African Leaders Push For Joint Efforts To Tackle Terrorism

African leaders have been urged to deepen the rule of law, human rights and democracy in their countries to prevent conflicts, extremism and terrorism on the continent. 

The call was contained in a 14-point communique on how to tackle violent extremism and conflicts on the African continent at the just ended Kofi Annan Peace And Security Forum.

In his opening remarks, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS) said the theme for the meeting, ‘Peace Operations in the context of violent extremism’ couldn’t be more relevant, given the existential nature of the threat it poses.

”We are witnessing systematic loss of lives, including at least 27,000 reportedly killed by Boko Haram-related attacks ince 2009, acute humanitarian crises with dire consequences on women and children, a retreating state presence in many areas, and a surge in intercommunal conflicts and transnational organized crimes caused largely by the security vacuum that has been created.” he indicated.

According to him, it is high time African leaders called on international bodies, with the right expertise in tackling the matter, for assistance.

”It is evident that, our member states can no longer see violent extremism and terrorism as something happening far away. It is with us, and we need to bring all the necessary thinking, the necessary planning and strategy to bring an end to the issue” he added.

The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia who was the guest speaker at the closing ceremony pledged government of Ghana’s continuous support in tackling extremism.

”I wish to state that, the government will continue to support efforts with the International community to bring peace and security to the world. Our commitment towards elimination of violent extremism will require critical quality changes, some of which you have actually outlined in the communique, which was read recently. We cannot build a better society if we cannot take holistic approach towards peace building.” he said.

Sod Cutting 

The event saw the sod cutting for work to begin on a 20-foot statue to be erected in honour of the late United Nations Secretary-General, Mr Kofi Annan, at the entrance of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, (KAIPTC) at Teshie, in Accra.

While the statue will be in memory of the Ghanaian diplomat, it will also, when completed, be expected to attract local and international tourists.

Mr. Annan was the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations from January 1997 to December 2006. In 2001, he and the UN were co-recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Principled man

President Nana Akufo-Addo, before cutting the sod, eulogised the late international diplomat, describing him as an industrious man who was principled and “lived his life in accordance with those values.”
He urged all to live and act in ways that would see their efforts recognised by others.

The Minister of Defence, Mr Dominic Nitiwul, who doubled as the Chairman of the Governing Board of the KAIPTC, said Kofi Annan dedicated his life to peace in the world and hence the need to honour him.

Statue

The widow of Mr. Annan, Mrs Nane Annan, said the monument was a depiction of her husband’s optimism and vision to make life better for all, and expressed her appreciation to all who supported and helped them embrace life in the difficult past year.

The sod-cutting event was witnessed by some former African presidents such as Catherine Samba-Panza of Central African Republic, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Dr Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone and Professor Amos Claudius Sawyer of Liberia as well as Pierre Buyoya of Burundi and AU High Representative to Mali and Sahel (MISAHEL).

The forum sought to deepen the collaboration between the African continent and International organisations such as the United Nations and ECOWAS.