The President of the Republic: Foreign interventions exacerbate crises, and Africa is required to take a unified position – Algerian Al-Hiwar newspaper

The President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, confirmed today, Saturday, that illegal foreign interference is one of the most prominent causes of instability in Africa, as it complicates dispute settlement paths and obstructs democratic construction. He stressed that confronting this phenomenon requires a unified and firm African position, based on the shared responsibility towards the peoples of the continent.

This position came in a speech delivered by Prime Minister Sefi Gharib on behalf of the President of the Republic, during the session devoted to discussing the report of the African Union Peace and Security Council on the state of peace and security on the continent, within the work of the thirty-ninth regular session of the African Union Conference in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

At the beginning of the speech, President Tebboune praised the efforts of his Egyptian counterpart, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, during his assumption of the presidency of the Peace and Security Council this month, appreciating the report that was presented in a delicate regional and international circumstance characterized by geopolitical complexities and increasing security pressures. He pointed out that this context raises concern, but at the same time it prompts redoubling efforts and joint work in a spirit of responsibility and solidarity.

Regarding the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the President of the Republic highlighted that the continued deterioration of the security and humanitarian conditions in the east of the country, and the escalation of violence, threaten the unity of this country and the stability of the Great Lakes region. Algeria reiterated its full support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, calling for the immediate cessation of hostilities and the promotion of African political solutions through regional and continental mediation paths.

Regarding the African Sahel region, President Tebboune explained that terrorist threats have become intertwined with transnational organized crime, in light of economic crises and climate challenges that exacerbate the fragility of countries and societies, which makes traditional approaches insufficient. He stressed the need to adopt a comprehensive approach linking security and development, by addressing the social and economic roots of violent extremism, and providing sustainable development prospects for young people, while respecting the sovereignty of countries and supporting their national capabilities.

Regarding the Libyan file, the President of the Republic renewed Algeria’s firm support for the Libyan-Libyan political track, and for African and international efforts aimed at converging viewpoints. He also appreciated the signing by the President of the Libyan Presidential Council of the National Reconciliation Charter, considering that the solution lies in organizing free and transparent elections, along with a complete and immediate withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries, in a way that guarantees Libya’s unity and sovereignty.

As for Sudan, President Tebboune expressed his deep regret over the humanitarian tragedy and unprecedented violations, praising the role of the African Union in settlement efforts. He called for an immediate ceasefire and the launch of a comprehensive and sovereign Sudanese-Sudanese national dialogue that responds to the aspirations of the Sudanese people for security and stability, while affirming Algeria’s support for African initiatives.

Algeria also expressed its concern about the tensions in the Horn of Africa region, stressing the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and settling disputes peacefully through dialogue, within the framework of the mechanisms of the African Union.

Regarding the path of decolonization in Western Sahara, the President of the Republic reaffirmed Algeria’s support for the United Nations efforts aimed at reaching a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution, in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter and the relevant Security Council resolutions, with an emphasis on continuing constructive engagement in the political path under the auspices of the United Nations.

President Tebboune stressed that facing the current challenges requires fully activating the African peace and security structure, and transforming the principle of “African solutions to African problems” into a practical reality, by supporting the return to the constitutional system, strengthening political dialogue, activating the African Rapid Intervention Force, and ensuring the financial independence of peacekeeping operations by supporting the African Peace Fund.

At the end of the speech, the President of the Republic stressed Algeria’s firm commitment to the founding principles of the African Union and the United Nations Charter, and to continue supporting peaceful solutions to conflicts, and strengthening collective efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism, within the framework of African solidarity and building a safe, stable and prosperous continent.