President Muhammadu Buhari said that the threat of terrorism and its related crimes have continued to be a major challenge in achieving the Africa of our dream. Buhari said the African continent must work together against all forces to ensure a new course of peace is achieved where stability would be guaranteed where livelihood will thrive.
The President was speaking at the 14th extra-ordinary season of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) on a theme titled ‘Silencing the Gun’ held virtually yesterday.
Buhari urged African leaders to implement and enforce laws bordering on arms, instruments, and embargoes.
Though, he noted that the increase in the number of peace agreements and accompanied effort in conflict situations across Africa has demonstrated the willingness to forge a new course.
The Nigerian leader called on his African counterparts to remain strict on monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to gauge its implementation at the continental level.
He said the wave of inter/intra-state resurgence of conflict has made it necessary for the African Union Mediation Support Unit to be galvanized.
Buhari said, “Threats of terrorist activities, other trans-organized crimes, and external interference in the internal affairs of African States are increasing.
“We also see maritime security threats, including the proliferation of small arms and light weapons and the challenges of the porous border are also visible.
“It is in this regard that we blame the slow implementation of the African Common Defence Policy, hinged on the establishment of the African Standby Force,’’
