By Tione Andsen–Mana
Malawi has said peace, safety and security are a prerequisite for the attainment of socio- economic development.
President, Dr Lazarus Chakwera made the remarks Sunday during Virtual 14th Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government on Silencing Guns.
He noted that pockets of violence and armed conflict that persist in some parts of the African continent are a threat to collective prosperity.
Chakwera viewed it was imperative for African Union (AU) member States to work together to heal the open sores as well as prevent new one from braking out in places where there are clear signs of resentment, discontentment and radicalization.
“It is upon us to earnestly implement the AU Master Roadmap of Practical step for Silencing Guns in Africa which details these situations and suggestion remedies for the same,” the Malawi leader pointed out.
He said Malawi’s experience historically and recently was that collaborative ways of settling disputes and more productive than combative one.
Chakwera added that Malawi champions values such as contact and dialogue in Peace and Security Council of the AU.
“We share the reasoning of the AU Master Roadmap of Practical step for Silencing Guns in Africa which identifies among other things socio-economic factors as contributors to armed conflicts on the continent,” he explained.
The President echoed that member states are responsible for implementing economic development plans by uplifting the living standards of their citizens to reduce chances of them taking up arms.
Chairperson for AU, President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa said AU member states should strive to resolve conflicts within themselves by engaging each other peacefully.
He said the conflicts that have happened have had negative impacts for the economic growth of the continent.
