{{The Rwanda Defence Force Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Patrick Nyamvumba on Monday opened a workshop for AU Defence Attaches at Rwanda Peace Academy Nyakinama. }}
The workshop is designed to brainstorm on root causes of conflicts on African Continent and how to mitigate them.
Gen Nyamvumba expressed that “The destiny of Africa lies in hands of its people and its leaders”. While mentioning some good steps towards good governance and democracy in Africa, he however said that there are still gaps created by different conflicts on the continent.
He emphasized that with lack of commitment, political will and honesty among leaders, Africa will continue suffering in the hands of ill-intentioned internal and external actors.
The RDF Chief of Defence Staff called on AU Defence Attaches to use their wide knowledge and experience as security diplomats to analyse the root causes of conflicts on African continent and the Great Lakes Region in particular.
He urged them to analyse challenges involved in resolving the conflicts in the region as well as on the whole continent and therefore make an effective contribution to peace and stability.
One UN Rwanda Resident Coordinator, Mr. Lamin Momodou Manneh said that “exclusionary policies, normally based on ethnicity are among the most pernicious vectors of prolonged conflicts”.
He also mentioned poverty and deprivation as other causes of war. Mr. Manneh commended the Defence Attaches for their initiative to contribute in resolving conflicts on the continent.
“There cannot be sustainable development without durable peace and stability’’ he said. Mr. Lamin observed that though international partners, such as the African Union, must play a critical role in peace building process, it is primarily a national challenge and responsibility.
“Only national actors can address their society’s needs and goals in a sustainable way”, he said.
Brig Gen Adjetey Annan, Defence and Military Attache of Ghana at AU said they will learn much during their stay in the country. “Rwanda has become a role model for good governance with people involved in the development of their country”. Gen Annan said that good governance is a key pillar in preventing conflicts.
The Defence Attaches attending the Workshop are on a week-long Study Tour in Rwanda to learn firsthand from Rwanda on post-conflict recovery and national development for lessons learnt in combating conflicts.
MOD
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