Zanzibar, Tanzania July, 23 2015 – African leaders have been challenged to establish a new framework for peace rooted in common spiritual aspirations, principles, values and in the universal truth that all people are equally created and deserve dignity, opportunity and governance.
Former Zanzibar President Amani Abeid Karume said that in the prevailing great moral confusion leaders need to understand that most fundamental human problems cannot be solved by politics, diplomacy, economic or even science methods only.
Karume made the remarks here yesterday at the opening of the 21st global peace Leadership conference. The former Isle’s president is the current Chairman of the conference.
He underscored the need for the leaders to work together towards effective solutions that would address the root causes of conflicts in Africa.
“It is from this understanding of our fundamental, spiritual identity and deeply interconnected bonds as one human family that we gather to work together on issues that require the engagement and collaboration of every sector,” he stated.
He noted that East African countries have a special challenge in fostering peace and prosperity in the event of the rise of violent extremism and the pressing issues of radicalization.
According to Karume, East African partner states have all the important resources to address these challenging issues in their traditions, culture and faith.
“We need to address the underlying roots of conflicts and to show the way forward towards enduring peace based on a unifying vision of our common human heritage,” Karume said.
Seconding Karume, former Kenyan prime minister Raila Odinga said it was evident that one of the key challenges facing the African continent today was to identify the root cause of conflicts.
Odinga noted that African leaders must have moral responsibility to address the conflicts through moral and innovative leadership, influencing policy and encouraging volunteerism.
“As leaders, we should encourage ethical societies anchored on shared values. When leaders’ model behaviors encourage the opposite, they yield division in society,” he observed.
For his part, East Africa Community secretary general ambassador Dr Richard Sezibera said Africa needed leaders who were ready to sacrifice themselves for the sake of the people.
“Our leaders must be innovative and have a character that goes beyond for the future of the people they lead,” he said.
The four-day conference is being attended by former Zambia President Rupiah Banda and former presidents Amani Abeid Karume (Zanzibar), Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria), GirmaWolde- Giorgis (Ethiopia) and James Mancham (Seychelles).
According to Rashid Kibao, one of the organizing team leaders said the meetings will examine innovative interfaith and youth engagement approaches to addressing identity based conflict.
“Delegates will consider best practices and proven models that will facilitate interfaith partnerships in the region, based on universal principles and shared values, in order to reduce identity-based violence.
Report by IPP Media – Follow link