By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has called for an end to conflict in Africa and for the AU to redouble its efforts to ensure this was achieved.
Ramaphosa chaired the council meeting on Friday on the side-lines of the 36th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa,the capital of Ethiopia.
He is expected to present the Report on the State of Peace and Security on the African Continent on Sunday in his capacity as the Chair of the council.
Ramaphosa acknowledged that the volatile security situation has gone on for far too long and is untenable.
“Ten years since it was signed the eastern DRC continues to experience periodic cycles of conflict and violence. We agree that the volatile security situation in the eastern DRC has gone on for far too long and is untenable.
We cannot but be troubled by this humanitarian catastrophe. We cannot but be horrified to see people being butchered, women and girls being violated and by the blatant violations of human rights and of the rules of rules of engagement in conflict, “said Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa urged the council to take actionable decisions to address challenges emanating from lack of implementation of the Framework.
“If it is not fully implemented in both letter and spirit, the security situation in the eastern DRC will continue to present challenges.
Political will from all parties to the Framework, from the government of the DRC, from the region, from the AU, and from the international community is key to the effective implementation of the Framework.
It is critical that we redouble our efforts to address the root causes of the conflict. This means combating the illegal exploitation of mineral resources, and fighting corruption, money laundering and organized crime,”
The AU heads of state and government summit is expected to end on Sunday.