Lamola calls for stronger AU mechanisms to prevent conflicts

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola has called for more robust mechanisms within the African Union to prevent conflicts across the continent. At the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government held in Luanda, Angola, Lamola highlighted the need to bolster the financial capacity of the AU to effectively manage and resolve conflicts.

Led by South Africa's delegation, the session brought together African leaders to discuss strategies for conflict prevention and resolution on the continent. Speaking on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa, Lamola emphasized that while there are existing mechanisms in place, what is lacking is the political will and capability to implement these mechanisms effectively.

He stressed that "We have enough mechanisms. We need political will and a capability to implement this mechanism by building good and enough capacity that will enable us to implement all the resolutions and mechanisms that we have." The speaker underscored that achieving peace is contingent upon development, and vice versa, noting that too many societies on the continent suffer under the threat of violence.

The escalation of conflicts in Africa has been paralleled with reduced funding for international peacekeeping operations and significant cuts to development aid.