President AKufo – Addo has opened a High-Level Retreat on the Promotion of Peace, Security and Stability in the Ghanaian capital, Accra with a call for a renewed sense of purpose and a clear strategy, which would help Africa win the fight in the promotion of continental peace, security and stability, essential for the socio-economic development of the continent.
Speaking on the theme, “Strengthening Africa Union’s Conflict Prevention and Peacemaking Efforts”, the President urged participants to also pay attention to the creation and bracing of institutions for the elimination of pervasive threats to people and individual rights, livelihoods, safety and life, through the promotion and protection of democratic rights and human development.
The president charged leadership to work towards assuring the continent and its people of the possibility of reaching the goal of a peaceful, stable and progressive Africa.
“We must recognize that the way forward is to implement regional and continental decisions, such as the Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, as ultimately, the benefits are in everyone’s interest. Through this, we will build institutional confidence and integrity in the structural organs of the AU and our regional entities”, the President admonished.
Commissioner, Peace and Security – AU Commission, H.E. Smaïl Chergui, United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, Mohammed Ibn Chambas and other speakers reflected on how to address challenges brought by the long term trends in Africa with regards to its growth and international relevance.
The Retreat, the 9th in a series, was convened by the Commission of the African Union (AU) with support from, Special Envoys, Mediators and other Senior Officials from the security sector.
Participants were drawn from various platforms including the African Union (AU), Regional Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution, the United Nations (UN), and the European Union (EU).
Meanwhile, ahead of the opening of the 2-day Retreat, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey met with the EU Special Representative for the Sahel, H.E. Angel Losada Fernandez. The two envoys discussed security issues of concern in the Sahel region and the need to ensure peace and stability.
