UNSC Open Debate: Peace and security in Africa - The impact of development policies in the implementation of the Silencing the Guns Initiative; [30 March 2023]

Statement by Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj

Permanent Representative of India to the UN

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Thank you Mr President.

Let me begin by congratulating the delegation of Mozambique for a very successful Presidency and also for organizing today’s debate. I thank other briefers and speakers for their useful insights.

2. Several countries in Africa, particularly in the Sahel, Central Africa and the Horn of Africa continue to be conflict ridden by factors that are driven by chronic political instability, ethnic divisions, and exploitation by terrorist and armed groups. There is also the ‘role of external factors’ in fueling such conflicts which continues to be a matter of deep concern. We thus all need to come together to support African efforts in Silencing the Guns by the end of this decade. Given the paucity of time, allow me to flag SIX key issues:

One, inclusive politics, well established governance structures and a decentralized administration are critical elements in the nation-building process, which could be long and complex processes, particularly for countries ravaged by colonial rule lasting centuries. It is important to recognize the primacy of national Governments and authorities in identifying and driving priorities, strategies and activities for sustaining peace, development and to avoid a relapse into conflict.

Two, we need to acknowledge and accept “African leadership and Africa-driven solutions to Africa’s problems”. Trying an external one-size fit all solution is a recipe for failure. Deeper understanding of conflicts in Africa that best responds to their local wisdom, as well as, developing a sense of ownership is a critical factor in resolving such conflicts and achieving lasting peace.

Three, the Council needs to fully leverage the comparative advantage of Africa’s regional and sub-regional organizations to resolve prolonged conflicts. Collaboration between the UN and the AU and sub-regional organizations, such as the ECOWAS, the ECCAS, the SDAC and the IGAD have always yielded positive results.

Four, terrorism continues to remain the biggest security threat in Africa. It is important to strengthen the capacities of national, regional and sub-regional responses to terrorism in Africa, through capacity building, training, equipment and sustainable financial support – bilaterally, as well as multilaterally. Initiatives such as AMISOM, the G-5 Sahel Joint Force, the SAMIM and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) need more robust support from the Security Council and the international community.

Five, peacebuilding efforts in Africa need to be strengthened. Major donors, particularly developed countries and the international financial institutions, should ramp up their ODA commitments, and eliminate barriers to concessional financing to the economies of Africa, so that they can achieve developmental goals enshrined in the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and Agenda 2063.

Six, for this Council’s credibility, it is important that Africa is given permanent representation in its decision making. In every debate on such issues pertaining to Africa in the UNSC, India has consistently called for ensuring that Africa’s aspirations as outlined in the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration are honoured. The Council needs to move way beyond mere lip service to Africa’s core concerns.

Mr. President,

India has been supporting several countries of Africa through development partnerships, capacity building, including of security forces and institutions, scholarships, vocational training, and knowledge-sharing, providing preferred market access to African products etc. India will continue to do its utmost to support our African brethren in their quest for sustainable peace, and as our External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar had aptly put it, “in India you will always find a friend, willing to stand with you through thick and thin.”

Thank you!