China, Africa discuss new security concept

 

 

The discussions have kicked off during the first ever China-Africa peace and security forum which attracted security chiefs and delegations from African countries to discuss Africa's peace and stability with Chinese new security concept.

 

The concept is in line with Chinese President Xi Jinping's commitment towards peace and security co-operation with Africa during the 2018 Beijing summit of the Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

 

At this summit, President Xi outlined new measures to strengthen China-Africa peace and security cooperation, and reached important consensus with African leaders on launching the peace and security initiative.

 

While speaking at the opening of the forum organized under the theme "work together for common security" at Beijing International Convention Center, Deputy director of the office of international military co-operation of the Ministry of Defence of China General Song Yanchao reiterated the need for prioritising security for development.

 

"Our cooperation is the best in the whole world, we will work with Africa no matter what because security moves hand in hand with development" General Song said.

 

China-Africa peace and security co-operation includes high tech assistance, health care, education and training towards Africa among others.

 

Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen.David Muhoozi reported Uganda's successful contribution towards bringing about Peace and security in Somalia with the help of UN and China.

 

"By the time of mission inception in 2007,Somalia was almost written off as an irredeemable lost case of state failure. Our own deployment back then was even termed 'mission dead on arrival' by the doomsayer's. From this launch pad, we were able to extend our reach of recovered territory to Barawe (262kms from Mogadishu)." Muhoozi said.

 

Muhoozi however noted pending African Union Mission to Somalia (Amisom) challenges and setbacks urging China to step in.

 

"In areas of training, equipment and best practices, I think China can offer alternatives in addition to the existing support to enlarge the envelope of assistance for Africa peace keeping" Muhoozi added.

 

State minister of defence of the Ivory Coast who represented African delegations Hamed Bakayoko applauded Chinese support towards African forces in building capacity for peace keeping.

 

"China has engaged in United Nations security missions in Africa by sending more troops for peace keeping and also hundreds of African military officers come to China for training and we appreciate" Bakayoko said.

 

A number of African countries are still grappling with wars and conflicts including Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, South Sudan, Libya and Sudan.

 

African Union applauds China.

 

China started contributing and mobilizing support towards Amisom in 2011.

 

In addition to the multi-million logistical and equipment support, China also donated up to $1.2m to AU to support peace mission in Somalia.

 

AU's peace and security commissioner Smail Chergu said Chinese support towards Africa is reliable and cements the historic relationship.

 

"China is supporting the development of the African standby force by providing equipment and other military support.

This support will solidify the existing cooperation". Chergu noted.

Africa's main security threats ranges from disease, election related violence and terrorism.

 

Joseph Assomo Beti, the minister of defence of Cameron asked the Chinese Government to avail more support in fighting Bokoharam terrorists in West Africa.

 

"Bokoharam must be supported by strong institutions in West Europe, US and South Africa. These terrorists have new weapons and those supporting them target to distabilise Africa and continue to steal our oil, uranium and fertile soils" Assomo noted.

 

Bokoharam which started as a Nigerian terror group have since spread operations to the neighboring Cameron,Niger and Bukina Faso.

 

China expressed will to full fill President Xi's pledge to channel investment towards a China-Africa peace and security fund as well as military assistance and programs on law and order, peace keeping ,anti-piracy and counterterrorism.