Panafrican News Agency

President Barrow calls for preventive diplomacy at UN and AU levels

Banjul, Gambia (PANA) - Gambian President Adama Barrow has called on the United Nations, the African Union and other regional organizations to promote and invest in preventive diplomacy and participate actively in mediation efforts and conflict resolution.

He made the call on Monday at the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, where he also joined with world leaders in the unveiling of a statue in honour of the former South African leader.

According to a report made available to PANA by the presidency media team, President Barrow told his colleagues that as they devoted the Peace Summit to celebrating the centenary of Nelson Mandela’s birth, he would urge them to reflect on some of the lessons from the leader’s life for the betterment of our world.

“The whole world has noted with admiration that, in spite of the unique situation in his homeland, his lifelong struggle was not solely about liberating South Africa from injustice and oppression; rather, it was about making the entire world a better place for all. This made Nelson Mandela a noble, global citizenship with a global vision for humankind,” President Barrow said.

He urged world leaders to draw from Mandela’s wisdom, strength and resolve to stamp out vices and transform the world into a safer and better place for all.

He reminded the audience that Mandela intervened at critical moments to end conflicts and discord across Africa and continued a median role as an elder statesman, even after he left office as President.
-0- PANA MSS/MA 25Sept2018