Ms President
South Africa would like to thank you Ms President for inviting us to this very important debate on “Optimising the use of preventive diplomacy”. The topic you have chosen relates directly to the decision of the African Union Assembly to proclaim 2010 as the Year of Peace and Security in Africa.
The escalation of peacekeeping costs over the years has necessitated and compelled the international community to focus more on conflict prevention both globally and regionally. The African Continent has borne the brunt of the violent conflicts over the decades. The establishment of the African Union in 2002, founded on three broad principles, namely, prevention, resolution and management of conflicts; acceleration of political and economic integration and the reversal of the legacy of poverty and underdevelopment, was a step towards addressing the scars left by decades of perennial conflicts.
The African Union Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), launched in 2002, include mechanisms such as the Peace and Security Council, a Continental Early Warning System, a panel of the wise (as an enhanced mediation capacity), an African stand-by force and a post-conflict reconstruction and development framework.
These mechanisms articulate a wide range of underpinning norms and values, all aimed at engaging in conflict prevention, resolution and post-conflict reconstruction. It should be noted that the protocol that established the AU Peace and Security Council also specifically stipulates that "in the fulfilment of its mandate in the promotion and maintenance of peace, security and stability in Africa, the Peace and Security Council shall cooperate and work closely with the United Nations Security Council".
At a sub-regional level, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) continues to play a critical role in ensuring sub-regional stability. In this context, its organ on politics, defence and security has undertaken mediation efforts in quelling potential conflicts. SADC has also launched the SADC Brigade consisting of military, police and civilian components from all SADC member states, which will form part of the African Union Stand-by Force for rapid deployment should the need arise. All these efforts are anchored on the UN Charter, particularly Article 33 that provides for mediation as one of the diplomatic methods for pacific settlement of disputes. With the changed nature of conflicts from inter-state to intra-state, preventive diplomacy has become an indispensable tool used by both the United Nations and regional organisations.
Ms President
Efforts to bring about the consolidation of peace and stability have been and remain a complex matter that requires political will and commitment from all parties involved, including the support mechanisms. In the last few years, we have witnessed a reduction in the number of violent conflicts as a result of the collective efforts of the United Nations, the international community and regional organisations. African Member States, through their sub-regional formations have taken responsibility while at the same time recognising that peaceful resolution of disputes remains a sovereign responsibility. Also the Secretary-General’s good offices continue to play an important role in its mediation efforts.
One very important option in this regard, is the strengthening of the Mediation Support Office within the Department of Political Affairs which will help better provide coordination, communication, support and guidance.
With this in mind, the African Union has always strived to deepen its partnership with the United Nations on matters relating to maintenance of international peace and security. Our efforts towards a strategic partnership between the United Nations and the African Union in the maintenance of peace and security in our continent is informed by the reality that regional organisations have a comparative advantage in confronting such challenges within their regions. This comparative advantage is increasingly allowing the AU to respond pro-actively and in a rapid manner, limiting the escalation of conflict and human suffering.
This is evident in recent interventions by the African Union in Sudan and Somalia, as well as through its mediation efforts and peace support operations, thus clearly demonstrating its political will and commitment to confronting peace and security challenges.
Ms President
Dialogue is important to South Africa and therefore holds the view that in preventing lapse and relapse back into conflict, the importance of creating and maintaining peace through inclusive dialogue, reconciliation and re-integration must always be underscored. Finding a global strategy for preventive diplomacy and in addition to the traditional means of mediation, peacekeeping and peace-building methods deployed under the UN Charter, which underscore the inter-relationship between political, security, development, human rights and rule of law activities, would be essential. We firmly believe that at the heart of the preventive diplomacy, socio-economic development is important for the realisation of sustainable peace and could create economic opportunities in countries affected by conflict. We must, the international community, therefore ensure that we stay the course in pursuit to meet the Millennium Development Goals.
Ms President, women still face many challenges in conflict and post-conflict situations. The representation of women in preventive diplomacy efforts and decision-making processes including full participation in public life regards to conflict resolution and peace building is fundamental. Objectives of resolutions 1325 (2000), 1820 (2008) and 1888 (2009) would ensure gender participation in peacemaking activities. In that regard, women should be appropriately represented in all decision-making level and as chief mediators in line with the relevant mandates. The dynamics and challenges to conflicts are constantly changing and it is important that the international community takes cognisance of these dynamics and remain vigilant.
Thank you, Ms President
