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In the Central African Republic, the African Union, with the support of the United Nations, has led to the recent signing of the peace agreement.
In Southern Sudan, the renewed peace agreement, facilitated by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), with the support of the AU and the UN, generated renewed hope, although more needs to be done to silence abuses, including sexual and gender-based violence in South Sudan.
In Somalia, the UN and AU continue to work together to support Somalia's state-building agenda, its fight against violent extremism and efforts to restore peace and stability in Somalia.
And the United Nations continues to work closely with the African Union and other partners to ensure the peaceful conduct of the elections on the continent.
In Madagascar, the United Nations and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) actively supported the good offices led by the AU and Mr. Lamamra during the 2018 presidential elections. Their efforts have contributed to a peaceful process.
The United Nations has also increased its support for efforts to combat terrorism and prevent violent extremism in Africa. In June 2018, the UN signed a Memorandum of Understanding in this area with the AU to increase support for cooperation and capacity building for the AU and several subregional organizations as well as for Member States.
Silencing guns for good requires the participation of all. As we look at efforts to increase women's leadership and meaningful participation in political processes, we see that progress has declined, despite the joint work of the UN, AU and civil society. We need to redouble our efforts on this critical quest.
Mr President,
Building resilient societies is also critical to silencing guns. This implies strong institutions that respond to citizens' needs, good governance and inclusive policies.
In recent years, the continent has made great strides in deepening democracy and democratic institutions, including through the implementation of the African Governance Architecture.
However, a number of governance challenges remain, including the marginalization of certain groups of political processes, the prevalence of a "win-win" approach, corruption and mismanagement of natural resources.
The UN continues to work with the AU and the Regional Economic Communities to help build strong national institutions and address the root causes of armed conflict, including by supporting democratic consolidation, defending human rights, ending marginalization and promoting development socioeconomic model. in line with Agenda 2030 for sustainable development and Agenda 2063 of the African Union.
As the Secretary-General said a few days ago pointing to recent peaceful elections and truces, "a wind of hope is blowing in Africa." In addition, across the continent, entrepreneurship has increased, access to education has increased and infant mortality has declined. Just over a year ago, African leaders launched the African Continental Free Trade Area.
These and other positive developments are clear evidence that it is the Africans, in partnership with the global community, who are leading the way to sustainable peace and prosperity on the continent.
In "silencing arms", African countries have a central role to play in making the initiative a success, as well as the African Union and the private sector and civil society in Africa.
But it is vital that the international community support Africa in achieving this goal. Let this debate today galvanize global support for these efforts.
Thank you, Mr. President.
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