ADDIS ABABA – Enhancing stronger partnerships, advanced military capabilities and renewed determination critical to nurture a peaceful, secure and thriving Africa, the Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister said.
The DPM Temesgen Tiruneh made the above remark yesterday while opening the three- day African Defense Ministers’ conference held under the theme: “Africa: United in Peace , Strong in Security!” at the historical Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, Addis Ababa.
He noted that the continent is facing profound security challenges such as intra-state conflicts, cross border tensions and terrorism and the extremist groups are taking root not only just in governed spaces but also
in areas where they see as their safe heavens.
‘This gathering would serve as a launching pad to reaffirm the existing principle “African solutions to African problems” which is not a mere slogan, it is an imperative help to address common problems.’
According to him, foreign interventions under the guise of humanitarian aid, human right advocacy and others have been complicating the common efforts to attain lasting peace. Therefore, it is critical to forge our responsibility to reshape security and collective future.
Temesgen has also stated that the AU continues a beacon in these areas of peace, security and democratic governance to nurture the peaceful, prosperous and united continent in line with the agenda 2063.
Further, he said, “Africa’s strength lies in our unity and solidarity, sharing knowledge, and leveraging resources are secrets to overcome challenges. So, it is a timely and critical gathering to better protect citizen’s rights, continental resilience and address the ever escalating instabilities and insecurities from Shale to HoA.”
Moreover, global powers are intervening in internal affairs to quench their vested interest thereby impacting economies, politics and security, he said.
For her part, Ethiopian Defense Minister Ayisha Mohammed (Eng.) stated that this gathering not only addresses shared challenges but also to chart a course to a more secure and stable African shared future.
“It also fosters collaboration and new paths to stand firm in the face of adversity and threats destabilizing the continent.”
Apart from addressing continental pressing challenges such as the terrorism, insurgencies, organized crimes and human trafficking, cyber-attacks, political instability and economic hardship, she said that it helps to share knowledge and resilience of nations and shaping of Africa’s defense strategy.
She said: “The strength of Africa lies in its unity and in our collective ability to harmonize efforts, exchange knowledge and unity to raise the continent in the face of adversity.”
Commending Ethiopia for its strong commitment towards peace and security in Africa and globally, Head of Political Affairs and Counter Terrorism Focal Point in the AU Babatunde Abayomi highlighted that it remains the top contributor to the AU and United Nations.
He noted that the continent is currently experiencing insecurities causing displacement, human rights violations, and political instability among many others needs continental collective efforts and strengthened defense strategies, technological advancement and artificial defense ecosystem.
This cooperation should be infused with the spread of national cooperation forging new alliances within and beyond Africa, he added.
To achieve peace and security and vision of AU’s agenda 2063, he said, adding that “We must silence guns across Africa, respect shared identities, values and collective experiences.”
This gathering, which embraces African defense ministers, higher military officials, defense attaches, military research experts, AU representatives among others, sought to advance military cooperation.
BY ASHENAFI ANIMUT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 16 OCTOBER 2024
