September 21, 2018, Djibouti: After the recent remarkable gains in the IGAD Region most notably the signing of the Revitalized Peace Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict of South Sudan by all parties, the normalization of relations between Ethiopia and Eritrea followed by the reopening of Embassies, borders and uniting family members, what peace means to the people of this region is a bright future.
It signals a bright future because of the political will that has been cemented in the cooperation agreement between Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia again followed by an initiative to resolve the Djibouti-Eritrea border dispute. These achievements, give IGAD great pleasure and excitement. This might indeed be our time as a people to shine and reverse the negative impression that our region has had for a long time as one of the conflict prone places in Africa.
To talk about dimensions of peace in the Horn of Africa may seem far too fetched but it is achievable and the people of the region with their leaders will strife to promote peaceful and inclusive societies dedicated to the sustainable development, the provision of access to justice for all and build effective, accountable institutions at all levels.
I applaud the leaders of our Member States for the collective efforts they are making towards this broad goal and IGAD will continue to play a major role with the support and commitment of its Member States and other stakeholders to contribute to continental and global peace through its different programs and projects.
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on 21 September and the UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples.
The theme this year “The Right to Peace – The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70” is not only a right but a constant need and is timely for our region and Africa because we owe it to our people.
To reiterate the UN Secretary-General António Guterres words on this day “It is time all nations and all people live up to the words of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognizes the inherent dignity and equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human race which in Article 3. “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security”
A Message from the UN Secretary General
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Peace be unto you all.
Messa
