Peace and stability…an African demand

By: Nasser Kamel

Chairman of State Information Service (SIS)

When the African countries began to obtain their independence in the fifties of the 20th century, the African peoples heaved a sigh of relief given that peace and security could finally take place in their continent. Yet, the successive waves of coups and the outbreak of civil wars all over Africa brought about instability in the Dark Continent . No doubt, the absence of peace and stability impedes development thus jeopardizing the programs of economic and political reforms in the African countries. From 1945 till 1994, Africa lost more than 41 million people while up to 300 million Africans live below the poverty line, i.e. less than USD 1 per day.

More than 61 million Africans would starve to death in the Horn of Africa. While the GDP of the Dark Continent scores the lowest rates as compared to that of the whole world, the volume of military expenditure hits 7.4%. Based on its recognition of the fact that the absence of peace and stability endangers the future of Africa , the African Union (AU) established Peace and Security Council on December 26, 2003. The 15 member-states were elected in March 2004.

The mission of the council is to help settle the conflicts and fix the pillars of stability all over Africa . The AU Peace and Security Council is an extension of a mechanism established by the deceased Organization of the African Unity (OAU) proposed by to help end conflicts in Africa . By so doing, the African Union aims at establishing peace and security in the Dark Continent . Yet, the African peoples should bear responsibility to reach peace in Africa in order to pave the way before realizing a comprehensive development in the Dark Continent . Realizing peace and stability in Africa would never take place except through the establishing of democratic regimes which should respect the rights of the citizens.

The 20th issue of African Perspective sheds light on the role of Peace and Security Council, programs and mechanisms of peace and security adopted by the regional organizations, the phenomenon of children recruitment by the armed groups and the role played by the private security companies in Africa 's conflicts. This is besides paying heed to the latest developments all over Africa .