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AU to intensify conflicts resolution, terrorism fight: official

Xinhua, January 31, 2016 Adjust font size:

The African Union (AU) will engage the international community to intensify conflict resolution and the war against terrorism on the continent, a senior official said Sunday.

Smail Chergui, AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, said at a media briefing on the sidelines of the AU Heads of State summit in Addis Ababa that the continental body will devote greater resources towards peace initiatives alongside eradication of the terrorism scourge.

"We are going to intensify the search for lasting peace in several trouble spots like South Sudan, Burundi and the great lakes region. Long-term stability for the post-conflict states is also our priority this year," said the commissioner.

The 15-member AU peace and Security Council during its meeting Friday resolved to redouble efforts towards cessation of conflicts and terrorism in Africa.

Chergui said the AU member states were united in their resolve to support peace keeping initiatives and the fight against violent extremism.

He revealed that leaders from the eastern African region pledged to deploy the East African Standby Force to Burundi to assist in disarming armed groups alongside protection of civilians.

"President Museveni of Uganda is spearheading dialogue to end the political crisis in Burundi. AU has supported inclusive dialogue to restore peace in the country," Chergui told reporters, adding efforts to restore stability in the great lakes region, South Sudan and Libya have been intensified.

"There has been progress on settlement of the political crisis in South Sudan though the humanitarian situation remains fragile. On Libya, the AU Heads of State summit has agreed to revive the high level contact group to mediate for peace in the country," said Chergui.

He revealed that former Tanzanian President, Jakaya Kikwete was appointed by African leaders as the new envoy to Libya.

The AU will support military and technical interventions to root out terrorism in the horn of Africa, the Sahel region and northern Nigeria.

Chergui said that African states were united in their resolve to vanquish the scourge of terrorism that threatens peace, stability and development in the continent.

"Terrorism is a global challenge that requires concerted efforts to defeat. We must fight as a bloc to eradicate terrorist networks wreaking havoc in Somalia, Lake Chad basin, Northern Nigeria and the Sahel region,"he said.

The commissioner revealed the AU Commission will on Monday meet international donors to raise funds that will support the war against Nigeria's Boko Haram terrorists.

Chergui added that African leaders agreed to support programs that empower the youth to shield them from recruitment by militant groups. Enditem