By EPN Reporter
MBABANE – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini calls upon the international community to recognise Ezulwini Consensus, so that international peace can improve.
Ezulwini Consensus is a position on international relations and reform of the United Nations, agreed by the African Union. It calls for a more representative and democratic Security Council, in which Africa, like all other world regions, is represented.
The agreement was made in 2005 in Ezulwini, hence the name ‘Ezulwini Consensus’. The consensus was then adopted at an Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union, in March 2005, in Addis Ababa.
Speaking during the NAM Summit, the premier said it was important that for the NAM Member States to continue to collaborate on matters of political and international security. He said these included recognition of international law; peaceful settlement of disputes and non-use of force; the fight against terrorism and the on-going discussion on the reform of the United Nations – including that of the Security Council amongst others.
“Eswatini hereby renews the call for the recognition of the Ezulwini Consensus as a just and equitable formula for the reformulation of the Security Council,” the prime minister said. The prime minister further called upon the NAM countries to collaborate on developmental, social, and human rights issues including, sustainable development and Agenda 2030; the world financial and economic crisis and unemployment.
“Our ongoing development challenges, within the context of an apparent need for energy to catalyze our development, means that we must push for innovative ways to green our economies whilst being energy sufficient,” he said. He said through south-south cooperation, the countries could help each other to achieve this. However, they should be allowed to ensure growth for their people, as they determined best.
Dlamini said Eswatini had no doubt that under Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni’s leadership, NAM would continue to work with commitment and dedication. He promised that the countries would strive to achieve their foundational ideals as outlined in the Bandung Principles. “We pledge the support of the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini in helping you to achieve your goals,” he said.
In a similar vein, the prime minister commended President Ilham Aliyev, the Government and People of the Republic of Azerbaijan for their outstanding leadership of NAM over the past four years. He also congratulated South Sudan for joining NAM. “I take the opportunity to congratulate and welcome South Sudan to the Non-Aligned Movement having joined in the past session. We look forward to earnest engagements with our newest member,” Dlamini said.
