Addressing the challenges of peace and security in Africa

Abstract

This paper was originally to be presented to the African Regional Hearing for the United Nations Millennium Assembly, at the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The paper attempts to address the challenges of peace and security in Africa. It considers African humanitarian and human rights issues as both the cause and result of conflict within a global context. This paper provides some reflections on the relationship between conflict and African humanitarian and human right issues and in doing so, try to provide the perceptions of the O.A.U on the issues of peace, security, governance, humanitarian concerns and human rights as major ingredients in Africa's development in the next Millennium. The basic question upon which the approach of the paper is predicated is essentially on how the O.A.U and its Member States, with the support of the United Nations Systems, should set the agenda for peace and development in the next Millennium. Who should be involved in the formulation of such an agenda, what conditions will be necessary for effective implementation of the agenda. Where should the resources for financing such an agenda come from. These are key issues that need to be addressed.