‘Deep rooted threats to peace and stability increased with serious consequences’
By Pa Modou Cham
“Worsened by poverty and youth unemployment, such social ills make the youth vulnerable to terrorist and criminal groups.”
He was speaking recently at the 5th Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security.
He said the incidence of civil wars, large-scale conflicts and violent overthrows of democratic governments has decreased, which represents an important step towards sustaining stability within the region. He added that after much struggle also, elections are now accepted as the sole credible means of transferring power.
“There are emerging threats to deal with as well. These include election-related violence, unregulated migration and abuse of new information technology. This state of affairs has particularly made the West African sub-region highly vulnerable to terrorist violence,” he pointed.
The president highlighted that the institutional and structural limitations to handle these vices require urgent attention and durable solutions. “To this end, priority needs to be put on providing adequate resources, training and operational capabilities for law enforcement agents to effectively address all security threats.”
However, the president buttresses on Africa’s commitment, saying we have committed ourselves to silencing the guns on the continent by 2020. He added that it’s only by working together that we can achieve this difficult challenge. “Thus, deliberations should continue to focus broadly on sustained peace and security, nationally, regionally and globally.”
He said he is convinced that the revival of our national economies and the implementation of appropriate reforms are vital elements for development and peace in Africa. He added importantly too, national and regional strategies are necessary to uproot organized crime, especially the key threats to peace and security.
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