Address by the President of the Republic at the High-Level Panel of Heads of State and Eminent Personalities at the Dakar Forum on Peace and Security
On 20 April in Dakar, His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, President of the Republic, emphasized that the stability of the African continent depends on states’ ability to identify and control sources of instability—whether internal or external—as well as on strengthening collective action and regional cooperation.
Speaking during a high-level panel at the Dakar International Forum on Peace and Security in Africa, the Head of State noted that endogenous factors of instability are mainly linked to governance failures, particularly in their political, economic, and social dimensions. These shortcomings, he explained, fuel social, communal, and ethnic tensions while worsening poverty, unemployment, social injustice, and the lack of future prospects.
Regarding exogenous factors, the President cited the effects of climate change, global economic crises, and international security and geopolitical dynamics, whose impacts are felt across the continent, notably through violent extremism and transnational crime.
He further stressed that these factors are not isolated but rather interconnected, interacting and reinforcing one another, thereby exacerbating situations of instability.
Addressing possible responses, the President highlighted the need for action at two levels: national and continental. At the national level, he called for strengthening the capacities of defense and security forces, improving governance, easing the political climate through dialogue and consensus, and consolidating the rule of law and democracy. He also reiterated that inclusive development remains an essential condition for sustainable stability.
At the continental level, the President called for better coordination of efforts, pooling of resources, and strengthening of pan-African institutions, particularly the African Union. He also stressed the need to accelerate economic integration, notably through the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, as well as enhancing infrastructure and coordination among regional organizations.
In conclusion, the President emphasized that the effectiveness of African action will depend on the ability of states and regional organizations to work in a more integrated and coherent manner within a strengthened continental framework. He reaffirmed the importance of unity and collective action in addressing the continent’s current challenges.