AU Chairperson Urges Fisheries Experts on Peace in Banjul,The Gambia

 By Denis Jjuuko

Fisheries experts, ministers, and stakeholders currently attending the First Conference of African Ministers on Fisheries and Aquaculture (CAMFA) have been urged to work towards peace through innovative and inclusive partnerships at all levels. This call was contained in a statement by the Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union, Mr. Jean Ping, in his message for the commemoration of the International Peace Day.

The United Nations proclaimed September 21 every year as the day of peace since 1982 as a way of providing a rallying point for the United Nations and its member states, as well as for civil society, private sector and individuals, to join forces to advance global peace. In Africa, the year 2010 was designated as the “Year of Peace and Security” by the African Union during the special session on the Consideration and Resolution of Conflicts in Africa, held in Tripoli in August 2009.

Mr. Ping said that pursuit of peace is not the preserve of politicians, national governments and international organizations alone. “It is only when all women and men, civil society and the private sector, join hands with governments and relevant international institutions that permanent peace will be a reality,” he told the gathering of over 200 delegates at the Sheraton Gambia Hotel.

Without peace and stability, Mr. Ping observed that more people and not just combatants who suffer but mainly women and children as a result of consequences of conflict than from direct conflict-related violence.

He added that the economic toll is also devastating. “Conservative estimates point to a combined economic loss of around US$300 billion since 1990 by African countries affected by conflict. Indeed, conflict remains one of the greatest impediments to sustainable development in Africa today. Peace is a prerequisite for sustainable development.”

Chairperson Ping said that Peace Day affords Africa the chance to take stock and celebrate the continent’s hard won gains, cherish the peace that we have, and honour and commemorate those who have dedicated themselves for resolving conflicts and restoring security on our continent but challenged everybody to play their roles and make contributions to make an end to conflict and achieve sustained peace.

“Peace Day is an opportunity for us all to do something to advance and celebrate peace in our workplaces, in our homes, in our communities, in our nations and on our continent. We each have a duty to make peace happen,” he told conference participants. He implored them to refrain from violence, give hope to the children and make peace for a better future.

Talking of children, nine year old Remotse Kgwadi recited a poem titled “A World of Peace” in which she prayed for peace to happen on this world irrespective of race in all our days and attend to our ways.

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Picture Source: World Bank