Year of Peace and Security in Africa
With the aim of putting an end to the various conflicts which characterize part of the African continent, the African Union declared 2010 the year of peace and security in Africa during its special summit held in Tripoli (Libya) on August 31, 2008.
Armed conflicts kill thousands of people every year, cause humanitarian crises, destroy countries' wealth and hinder any sustainable economic development. One of the most serious consequences of these conflicts is the loss of hope for a better future. In order to revive this hope among the African people, the Heads of State are determined to put a definitive end to the scourge of conflicts and violence on the continent, driven by the desire to mobilize all the necessary means and human resources.
In January 2010, several African states received the Peace Flame from the African Union, a unifying symbol for all nations committed to promoting peace.
The campaign for peace and security in Africa will be crowned on September 21, 2010, with the International Day of Peace which will be a unique moment of collective union by highlighting the objectives of the Year of Peace and Security and which will offer a more solid foundation for lasting peace in Africa. A ceasefire and a cessation of all hostility must be marked in all African conflict zones during this day to show that peace is possible in Africa and that life is better without violence and conflict.
However, the initiative aimed at promoting peace, security and stability in Africa will not be limited to a single day but will extend over several years and will constitute an opportunity for African institutions and governments in collaboration with the international community, to celebrate successes and review current efforts to promote peace with a view to strengthening them, which will constitute an important step in launching new initiatives in favor of peace and security.
Armed conflicts kill thousands of people every year, cause humanitarian crises, destroy countries' wealth and hinder any sustainable economic development. One of the most serious consequences of these conflicts is the loss of hope for a better future. In order to revive this hope among the African people, the Heads of State are determined to put a definitive end to the scourge of conflicts and violence on the continent, driven by the desire to mobilize all the necessary means and human resources.
In January 2010, several African states received the Peace Flame from the African Union, a unifying symbol for all nations committed to promoting peace.
The campaign for peace and security in Africa will be crowned on September 21, 2010, with the International Day of Peace which will be a unique moment of collective union by highlighting the objectives of the Year of Peace and Security and which will offer a more solid foundation for lasting peace in Africa. A ceasefire and a cessation of all hostility must be marked in all African conflict zones during this day to show that peace is possible in Africa and that life is better without violence and conflict.
However, the initiative aimed at promoting peace, security and stability in Africa will not be limited to a single day but will extend over several years and will constitute an opportunity for African institutions and governments in collaboration with the international community, to celebrate successes and review current efforts to promote peace with a view to strengthening them, which will constitute an important step in launching new initiatives in favor of peace and security.