"I highlight, on this date, the great importance that initiatives that lead to the construction of a culture of peace and lean towards preventive diplomacy must assume for all Africans and especially for young people as irreplaceable vectors for preventing conflicts in our continent," he said.
According to the head of state, it is "in this spirit" that Angola "seeks to make its best contribution to the construction of a culture of peace, hosting, every two years, the Pan-African Forum for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence, 'Luanda Biennial', within the scope of a partnership established between the Angolan Government, the African Union and UNESCO", also recalling that "at the end of last year" the 3rd edition of the aforementioned forum took place in Luanda.
Regarding the day marked this Wednesday, the head of state said it was "a date of great relevance" that "encourages us to reflect on the journey we have made so far and the path that remains to be taken in the search for achieving the great objectives of peace, stability and reconciliation" in Africa.
In his message, João Lourenço recalled that in May 2022, in Malabo, he was designated, by the African Union, Champion of the African Union for Peace and Reconciliation in Africa, and from then on began to dedicate himself "with greater commitment to the resolution of the conflict unfolding in the east of the DRC, as well as contributing to the normalization of political-diplomatic relations between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Rwanda".
Thus, he added that, "in the exercise of these responsibilities", he has been "committed to seeking peaceful solutions to the different conflicts that persist in various regions of the continent, permanently encouraging dialogue and promoting political consultation as a way to strengthen trust and for the construction of understandings between the opposing parties".
He further considered that they had "no other options other than identifying peace, security and stability", in order to take care of the task that "consists of creating human and material conditions, with the aim of promoting economic development and improving the living conditions of our populations".
The President of the Republic also said that it is with "deep concern" that there are "an increasing number of sources of tension and intense conflicts" in Africa, such as the war in Sudan and the coups d'état in West and Central Africa, "which have torn apart human lives and caused the destruction of the social and material structure of societies and families, where these disputes occur, and created instability in neighboring countries and on the continent in general".
Thus, he added: "Governments, political parties, civil society organizations and African citizens in general, we are all called to contribute to harmony, understanding and healthy coexistence between peoples and nations, with the goal of building a united Africa, at peace and dedicated to progress and development".
Among other aspects, he also expressed his "confidence in a promising future, full recovery of the dignity of the people of Africa, prosperity and progress".
