Attaf souligne la nécessité d’établir un partenariat efficace fondé sur le principe « solutions africaines aux problèmes africains »
Partnership between Africa and Europe: A Call for Action
In a recent address in Brussels, Mr. Ahmed Attaf, Algeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, underscored the urgent need for an effective partnership between the African Union (AU) and the European Union (EU). His remarks were made during the third meeting of AU and EU foreign ministers, where he stressed the principle of “African solutions to African problems” with the support of committed partners.
Attaf highlighted three critical factors currently shaping Africa’s landscape regarding peace and security. He pointed out that Africa is experiencing unprecedented levels of tension, crises, and conflicts. From the Sahel to the Horn of Africa, and from the Great Lakes region to parts of North Africa, instability is intensifying, jeopardizing millions of lives and undermining the continent’s future.
Furthermore, Attaf noted that terrorism has emerged as the foremost threat to peace and security in Africa, contributing to over half of the global fatalities related to terrorism. The Sahel region has tragically become the epicenter of this global terrorism wave, exacerbating an already fragile situation.
In light of these escalating challenges, Attaf remarked how collective diplomatic efforts have lagged significantly behind the worsening conditions. Mediation initiatives and peace processes have not kept pace, creating a vacuum that allows destabilizing forces to flourish.
Emphasizing the pressing need for revitalizing partnerships, Attaf advocated for establishing an effective collaboration rooted in the concept of local solutions. He called for partners who are genuinely invested in assisting Africa to confront its challenges and achieve shared aspirations.
This partnership, he believes, would restore the central role of diplomacy in collective actions to address hotspots of tension in Africa and prevent the emergence of new conflicts. Attaf affirmed that a strengthened partnership could enhance the AU’s peacekeeping efforts against terrorism and other rising threats. He also advocated for increased investment in stability through development, viewed as the most reliable path to achieving sustainable peace—not only in Africa but globally.
In summary, the urgent call from Ahmed Attaf for robust AU-EU collaboration highlights the necessity of adopting African-driven solutions to tackle complex challenges on the continent. Through effective partnerships and diplomatic initiatives, there is a potential pathway to improved stability and peace, crucial for Africa’s future and that of the global community at large.
