African Countries Urged to End Conflicts PeacefullyThe absence of democratic values and the denial of participation by the ordinary citizens in contributing towards their own destiny is a critical factor in the cause of some conflicts in the world today, Zambian Presidential Affairs Minister Eric Silwamba said on Friday, December 1.Silwamba made the statement when officially opening the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Parliamentary Workshop on conflict management and resolution held in Lusaka. He said African people have a prime role to play in discussions and decision-making on the problems and challenges that continue to face the continent,/ hence the need to involve them in such activities. Silwamba commended the move by the continent's leaders to establish a Pan-African Parliament early this month in South Africa, whose main aim is to consolidate principles and values of democracy, good governance, peace and security. He urged the workshop participants to also form strategies that would help enhance women activities in the areas of conflict resolution and peace building. Silwamba added that peace building should not be left to governments alone but should be a partnership between official actors and non-official actors. He reiterated the government's commitment to promoting peace for the development of the continent. Speaking at the same function, chairperson of the SADC Parliamentary Standing Committee on Democracy and Conflict Resolution and Gender Equity, Charity Mwansa challenged parliamentarians to be involved in peace initiatives for the benefit of the people they lead. Mwansa said it is important for parliamentarians to address the problem of conflict and promote peace for the development of the continent. |
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