LUANDA, ANGOLA — African leaders have called for stronger continental mechanisms to prevent and respond to conflicts as heads of state gathered in Luanda, Angola, for the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union.
Opening the summit, Angolan President João Lourenço urged African countries to strengthen rapid-response mechanisms capable of addressing emerging crises before they escalate into prolonged conflicts.
President Lourenço also stressed the importance of increasing domestic funding for Africa's security needs, warning against continued dependence on external defence partners.
The summit comes amid growing security concerns across different parts of the continent, with leaders examining ways to strengthen Africa's ability to respond to violent extremism, cross-border insurgencies and competition over strategic resources.
Participants emphasized that lasting economic and social development cannot be achieved without peace and stability. Countries facing persistent insecurity risk losing valuable opportunities for investment, infrastructure development and poverty reduction.
A major focus was therefore placed on reforms to the African Union's Peace and Security Architecture, with calls for institutions to become more proactive rather than waiting until conflicts have already reached critical levels.
The leaders also stressed the importance of stronger cooperation among African states, improved intelligence sharing and sustainable financing for peace and security initiatives.
The Luanda summit is expected to reinforce discussions around building an African security framework capable of responding rapidly to crises while reducing the continent's reliance on outside military and financial support.
By Iconic Times Africa
