Democracy, good governance in Africa depend on peace, security, Moroccan diplomat
Morocco is convinced that democracy and good governance is a shared goal sought by all African countries, but these goals cannot be fulfilled unless peace and security prevail in the continent, said in New York Tuesday Morocco's permanent representative to the United Nations, Mohamed Bennouna.
Bennouna told the UN General Assembly -- that was debating the causes of conflicts and the promotion of peace and sustained development in Africa- that Morocco is equally convinced that a lasting peace and a genuine economic growth in the continent depend not only on the financial and moral commitment of African governments but also on the creation of an environment propitious to investments and to economic growth, the adjustment of international assistance, the alleviation of the debt burden, the opening of international markets and the creation of small and medium sized enterprises.
He also deplored the fact that Africa remains, despite its tremendous natural and human resources, a poor continent, devastated by more and more complex conflicts that put at stake its stability and its economic and social development.
The Moroccan diplomat also dealt with the exploitation of natural resources in conflict areas outside governments' control, calling the international community to coordinate efforts within an adequate structure to prevent that these resources finance civil wars and armed conflicts. He equally called for the adoption of concrete measures to force conflicting parties abide by the international humanitarian law and for establishing an efficient partnership in matters of peace keeping.
Regarding peace consolidation after conflicts cease, Bennouna said Morocco appreciates the setting up of backing structures and encourages the sub-regional integrated approach, whether in western, central or southern Africa.
In this respect, he hailed the creation of a UN Office for West Africa to enhance the coordination of work by the UN and its partners in the sub-region.
Among its tasks, the Office-- to be established next January for three years in Dakar, Senegal, and run by a Special Representative for West Africa-- would carry out good offices roles and special assignments in countries of the sub-region on Annan's behalf, including in conflict prevention and peace-building efforts, as well as report to Headquarters on key developments of sub-regional significance.
Morocco, which backs this initiative, will contribute to its success to enable its west African brethren recover stability and devote efforts to economic development, Bennouna said, recalling Morocco's endeavors to promote relations between the regions to the north and to the south of the Sahara and to increase exchanges of all kinds. These exchangfes are the best way to overcome some differences that might trigger conflicts, he said.
