Tanzania condemns violations of international laws, using force

NEW YORK: THE Tanzanian Vice President, Dr. Philip Mpango, said Tanzania condemns the resurgence of violations of international law leading to the use of force as a means of resolving conflicts, a situation that leads to extreme cruelty to humans, especially children, women, the elderly and the sick in conflict areas.

The Vice President said this while addressing the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) being held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, United States of America.

He said the presence of imperialist attitudes, including that of considering Africa as a place for resource extraction and land grabbing, as well as the presence of multinational companies continuing to prosper from the exploitation of Africa’s natural resources, while causing or supporting conflicts, must end now.

The VP said Tanzania considers the unilateral stance and misuse of military force, as well as the failure of the international community and the world’s powerful nations to stop the bloodshed and dangerous wars that continue in many parts of the world, as unacceptable.

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He also called on the international community to recognize that the increase in spending on military matters, including research and development of weapons, is regrettable and immoral.

“This situation hinders efforts to find peace in the world, and takes up a large amount of resources that could be used to promote sustainable development and prosperity for all humanity,” he explained.

Dr Mpango said the world should continue to relentlessly seek peace as it is a prerequisite for social and economic development.

“I commend the efforts of the United Nations Secretary-General, world leaders, and organizations that are actively involved in mediation and conflict resolution in countries and regions such as the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Russia, Ukraine, and the Middle East.

“Tanzania as a member of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, also in its capacity as Chair of the Political, Security and Defence Committee of the SADC Community, has actively contributed to peace initiatives and supported measures to prevent and resolve conflicts.

He said that Tanzania has announced its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2029-2030 term, to reaffirm its commitment to peace and security in the world.

Adding, he said Tanzania reiterates Africa’s position to correct the continent’s under-representation in the United Nations Security Council, and called for the adoption of at least two permanent African seats with veto power.