By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former president Thabo Mbeki says as Africans, we must focus on the implementation of policies that have been drafted by us and we all have a role to play in further developing our continent.
Mbeki was speaking at a media briefing by his foundation, which is currently in Conakry, Guinea marking Africa Day.
Policies adopted by the African Union (AU) empower its Peace and Security Council (PSC) to take the necessary action to quell violent conflict on the African continent but Mbeki said the continent’s failure happened when it must see through those commitments.
“Policies already adopted by the AU empower the PSC to do various things, that’s why I say it’s fit for purpose but it’s on the implementation side that we run into problems.”
His annual lecture is also due to take place in Guinea, along with a tribute to late South African icon Miriam Makeba, who spent a decade living in the West African country.
Guinea, a country in West Africa, has a population of more than 13 million people.
Recently West Africa has been rocked by military uprisings. In the past three years, the Presidents of Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea were overthrown.
Currently, under a transitional government, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) a regional body, has given Guinea 24 months to hold elections. After the coup in 2021, the African Union suspended the country.
Mbeki’s decision to hold the Annual Lecture in Guinea comes at a time when countries like Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo are experiencing political and security challenges.
He’s also weighed in on ongoing conflict in Sudan, saying the East African community struggled to intervene successfully.
“I acted immediately after this conflict broke out in Sudan to try resolve this matter but didn’t make much progress because the generals were not listening to what I had to say.”
Mbeki’s annual lecture, which is taking place outside of South Africa’s borders for the first time, will be delivered on Saturday by Guinea’s Professor Siba Grovogui.
Watch Live in the video below:
Video Courtesy of SABC.