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Security chiefs push to end conflicts in Africa

Xinhua, August 4, 2016 Adjust font size:

Africa security chiefs have called for strong and bold decision as well as political action to end conflicts ravaging African continent.

They made the call Thursday during an opening ceremony of the 13th Conference of the Committee of Intelligence and Security Services of Africa (CISSA) in Rwandan capital Kigali.

The meeting has brought together chiefs of intelligence services from 51 African countries as well as security experts to critically examine how African countries can stamp out security threats that have become wide spread across the continent.

"Political instabilities and transnational crimes have become serious threats to Africa's social and economic growth. Serious political solution is needed to end the inextricable conflicts that have ravaged the African continent,"said Juan Antonio Bibang Nchuchuma, CISSA chairperson.

He called on all security organs across the continent to play a decisive role towards silencing guns on the African continent.

"Our target is to see Africa free of conflicts by 2020. This will be achieved through creation of strong mechanisms and strengthened partnerships in the fight against armed groups and terrorism in all its manifestations," Nchuchuma noted.

Some African countries are currently facing violence and conflict. The Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, the Central African Republic and South Sudan, remain restive, due to perseverance of renewed conflict and violence.

Erastus Mwencha, deputy chairperson of African Union Commission, said the meeting will play a key role towards bringing lasting peace and stability on the African continent.

"Africa narrative has changed from being a dark continent to Africa rising, and this will be achieved through ending political instabilities, intra-state conflicts, terrorism and youth radicalization," he added.

To realize a conflict-free Africa, Mwencha emphasized the need to effectively address both current and emerging threats to peace and security on the continent.

Addressing the gathering, Rwanda President Paul Kagame called for strong collaboration to address the peace and security concerns of the continent.

"Intelligence services are the custodians of national, regional, and global security. The need for more and stronger cooperation across the world is clear and CISSA must adapt to these changing realities," said Kagame.

CISSA was established in 2004 in Abuja, Nigeria to assist the African Union to effectively address the security challenges confronting the continent.

It has a permanent seat in the African Union Peace and Security Council where it makes periodic presentations and briefings.

During the meeting, Rwanda will take over the CISSA chairmanship and hold the position for a period of one year. Endit