Mauritanian Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug has emphasized that silencing guns in Africa should not be viewed solely as a security goal, but rather as a multidimensional project requiring a comprehensive approach. This approach must address the root causes of conflicts, strengthen institutions, promote good governance, invest in human capital, and create conditions for sustainable peace.
Minister Merzoug made these remarks during the opening ceremony of the second session of a training program titled "Silencing Guns in Africa: Tools of the African Peace and Security Architecture, Challenges, and Strategic Paths." The program aims to deepen the discussion on peace and security issues in Africa, review the tools of the African Peace and Security Architecture, and explore ways to enhance its effectiveness.
The Mauritanian Foreign Minister highlighted the African Union's efforts to establish a peace and security architecture, providing tools for early warning, conflict prevention, mediation, peacebuilding, and peace support operations. He described the training program as an extension of Mauritania's efforts to support the African peace and security agenda, reflecting the role the Mauritanian Diplomatic Academy aims to play as a center of excellence in African affairs.
Minister Merzoug stressed that Africa faces a complex and evolving strategic environment, with intertwined challenges of conflicts, terrorism, violent extremism, governance, development, climate change, and transboundary threats. He emphasized the need to develop peace and security tools, enhance strategic thinking, and build African solutions to address these challenges.
The Minister expressed confidence that the training program will provide a platform for exchanging experiences, knowledge, and best practices, as well as fostering professional partnerships. He noted that the program's holding in Mauritania has special significance, given the country's commitment to African peace and security issues and its strong commitment to promoting dialogue, preventive diplomacy, and African ownership of solutions.
Minister Merzoug recalled Mauritania's priorities during its chairmanship of the African Union in 2024, which included promoting dialogue, preventive diplomacy, and African ownership of solutions. He emphasized that these principles are essential for achieving sustainable peace and security in Africa.
The training program aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to address peace and security challenges in Africa. The program's participants will explore ways to strengthen the African Peace and Security Architecture and develop effective strategies for silencing guns in Africa.
Key points
- The Mauritanian Foreign Minister calls for a comprehensive approach to silencing guns in Africa.
- The African Union has established a peace and security architecture to address conflicts and promote sustainable peace.
- The training program aims to equip participants with knowledge and skills to address peace and security challenges in Africa.
