This page gives information on the discussions on ‘Peace and security’ in the first phase of the public consultation (February-May, 2007).
Basis for discussion
An issue paper drafted by the ECDPM and approved by the EU and the AU was presented on the website and participants were encouraged to respond to questions raised in it. After some time another discussion paper was drafted, based on issues raised in the consultation as well as in the official negotiations. The consultation also made space for participants to raise other questions, priorities, or challenges that they would like to put on the agenda.
Issue paper (February, 2007) – doc ; pdf
Discussion note (April, 2007) – html ; doc ; pdf
The main messages
The main messages from the actors participating in the first phase of the consultation were the following:
- There is a close link between development and security, which needs to be strengthened in the respective agendas. Policies on trade, natural resources … also have a fundamental impact on conflicts and all EU engagements should be conflict sensitive.
- Peace and security based on the concept of human security requires a sustained holistic approach, encompassing crisis management, long term peace building, conflict prevention and governance. Conflict prevention as well as addressing the root causes of conflicts should be prioritized and predictable funding ensured. Military operations should not be funded on ODA.
- Further consolidating African capacity and assuring African ownership of conflict prevention and resolution through the African Peace and Security Architecture is a priority
- On-going dialogue with civil society, and in particular the involvement of women, youth and faith based groups, is essential and specific structures should be enshrined in the Strategy particularly with regard to early warning and early action.
- Control of arms trading and mercenary pursuit should also be addressed by Africa and the EU. Impunity should be addressed and Africa’s legal and judiciary system strengthened in that respect
- Unilateral external interventions in African conflicts should be rejected, all interventions should be based on a UN or AU authorization
- Multi-nationals should comply with the norms of corporate responsibility on the African continent
See the report of the internet consultation for more information on the issues raised.
The contributions made
Comments could be made directly on the websites and contributions could also be sent in the form of position papers.
Position papers received focusing on Peace and security can be viewed here.
All comments made on this cluster, until it was closed on 26 June, 2007 – doc ; pdf
