‘Silencing the Guns’ initiative important for economic, social development in Africa, Egypt PM
Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has emphasised the importance of the African Union’s (AU) “Silencing the Guns” initiative to end conflict and achieve the Agenda 2063 for sustainable development.
He also said that the initiative paves the way for economic and social development, and achieving security and prosperity for the African peoples.
Madbouly’s remarks came as he attended, on Sunday, the AU’s 14th Extraordinary Session on ending conflict in Africa on behalf of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi.
Egypt welcomes the recommendations made by the AU, which calls for extending the work on the initiative to silence guns for a period of 10 years, in addition to a periodic review every two years, the Prime Minister said.
He added that the recommendations will also allow member states to implement all activities under the initiative in an integrated manner, and to cooperate in order to bring peace and stability across the continent and to fulfill the hopes of their people for a better future.
Madbouly has also indicated that a number of axes will be implemented while applying the initiative, which includes combating terrorism, and uniting military and security efforts.
He confirmed that addressing terrorism and conflicts in the African continent requires a comprehensive development and economic approach, emphasising the important role played by the African Union Center for Reconstruction and Development (AUC-PCRD) to prevent renewed conflict.
The Prime Minister pointed to the need to develop the methods of work of the AU’s Peace and Security Council, and enhance its ability to interact with emerging crises on the continent. This would allow the council to deal with these crises both effectively and flexibly, and in an urgent manner.
He expressed Egypt’s sincere appreciation and confidence that the summit will reach positive results, contributing to achieve security, prosperity and peace for the African peoples.