SA to continue peace efforts in war-torn African countries - Pandor
International Relations Minister Naledi Pandor says South Africa continues to be fully involved in conflict resolution efforts across Africa.
Pandor, who spoke in her capacity as a member of the ANC’s national executive committee, briefed the media on Friday on the party’s election manifesto.
South Africa has deployed soldiers and taken part in diplomatic efforts to establish peace in various war-torn African countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Pandor says the ANC remains committed to progressive internationalism and collaboration.
“Rooted in internationalism, peace, solidarity and friendship, the ANC will continue with its mission of building a world devoid of war, famine, disease, military coups, foreign occupation, and exploitation. Ours is a vision of a new global order based on collaboration and partnership. We have also committed ourselves to building a community of nations which prioritises dialogue to resolve conflict.
“The ANC fully supports our government’s efforts to try and silence the guns on the African continent. South Africa played a key role in bringing about the Ethiopia-Tigray Peace Agreement, commonly known as the Pretoria Agreement.
“South Africa is also involved in conflict resolution efforts in Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan and many other parts of Africa, where tensions are flaring up," said Pandor.
Pandor said that, further afield, South Africa is also trying to help end the war in Ukraine.
"President Cyril Ramaphosa led the first African peace mission beyond the borders of our continent, which comprised the leaders of the Comoros, Congo Brazzaville, Egypt, Senegal, and Uganda as the representatives of the African Continent.
“The delegation travelled to both Ukraine and Russia in an attempt to bring peace between these warring nations. South Africa has remained involved in high-level peace talks on Ukraine hosted by several countries since June last year," she added.
Pandor said these efforts are also aimed at improving investment links with other countries.
"This agenda includes strengthening the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, enhancing the BRICS program for an outcome-based BRICS agenda that benefits the African continent, promoting peace, security, democracy and socio-economic development in the Southern African Development Community and other parts of the continent, increase the voice of developing countries in multilateral institutions, and work with other countries in the fight against climate change, global poverty and inequality in line with applicable international resolutions.”
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