UNRC Partakes in the African Women’s Peace and Development Foundation’s Africa Day 2020 Online Celebration

Monday the 25th of May, marked the commemoration of Africa Day 2020, and in celebration of the occasion, the UN Eswatini Resident Coordinator (UNRC), Ms. Nathalie Ndongo-Seh, participated in the African Women’s Peace and Development Foundation’s Africa Day online celebration and discussions under the theme, “Silencing the Guns: Creating conducive conditions towards Africa’s development.”

Launched as the African Union’s theme of 2020, the celebration focused on the theme of “silencing the guns in Africa”, which seeks to enhance collaborative efforts among Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the private sector, to take ownership of the provisions contained in the silencing the guns initiative.

The UNRC noted that it was under extraordinary and difficult circumstances that the Africa Day celebration of 2020 was being held, as the world faced a common enemy; COVID-19, an enemy which is relentless in its fight.

She reiterated the words of the UN Secretary General, Mr. António Guterres in stating that as the world fights this battle against a virus which knows no boundaries and “does not care about nationality or ethnicity, faction or faith; armed conflict rages around the world.” She added that during a time when health workers fight on the front-lines against COVID-19, we are reminded of the health workers who fight, and are often targeted, on warzone front-lines. We cannot afford to have conflict at a time when we need to stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters around the world.”

The UNRC emphasized the fact that silent guns mean peace and “peace” is defined as the absence of war and conflict. However, this definition needs to be reframed in regard to Africa. Ms. Ndongo-Seh continued that; “All wars which have plagued Africa are diminishing resources which could be used to advance development. Without peace and stability, we cannot end poverty, ensure health and well-being for all, protect the environment and create sustainable communities.”