MAPUTO, 08 July - The third session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU) analysed in detail the various conflicts in the continent, recognising the role of women in bringing about peace.

The spokesperson for the AU, Desmond Oijiako, told journalists on Monday that "while considering a report by Interim Chairperson of the AU Commission Amara Essy on conflicts during the meeting, the Executive Council has underscored the role of women in conflict resolution".

"The executive council felt that gender programmes should be linked to peace and security matters on the continent," declared Oijiako.

Oijiako said that all member states were urged to ratify the protocol establishing the Peace and Security Council, "so that the mechanisms for conflict resolution can become more effective". In order to enter into force, the protocol needs to be ratified by 27 countries, or a simple majority of AU members. So far, only 12 have done so -- seven ratified before the summit began, and the other five have deposited their instruments of ratification since Friday.

The Executive Council has also considered the struggle against terrorism, and declared that "all member states should follow the example of Algeria in fighting terrorism".

On whether Africa needed support from outside to solve its problems, Manuel Lubisse, head of the Africa desk in the Mozambican foreign affairs ministry, told journalists that such initiatives could not be ignored, but emphasised that the support should come only when requested.

He said that "foreign participation in our efforts to solve the conflicts is welcome, but only when asked for.

"As Africans, we want to solve our conflicts with our own resources… the continent is taking several initiatives to solve its problems."

Lubisse mentioned the efforts being undertaken through the various sub-regional organisations such as SADC and ECOWAS, some of which have bodies specialised in the prevention and resolution of conflicts. Examples of local initiatives include the African force made up of Mozambique, Ethiopia and South Africa that was sent to Burundi.

Currently the AU is working to resolve conflicts in Burundi, Comoros, Côte d'Voire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Liberia, Republic of Central Africa, Somalia and Sudan.

Meanwhile, the European Union Commissioner for Development, Poul Nielsen, said in Maputo on Monday that his organisation is prepared to assist African peacekeeping forces financially as a means to help solving the many armed conflicts on the continent.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano, with whom he discussed the present situation in Africa and prospects for the ongoing AU summit, Nielsen described the situation as "globally positive, despite the high threats that the conflicts represent".

He said that Africa is facing and trying to solve its challenges, which is why the European Union is willing to participate and support the peacekeeping forces.

Nielsen said that, as a guest of honour to the summit, "I am going to exchange ideas with my colleagues on how to better organise ourselves to support the peacekeeping forces". (SARDC)

SARDC has been reporting on SADC from a regional perspective since 1990. SANF can be reproduced in print or broadcast with credit to SARDC and the author.