STATEMENT BY H.E. MR. LAMIN B. DIBBA AT HIGH-LEVEL PLENARY MEETING ON REGIONAL ZONES OF PEACE

  Delivered by H.E. Lamin B. Dibba

Permanent Representative of Gambia to the United Nations

7th July 2025

Mr. President  

Distinguished delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you, Mister President, for convening this important meeting

I have the honor to deliver this statement on behalf of the African Group.

1.    The African Group welcomes the convening of this High-Level Plenary Meeting on Regional Zones of Peace, recognizing its alignment with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, particularly Aspiration 4, which envisions a peaceful and secure Africa.

2.    The African Group reaffirms that a sustainable peace in Africa must be built on the principle of “African solutions to African problems”, emphasizing African ownership and regional leadership in peace operations.

Mr. President,

3.    Our continent faces complex and evolving threats including terrorism, violent extremism, transnational crime, climate change impacts, youth unemployment, and governance failures all requiring collective, integrated and multifaceted responses.

4.    Peace is a prerequisite for sustainable development, human rights, and resilience-building in all our societies. We note that the declaration of zones of peace is a collective commitment by Member States to prioritize dialogue, prevent conflicts, and strengthen trust and cooperation across regions.

Mr. President,

5.      Africa has made notable progress in promoting zones of peace through initiatives such as:

·       The African Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty (Treaty of Pelindaba)

·       The Silencing the Guns by 2030 initiative under the AU Master Roadmap,

·   Regional peace and security frameworks developed by the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), including ECOWAS, SADC, and IGAD.

These frameworks have supported conflict prevention, mediation, and post-conflict reconstruction efforts in the continent, contributing to reducing armed conflict in several regions.

Mr. President,

6.      Despite progress, the African continent continues to face challenges that hinder the effective realization of zones of peace, including armed conflicts, terrorism, climate change, proliferation of small arms and light weapons, unconstitutional changes of government and foreign interference, and illicit financial flows fueling conflict

These challenges require a comprehensive, coordinated approach involving national governments, the African Union, the United Nations, and our international partners.

6.bis :  The African Group recognizes that modern peacebuilding must address 21st-century challenges including cyber security threats and digital dynamics, while drawing on South-South and Triangular cooperation and proven experiences from other regional zones of peace, including ASEAN and Latin American models, to strengthen our continental approach.

7.      The African Group reaffirms its commitment to multilateralism and the United Nations in supporting the establishment and sustainability of regional zones of peace. We emphasize:

·       The need for respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of Member States, in accordance with the UN charter and international law;

·       Strengthening inclusive partnerships between the UN and the AU, including support for African-led peace operations under Chapter VIII of the UN Charter;and

·       Enhancing conflict prevention through early warning systems, preventive diplomacy, and inclusive dialogue.

8.      The African Group underscores that peace and security are inextricably linked to sustainable development and human rights. Addressing poverty, inequality, and governance deficits remains essential in building durable peace. We call for (i) Investment in youth and women as agents of peace (ii) supporting socio-economic development in conflict-affected regions, (iii) ensuring transitional justice and reconciliation processes that promote healing and unity.

Mr. President,

In conclusion, the African Group reiterates its commitment to promoting regional zones of peace as essential pillars for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2063. We remain steadfast in working with all partners to transform Africa into a continent of peace, prosperity, and inclusive development.

Thank you for your attention