President Nana Akufo-Addo emphasised the inadequacy of peacekeeping efforts alone in ensuring long-term stability in Africa during.

President Akufo-Addo was delivering his address at the United Nations General Assembly on Wednesday, 25 September 2024.

He highlighted the urgent need to tackle underlying issues such as poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity, which continue to fuel conflicts across the continent.

“Peacekeeping alone is not enough; we must address the potential causes of conflict, poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunity,” President Akufo-Addo stated.

He argued that without addressing these root causes, peacekeeping efforts will fail to guarantee sustainable peace.

The President underscored that true stability must originate from within African nations, driven by initiatives aimed at uplifting communities and creating equitable opportunities for all.

He noted that while external interventions may be well-intentioned, they often fall short of resolving the structural challenges that perpetuate unrest.

In his address, President Akufo-Addo advocated for a holistic approach that integrates peacekeeping with development-focused initiatives to effectively break the cycle of conflict.

He urged the international community to collaborate with African countries in addressing both internal and external factors that contribute to instability.

“However, peace cannot be imposed from the outside; it must be imposed from within. African nations must take ownership of their security, and the African Union needs to strengthen itself to respond swiftly to threats,” President Akufo-Addo stressed.