeks a complete demarcation throughout
the continent if implemented and effectively monitored could also serve as an
effective means of preventing border related conflicts in Africa.
Madam Chairperson,
Structural prevention of conflict also
requires active involvement of regional organizations, community organizations,
the private sector, civil society, the African Union Panel of the Wise, women
and youth in decision-making. Their activities can help stabilize
communities. Structural prevention also demands that we address the culture of
impunity surrounding sexual violence. Sexual violence is a menace in
society and an assault on the peace and security of entire communities.
There is a need for concerted efforts to implement all African Union Assembly
decisions and other international instruments and mechanisms against this
dehumanizing crime.
This brings me to the dreadful Ebola
epidemic in West Africa which I construe as a non-traditional security threat to
human existence. Unlike other non-traditional security threats (climate change
etc.) for which ample period is required for prevention, mitigation and
adaptation; Ebola Virus Disease can extinct humanity within seconds to 21days.
It is the apex of all non-traditional security threats to human survival. I
will use this medium to propose to our noble Union to adopt a decision for the
convening of a global conference to negotiate and adopt a standard framework
document for international response to the Ebola Virus Disease and similar
future epidemics.
I thank you for your kind attention.
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