Cape Town – Former president Thabo Mbeki has said that peace and security remain ongoing challenges in Africa.
Speaking at the Peace and Security Forum in Magaliesburg, Mbeki pledged to present the outcomes of the Africa Peace and Security Dialogue to the African Union (AU), BRICS, and G20 as South Africa prepares to chair the global forum.
“All of us have a responsibility to make sure that the outcomes of the dialogue… we don’t have to wait until we meet again… we do something about acting on the recommendations,” said Mbeki.
(Courtesy of SABC News)
He stressed the importance of African-led solutions and urged candidates for the AU Commission chair to present clear plans to strengthen the AU, particularly in light of conflicts in Sudan and instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“There is something that is wrong. The new people who want to be chairs… what do they think are the wrong things?… and therefore, I’ll come, and that’s why I’m asking you to elect me in order to change these wrong things and put the AU on a sound footing. It would have been very very good if each one of these candidates could answer that,” Mbeki said.
Candidates include Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Raila Odinga, Richard Randriamandrato, and Anil Gayan.
(Courtesy of SABC News)
Speaking at the same event, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to the African Agenda, focusing on peace and security across the continent.
Lamola said that the government remains dedicated to genuine partnerships, not dominance.
“I am here to say that the seventh administration remains committed to the African Agenda. We are not deviating from it, we pursue our agenda in the spirit of genuine partnership, not hegemony as some would claim,” the minister said.
The annual dialogue focuses on developing actionable solutions to address the peace and security challenges confronting the continent.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
