Somali president attends 5th Tana High Level on Security in Africa in Addis Ababa

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud attended the opening of the fifth Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa that kicked off Saturday evening in Bahir Dar town of Ethiopia, under the theme “Africa in the Global Security Agenda.”

Speaking at the conference, Mohamud said the forum would pave the way on how African continent could find a solution to the problems faced by the continent and fighting against radicalization.

Over 230 participants, including Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemriam Desalegn, former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo and UN Chief Kofi Annan, policy makers, academics and distinguished guests are taking part in the two-day forum which is deliberating on Africa’s role and responsibility within the international security arena.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemriam Desalegn said Africa should have African solutions to its problems through collecting and analyzing knowledge as well as upgrading local institutions.

Former Nigerian President and Chairperson of the Tana Forum Board, Olusegun Obasanjo, said “as a Continent, Africa needs to prioritize its security.

“You cannot have peace, security and development without security, rule of law and respect for human rights,” he said.

Former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan said building a strong national security force is an important input for Africa to assert its role in the global security agenda.

The former Secretary General further stated that Africa must have a strong and consistent voice in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Munich Security Conference (MSC) Chairman, Wolfgang Ischinger, said Africa has a legitimate right to expect a permanent seat or two at the UNSC.

He further called on Africa to focus on conflict prevention, resolution and post-conflict reconstruction with more women involvement.