By OLIVER SAMBOKO
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says Africa need to enhance its peace, security and stability in order to attain inclusive economic development.
President Hichilema was speaking yesterday at the African Union (AU) summit in Lusaka yesterday attended by 6 other African heads of state.
Mr Hichilema said in the absence of peace, security and stability, Africa will not be able achieve its aspirations.
The President reaffirm Zambia’s commitment to being a shining beacon of peace in championing the realization of a peaceful and prosperous Africa.
He said Zambia will continue to play her part in supporting the work of the African Union in the actualization of continental aspirations for peace and security, inclusive economic growth and development, as well as building democracies that deliver dividends for the people.
He said the mid-year coordination meeting was born out of the need to ensure efficiency in the execution of continental programmes for the benefit of the peoples of Africa. The summit was held under, “building resilience in nutrition and food security across the african continent, strengthening agriculture, accelerate the human capital, social and economic development”.
He said this year theme should remind the continent of Africa of the urgent need to reflect deeply and pay special attention to the welfare and well-being of the people, and transform the collective potential in agriculture, into tangible results and ensure that nutrition and food security are guaranteed on the continent.
President Hichilema said he is confident, that despite the pervasive disruptions of climate change, the covid-19 pandemic and the war in ukraine, the resolve by African countries to work together will lead to overcoming the challenges and deliver on the shared objective of achieving sustainable, inclusive economic growth and development.
Six African Heads of state also attended the AU mid-year coordinating meeting held at Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka with a call on the African continent to embrace peace and security.
The heads of state also called for political commitment towards achieving food security.
Among the Heads of State attended the meeting are President of Senegal, Macky Sall, President of Libya, Mohamed Younis Menfi, and Democratic Republic of Congo President, Felix Tshisekedi.
Others in attendance are President of Guinea Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo, Chad President, Idriss Derby including President of European Council, Charles Michel.
AU Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat said there is need to find lasting solutions to challenges affecting Africa. The summit came to a close yesterday and was attended by all organs of the AU Commission.
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