For years, Africa has been marred by persistent conflicts and civil wars, creating fertile ground for terrorism and armed groups. These ongoing crises have significantly contributed to widespread poverty across numerous nations, severely hindering development and stability.
As a result, many African countries continue to grapple with poverty, leaving millions facing hunger. This situation is particularly paradoxical given Africa’s immense wealth in natural resources, boasting some of the world’s most valuable minerals, significant agricultural potential and abundant energy sources.
Unfortunately, these resources remain underutilized due to ongoing unrest and violence. The instability prevents effective governance and investment, stifling economic growth and social progress.
To address the issues, African nations have taken various strategies to achieve peaceful development on the continent. For instance, in past months, Ethiopia deepened military alliances with neighboring nations as well as other African nations that aimed to enhance recognition for ensuring regional security as a collective responsibility, especially in a continent facing ongoing threats such as terrorism, armed conflicts, and cross-border instability.
The country’s strategic partnerships reflect a broader commitment to fostering peace and stability, to share best practices and mutual development across the region.
Ethiopia’s extensive experience in peacekeeping missions and counter-insurgency operations has been invaluable to other Africa nations and beyond its continent.
Furthermore, recently the Defense and Foreign Affairs Ministers from Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda, together with those from Somalia, convened in Kampala, the Ugandan capital.
The high-level summit underscored that ministers from countries contributing troops to the African Union (AU) peacekeeping force in Somalia are urging immediate action, as Somalia’s security is deteriorating with the Al-Shabaab militant group gaining influence.
Jacob Oboth, Uganda’s minister of defense and veteran affairs, stressed the importance of addressing the escalating threat from Al- Shabaab and bolstering ongoing stabilization efforts in Somalia. He called for a greater troop presence, warning that without action, the risk of losing the hard-won operational achievements is significant, according to his office’s statement.
Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Somalia’s minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, urged the swift reinforcement of rapid reaction forces and a comprehensive offensive to reclaim areas recently lost to Al-Shabaab. He emphasized that peace in Somalia is crucial for stability across the entire Horn of Africa.
In May 2019, the UN Security Council approved a resolution for troop reductions as Somali forces began to assume security responsibilities. As a result, Uganda decreased its troop numbers while Burundi withdrew its forces from the country, according to Xinhua.
In his part, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, chairperson of the AU Commission, highlighted the need for sustained political and financial support for AU operations in Somalia.
Youssouf said UN Security Council Resolution 2719 calls for predictable and sustainable funding for African-led peace operations, noting that global peace is a shared responsibility.
He said the AU is requesting only 190 million U.S. dollars for 2025, far less than the estimated seven billion dollars that maritime piracy once cost the world annually.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Defense Soipan Tuya argued that the funding challenges may be attributed to donor fatigue, noting the urgent need for predictable funding.
Tuya said Somalia’s stability is integral to regional and global security, urging the international community to act in unity.
On the other hand, AUC Chairperson Condemns Terrorist Attack against Beninese Army in the Tri-Border Area of Benin, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has condemned in the strongest terms the heinous terrorist attack on 17 April 2025, targeting the Beninese Army in the tri-border area shared by Benin, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
The chairperson also reaffirmed the African Union’s resolve to deal with terrorism in the Sahel.
This cowardly act, which resulted in the tragic loss of lives and left several soldiers injured, further underscores the grave security challenges faced by the region, he noted.
The Chairperson expresses deep condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers, the government, and people of the Republic of Benin, and wishes swift recovery to the injured.
Such acts of violence are unacceptable and represent a direct threat not only to the Republic of Benin but the entire region.
The Chairperson notes that such attacks highlight the urgent need for enhanced cooperation among neighboring states to address the growing threat posed by terrorist groups operating in the Sahel.
The Chairperson reaffirms the AU’s unwavering commitment and support to the Government and People of Benin in their efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
Additionally, the African Union (AU) must urgently prioritize silencing the guns across the continent to establish lasting peace and sustainable development. Enduring conflicts and violence severely impede economic growth and destabilize communities, underscoring the critical need for comprehensive AU policies focused on conflict resolution and prevention. By actively facilitating dialogue among member states and robustly engaging in peacekeeping initiatives, the AU can cultivate a stable environment.
Furthermore, fostering good governance, upholding human rights, and strengthening democratic processes are vital to the AU’s efforts in building peaceful societies. Strategic investment in education, healthcare, and infrastructure is essential for sustainable development, creating opportunities that empower communities to overcome poverty.
The AU’s unwavering commitment to these objectives will not only silence the guns but also pave the way for a prosperous Africa where all citizens can thrive. Achieving lasting peace is a shared responsibility demanding strong collaboration among all stakeholders within the region.
Researchers emphasize the need for the African Union (AU) to strengthen its internal infrastructure and provide robust support to regional organizations. An integrated approach is essential to foster collaboration, enabling the AU and these organizations to work effectively toward common goals.
By enhancing communication and coordination, the AU can empower regional bodies to address challenges more efficiently, ensuring that responses to issues like security, economic development and health crises are swift and effective.
This collaboration will not only improve the AU’s capacity but also create a more unified and resilient continent, ultimately benefiting all African nations in their pursuit of peace and prosperity.
Moreover, for Africa to unlock its vast potential, addressing the fundamental causes of conflict and cultivating an environment of sustained peace and cooperation is paramount.
BY FIKADU BELAY
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 30 APRIL 2025
