Egypt sees AU summit as opportunity to strengthen conflict prevention

“Egypt views the African Union Extraordinary Summit in Angola as an opportunity to strengthen the continent’s ability to prevent conflicts and build sustainable peace,” Egyptian Ambassador to Angola Neveen el Husseiny said on Saturday.

In remarks to Nile Radio, el Husseiny said that Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly’s participation in the summit would present Egypt’s position on peace, security, post-conflict reconstruction and development across Africa.

She said that about 40% of the world’s conflicts are taking place in Africa, with serious humanitarian, economic and security consequences. “Egypt believes the AU should focus more on preventing disputes from escalating into armed conflicts rather than acting only after violence erupts,” she added.

The ambassador added that lasting peace cannot be separated from development. Ending a conflict, she said, should be followed by rebuilding state institutions and infrastructure, creating jobs and improving healthcare and other essential services.

El Husseiny also noted that Egypt supports African-led solutions to the continent’s challenges and closer cooperation between African countries on peace, reconstruction, economic integration and development.

Turning to bilateral relations, she said Egypt and Angola have expanded cooperation in recent years, particularly in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, fertilizers, infrastructure and capacity building.

Finally, the ambassador cited President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s visit to Angola in June 2023 and the Angolan president’s visit to Egypt last year. The two countries also held their first joint committee meeting in December as they seek to expand investment and economic cooperation.

MENA