BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE– The secretary-general of the Association of Senates, Shoora and Equivalent Councils in Africa and the Arab World (ASSECAA) has called on the silencing of guns to resist cases of gun violence.
Abdulwasie Yusuf Ali was speaking during the 10th Retreat hosted by Eswatini. The workshop which was hosted at Royal Swazi Spa officially ended yesterday.
He said the experience of Ethiopia, where he comes from, was a clear example that guns had to be silenced as innocent lives were lost due to this.
“We must disregard efforts from hostile partners that fight against us. We should prove that we are confident enough to determine our future. This can be achieved by a sincere commitment to stand for our common interests, for whom we need to adopt as our slogan ‘Afro-Arab interests first,’” he said.
Ali said that considering the prevailing global crises, the two regions should consider the importance of the green economy in supporting the development of Africa and the Arab world.
His sentiments were supported and echoed by the other senators who said: “In this platform, we will digest, discuss, and enrich one another. It is a well-known fact that these excessive global economic crises and geopolitical tensions and instability currently being witnessed destroy the future of our economies,”
Delegate Duke All’ Bur from Zambia said there were indications that ASSECAA members shall prosper and its objectives will give members the stamina to withstand temporary difficulties that they will face.
He noted that members occupy sources of wisdom in their respective countries to harness the energy of their youth to accelerate economic and social development.
He urged members to work hard to liberate the two regions from the yoke of the invisible hands that work hard day and night to under-develop them.
“May I call on all of you to make history and utilize our common interest. We ought to stand together and hold hands as Arabs and Africans to help us gain our rightful place globally,” he said.
He urged Africa and the Arab world to reach a consensus that fosters commitment for a joint Afro-Arabic cause.
The retreat was officially opened by Eswatini’s Prime Minister Cleopas Dlamini, who expressed hope about the possible end of the Russia-Ukraine war.
“We are also positive that the Russia-Ukraine war will come to an end,” said Dlamini.
“The climate change challenge presents itself as long term. The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report shows that we still have a long way to go to get where we need to be. The United Nations Secretary-General has indicated that the report is coded red for humanity,” he added.
Meanwhile in February this year, His Majesty King Mswati III called on the nation to silence the guns and end conflict.
He was speaking during the 2023 National Prayer Service held at Mandvulo Grand Hall. the King reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the African Union’s call for cease fire by 2030 in the continent.
The national prayer service is usually His Majesty’s first public address after the cultural event, Incwala Ceremony. His Majesty was reacting to a speech by his special guest during the service, former President of the Republic of South Africa Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma.
Zuma had indicated his worry over the current political instability and his desire for the impasse to be resolved swiftly.
The King gave assurance to former President Zuma that the country was also touched by the current wave of violence and killings through guns. He recalled that President Zuma was part of the African Union High-Level Retreat on the Promotion of Peace, Security and Stability in Africa, where a commitment was made by all countries to silence guns by 2030.
