Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf has said African countries have to play a leading role in ensuring there is peace and security on the continent.
While elaborating how he will ensure there is peace on the continent, Youssouf said African countries should stop depending on other nations for help.
He said lack of political will is one of the reasons peace in Africa has been elusive.
“We have to be outspoken and frank. We make decisions at the peace and Security Council level but these resolutions are not implemented,” he explained.
He further lamented that the Peace and Security Council is not proactive.
“Out Peace and Security Council is not proactive. It reacts to crises and when they occur and happen. This has to change. I am sending a message to members; this has to change,” Youssouf added.
Youssouf spoke Friday night during a live debate dubbed Mjadala Afrika where candidates for the African Union Commission chairperson position outlined their vision and strategies for implementing Africa’s Agenda 2063.
He faced Kenya’s Raila Odinga and former Madagascar Foreign Affairs Minister, Richard Randriamandrato.
The debate was held before an audience comprising AU Executive Council members, Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) members, AU Commissioners, media representatives, and guests.
Youssouf noted that AU has standby forces, which are never mobilised because of lack of resources.
“We have them on paper and sometimes we can mobilise them but they lack resources. We are still relying on foreign partnerships. I will give you an example, Amisom, since 2007 has been financed by the EU and UN,” he stated.
“Financial resources are critical. Without money we cannot deploy resources. Even the committee of mediators cannot go and discuss with stakeholders.”
Youssouf added that there are many bottlenecks but lack of funds was a major setback.
He added that countries need to be united to end conflict on the continent.
“When they is no unity of purpose of neighbouring countries, the nation facing security issues cannot stand on its own. That is what is happening in Sudan,” he said.
