South African Government Commits To African Agenda, Promoting Peace, Security

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola assured South Africans that the current government will focus on the African Agenda and continue to promote peace and security across the African continent.

Speaking at the Africa Peace and Security Dialogue hosted by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation over the weekend in Magaliesburg, Lamola said that the seventh administration aims for genuine partnership, not dominance as some may claim.

The annual dialogue focuses on finding practical solutions to the peace and security challenges facing Africa.

"Evidence suggests that when all variations are put, it is said that more than 120 conflicts are playing themselves out on the world, while 60% of the United Nations Security Council peacekeeping budget focuses on African conflicts and peacekeeping," he said, SA News reported.

The minister highlighted that the two most concerning conflicts causing severe humanitarian crises are in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan.

He emphasized that the Government of National Unity (GNU) is working tirelessly to end these wars, with Deputy President Paul Mashatile serving as the envoy for South Sudan and President Cyril Ramaphosa focusing on Sudan.

Lamola noted that these conflicts have not received enough attention from the international community, especially compared to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the devastating situation in Gaza and recent tensions between Israel and its Arab neighbors.

The minister also expressed concern about the rise of coups in Africa in recent years, mentioning that six member states are currently suspended from the African Union (AU) due to unconstitutional government changes.

He expressed hope that the conference would help address the legitimate concerns of West Africa about the lingering effects of colonialism on the continent.

Lamola said that the Global South will continue to work together to strengthen the African Union (AU) and regional economic communities, which are essential for African integration.

He expressed that the increase in violence in the Sahel region is a matter of concern for everyone, and the terrorism and violent extremist activities in Cabo Delgado pose a security threat to Mozambique and the broader Southern African region.

The minister added, "The threat of terrorism and violent extremism is one of the most pressing peace and security challenges that the continent is dealing with as it has spread to more regions of the continent, including Southern Africa."

Last year, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) ordered an investigation into allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse against soldiers while they were deployed on peacekeeping duties in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

South Africa has been advocating peace in the DRC since the country gained independence in 1960. Furthermore, both nations share economic ties as South African companies have invested in various DRC sectors including mining and telecommunications.