Conflicts in eastern DRC and Sudan have not received adequate attention |Lamola.

By Lehlohonolo Lehana.

Minister of International Relations Ronald Lamola has commended the Thabo Mbeki Foundation (TMF) for hosting an inaugural Annual Peace and Security Dialogue (APSD) dedicated to finding practical solutions to the peace and security challenges facing the Continent.

Presenting the keynote speech at the event that attracted political leaders from across Africa and thought leaders, Lamola said evidence suggests there are more than 120 conflicts playing out globally.

Themed “Towards a Peaceful and Secure South Africa: Challenges and Opportunities,” the inaugural Annual Peace and Security Dialogue (APSD) aims to provide a platform for critical thinking and generate practical solutions to pressing peace and security challenges on the continent.

The two most worrying conflicts which have led to devastating humanitarian crises are in the eastern DRC and Sudan.

Unfortunately, both have not received adequate attention from the international community compared to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the devastating war in Gaza and recent tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbours.

He said in the past few years the continent has been riddled with a resurgence of coups.

“Six member states remain suspended from the AU because of unconstitutional government changes. South Africa will continue to work in harmony with, and revive the AU and Regional Economic Communities, the building blocs of African integration,” Lamola said.

He added that the resurgence of violence in the Sahel region “should concern us all. The threat of terrorism and violent extremism is one of the most pressing peace and security challenges that the continent is dealing with as it has spread to more regions of the continent, including Southern Africa.

“The terrorism and violent extremist acts in Cabo Delgado are not only a security threat for Mozambique, but for the wider southern African region. It is in recognition of this that South Africa contributed troops towards the SADC Mission in Mozambique, otherwise known as SAMIM.”

South Africa has also troops deployed in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The defence minister of Liberia, Geraldine George, added that West Africa and the Horn of Africa face numerous threats that undermine stability such as terrorism and extremism.

“The proliferation of extremist groups such as Boko Haram, Al-Shabaab, and various ISIS affiliates is a grave concern. These organisations exploit local grievances and unstable conditions to expand their influence, resulting in violence and humanitarian crises.

Mbeki has criticised the African Union (AU) for being silent when the continent is experiencing a myriad of challenges.

“There is something radically wrong with the AU. Look at the conflict in Sudan. Where is there AU with regard to the resolution of that conflict, nowhere to be seen and put the AU in sound footing.”

Mbeki has emphasised the importance of this dialogue, saying, “Africa faces numerous peace and security challenges that have undermined our efforts to achieve development goals and eroded trust in leaders and institutions.”

He further notes that while many African countries grapple with economic difficulties, conflict, and governance issues, the APSD seeks to enhance the capacity of leaders, foster a culture of dialogue and co-operation, and catalyse action through the TMF’s convening power.

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