By Edward Williams
Hohoe (V/R), Nov. 10, GNA – Mamaga Ametor Hoebuadzu II, Paramount Queen of the Alavanyo Traditional Area in the Volta Region, has revealed that any commitment aimed at silencing the guns in Africa, must first begin with the strengthening the voices of peace including the traditional authorities and the communities they served.
She noted that “if the African aspiration to silence the guns is to become a reality, we must move from declarations to implementation”.
Mamaga Ametor speaking during a follow-up webinar with Traditional Leaders in West Africa in support of the Implementation of the AU Silencing the Gun (StG) Initiative, noted five propose practical priorities to be supported by adequate resources, sustained partnerships and mechanisms for monitoring progress.
She said traditional leadership participation in local peacebuilding must institutionalised so that there could be meaningfully represented in appropriate peace committees, early-warning networks and conflict-prevention structures.
Mamaga Ametor said community-based early-warning and response systems must be strengthened to establish clear communication channels between traditional councils, local government, civil society and security institutions so that credible warning signs lead to timely, coordinated action.
She said there must be investment in mediation and peacebuilding capacity to provide traditional leaders, women leaders and youth representatives with opportunities for training in negotiation, conflict analysis, inclusive mediation and reconciliation.
Mamaga Ametor said youth empowerment must be made a security priority and expand access to skills development, education, entrepreneurship and meaningful participation in community affairs, reducing the vulnerabilities that violent actors might exploit.
She noted that accountability and cooperation in preventing armed violence must be strengthened by supporting lawful community-level initiatives against illicit arms proliferation while ensuring respect for human rights, public trust and the rule of law.
Mamaga Ametor urged traditional authorities to move beyond settling disputes after violence had occurred to becoming proactive agents of peace by identifying early warning signs, addressing grievances and encouraging dialogue before conflicts escalate.
She also called on traditional authorities across Africa to strengthen collaboration with their neighbour communities, security institutions, civil society, women and youth groups to build peaceful and resilient communities.
The session was themed: “The Role of Traditional Leaders in Conflict Prevention, Early Warning, Mediation and Reconciliation, Preventing Violent Extremism, Addressing Illicit Arms Proliferation, and Strengthening Community Resilience in Africa”.
Madam Heba Assem Mohamed, Programme Officer, Silencing the Guns Unit, African Union, highlighted the pillars of the African Union Master Roadmap which included the political pillar with a focus on the prevention and peaceful management of political tensions.
She said under the economic pillar, it was realised that poverty, unemployment, exclusion, competition over resources and economic marginalisation could deepen grievance and create conditions which could likely result in violence.
Madam Mohamed said under the social pillar, social cohesion, inter-communal trust, tolerance, reconciliation and the inclusion of women and young people were essential foundations of sustainable peace.
She said under the environmental pillar, competition over land, water, grazing areas and other natural land resources could contribute to tensions between communities, particularly where established systems were weakened.
Madam Mohamed said the legal and institutional pillar required respect for the rule of law, effective institutions, accountability and accessible mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes.
She noted that traditional authorities had roles to play under each pillar since their implementation was not exclusive to national governments of the continent but rather requiring coordinated action by every stakeholder.
Togbe Dorglo Anumah VI, Paramount Chief of the Avenor Traditional Area, described the session as an important and commendable one.
He said traditional authorities remained yearning for the collaborated and constructive partnership for peacebuilding on the continent.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Edward Williams