Tanzania advocates for strengthening political will, reinforcement of solidarity in Africa

TANZANIA: OVER recent years, Africa has made notable strides in advancing both the African Peace and Security Architecture and the African Governance Architecture.

Critical mechanisms have been established to prevent, manage and resolve conflicts, including those arising from unconstitutional interruptions of democratic order while simultaneously promoting inclusive political transitions.

According to the Tanzania Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative of the country to the African Union (AU), Mr Innocent Shiyo, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, Ambassador Mahmoud Thabit Kombo, platforms for knowledge and experience sharing among AU member states have also been developed, reinforcing our shared determination to achieve durable peace across the continent.

He was delivering a statement on behalf of President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the special meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) at the level of the Heads of State and Government, held on the margins of the 80th Ordinary Session of the United Nations General Assembly, with the theme ‘Re-energising Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa’.

Ambassador Kombo insisted that the theme of the meeting, is both timely and deeply relevant as we collectively navigate the complex and pressing challenges confronting our continent. In May 2013, during the commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the OAU/AU, we adopted the Solemn Declaration, pledging to end wars in Africa by 2020 and launched Silencing the Guns as a flagship initiative under Agenda 2063.

“While the 2020 target was not fully achieved, this initiative was extended to 2030, a mere five years from today. Last year, in May 2024, this very Council marked its 20th Anniversary in Dar es Salaam, under the Chairmanship of the United Republic of Tanzania. “On that occasion, the Council adopted the Dar es Salaam Declaration, a landmark outcome that reaffirmed the collective resolve of Member States to advance peace, security and stability as indispensable preconditions for achieving a conflict free Africa and for realising Aspiration 4 of Agenda 2063,” Ambassador Kombo said.

The diplomat said Tanzania is honoured to have provided leadership and to have hosted this historic commemoration, which underscored the enduring commitment of the African Union to its founding ideals. Looking ahead, Tanzania remains steadfast in supporting the full implementation of the Dar es Salaam Declaration and in working closely with all member states to translate its commitments into concrete and lasting outcomes for our continent.

Notwithstanding these commendable efforts, said Ambassador Kombo, Africa continues to face enduring and at times recurring conflicts which are increasingly complex and multifaceted.

“Intra and inter State disputes, terrorism, violent extremism, piracy, unconstitutional interruptions of democratic order, prolonged political transitions and persistent governance challenges remain serious threats to peace and security.

“These dynamics not only affect the stability and wellbeing of our societies but also risk undermining the progress made towards sustainable development,” he noted.

The diplomat said it is evident that gaps remain in Africa’s collective efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts.

He opened up by saying that Tanzania firmly believes, however, that Africa possesses the capacity and resilience to overcome the challenges.

“What is required now is the strengthening of political will, the deepening of unity and the reinforcement of solidarity. PanAfricanism, which so powerfully guided the struggles of our forefathers, must once again inspire our endeavours.

“By prioritising context specific, home-grown solutions and mobilising our own financial and institutional resources, we can safeguard Africa’s sovereignty in shaping its peace and security agenda while reducing reliance on external intervention.

“Equally important, Member States must ensure that political commitments are translated into concrete action at both national and continental levels, thereby giving real meaning to the aspirations of our peoples,” said Mr Kombo.

He was of a clear view that Africa has developed a comprehensive body of normative frameworks and mechanisms to guide conflict prevention and resolution. What now requires strengthening is their collective determination to ensure faithful implementation.

“As members of this Council, we shoulder the solemn responsibility of applying these instruments impartially and with integrity, particularly in upholding democracy, good governance and constitutional order,” he told the Council.

In doing so, he added, they safeguard the Council’s credibility, enhance its legitimacy, strengthen confidence among member states and above all, reassure their citizens that the African Union remains resolute and capable of delivering on their expectations for peace and security.

He said Tanzania commends Angolan President, Mr João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço – the Chairperson of the AU and Chairperson of the PSC for the month of September 2025 – for his exemplary leadership as the AU Champion for Peace and Security.

“We highly appreciate the tireless efforts you have deployed both as Champion and as Chairperson of the Union in addressing peace and security challenges.

“It is imperative that peace agreements facilitated under the auspices of the African Union are implemented with integrity, in good faith and inclusively, taking into account the needs of women, youths and children. Only in this way can we secure sustainable and enduring peace,” he said.

Ambassador Kombo said that PSC must also recognise the profound human consequences of conflict. Beyond political and security dimensions, he noted, those crises have caused immense suffering, particularly among women, children and persons with disabilities.

Above those, they have contributed to the significant increase of refugees and internally displaced persons across the continent.

“This urgent humanitarian reality compels us to act decisively, in solidarity and with a renewed sense of shared responsibility.

“As we conclude this gathering, let us reaffirm our commitment to strengthening Africa’s conflict prevention and resolution mechanisms, enhancing cooperation with the United Nations and other international partners and ensuring that our peace and security frameworks remain credible, legitimate and fully effective in meeting the expectations of our peoples,” Ambassador Kombo said.

The diplomat concluded by saying: “The future of Africa depends on our collective unity and unwavering commitment to transform the vision of peace from aspiration into tangible and lasting reality for all communities.