Address root causes before conflicts escalate, PM tells AU summit

Prime Minister Justin Nsengiyumva has said early-warning signals must translate into early action to prevent conflicts from escalating. He said this on Sunday, August 30, in the Angolan capital Luanda, where he represented President Paul Kagame at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU). ALSO READ: PM Nsengiyumva in Angola for AU extraordinary summit The summit focused on strengthening Africa’s mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution, with key outcomes aimed at improving the continent’s peace and security architecture. “No mechanism, however well designed, will deliver lasting peace unless we address root causes: governance deficits, exclusion, unresolved historical grievances and weak institutions,” the Prime Minister said. According to Nsengiyumva, African institutions are better positioned to address these challenges because they are closer to the realities of the continent and have a deeper understanding of its history. “Early warning must translate into early, sustained action on these structural drivers, not only diplomatic engagement once crisis erupts,” he added. ALSO READ: Peacekeeping: Nduhungirehe calls for new approach to conflict The call comes as Africa faces a number of unresolved conflicts, including the war in Sudan, the crisis in DR Congo, jihadist insurgencies in the Sahel, instability in the Horn of Africa and armed violence in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado province. The summit adopted the Luanda Action Plan and its Implementation Matrix on Strengthening Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa. Nsengiyumva said, however, that adopting decisions would not be enough without effective implementation. “Good decisions are not enough; this Summit will be measured by our collective ability to implement them, with the discipline and predictable financing required to give them life.” ALSO READ: Rwanda warns of 'partiality' in US mediation of DR Congo conflict He said the continent needs to reduce its reliance on external partners to finance the resolution of conflicts on the continent and avoid relying on actors outside Africa to mediate internal conflicts. “We must build the confidence, capacity and resources to lead our own peace processes, from early prevention through the most delicate phases of mediation.” Rwanda, he said, would continue supporting the AU Peace Fund, which he described as an important instrument for predictable, African-led financing of mediation, conflict prevention and peace support operations. The Prime Minister also said Rwanda stands ready to continue its engagement in peace and security efforts and share its home-grown experience in conflict prevention, forged in the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He cited Gacaca courts, the National Unity and Reconciliation Commission, Umuganda and Abunzi mediation. “Durable peace begins with governance rooted in accountability, inclusion and national ownership,” he said.

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Address root causes before conflicts escalate, PM tells AU summit