AUC Chair candidates tackle elusive "Silence the Guns" agenda during leadership debate
By Mwangi Maina |
Despite the AU’s long-standing goal to “Silence the Guns” by 2020, conflicts continue to persist across the continent.
The three candidates vying for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson position engaged in a debate on the elusive “Silencing the Guns” agenda during Mjadala Afrika, a continental forum hosted by the African Union.
Raila Odinga, former Kenyan Prime Minister, emphasised the need to address key contributing factors such as poverty, external influence, and religion, while also promoting dialogue.
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“We need to address key contributing factors like poverty, external influence, and religion, and enhance dialogue,” he said.
Odinga also pledged to advocate for Africa’s representation on the global stage, vowing to push for two permanent seats on the UN Security Council with veto powers.
However, achieving this remains a formidable challenge, as powers in the Global North continue to oppose the idea of granting Africa veto powers.
Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, the Djiboutian candidate with over 20 years of experience on the AU Executive Council, presented a critical view of the African Union’s approach to peace and security.
“Our peace and security council is not proactive; it reacts to crises when they occur. This has to change. It is also critical that the AU Peace Fund set aside is used for peace,” he stated.
Africa must silence the guns; peace and stability for prosperity. #Raila4Africa pic.twitter.com/63ZMrvpLk9
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) December 13, 2024
He identified “political will” as the primary obstacle to achieving lasting peace across the continent, highlighting that “80% of issues discussed at the UN Security Council are African,” highlighting the need for a seat on the global stage.
Youssouf also called for the adoption of a single currency across Africa to foster economic integration and development.
Djibouti's Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on silencing the guns in the continent: Our peace and security council is not proactive; it reacts to crises when they occur. This has to change. It is also critical that the AU Peace Fund set aside is used for peace. #MjadalaAfrika #AUCDebate2024… pic.twitter.com/3ITowLTLMS
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) December 13, 2024
Meanwhile, Richard Randriamandrato, Madagascar’s candidate, criticised the AU for allowing Turkey to mediate the conflict between Ethiopia and Somalia, questioning why the organisation couldn’t manage it independently.
Djibouti, currently chairing the African Union Peace & Security Council (PSC) for December, has been central in discussions about conflict prevention and resolution.
Despite the AU’s long-standing goal to “Silence the Guns” by 2020, conflicts continue to persist across the continent, threatening both human security and the success of initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The PSC’s ability to navigate these challenges remains vital to the continent’s long-term peace and stability.
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