Bahir Dar:The 12th Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa has concluded in Bahir Dar, with a strong emphasis on the need for African leaders to move from dialogue to concrete actions addressing the continent's peace and security challenges.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the forum, which lasted three days, brought together current and former African leaders and experts to discuss pressing security concerns. Participants highlighted the importance of tackling the underlying causes of instability and enhancing Africa's ability to determine its own future.
In his closing address, John Dramani Mahama, Chairperson of the Tana Forum Board and President of Ghana, praised the forum's outcomes and urged leaders to translate discussions into tangible results. He emphasized the significance of the State of Peace and Security in Africa Report as a valuable tool for assessing conflicts and developing practical responses. Mahama called for deeper economic integration, stronger regional solidarity, and a coordinated diplomatic approach to address structural conflict causes, stressing that military solutions alone are insufficient.
Mahama also highlighted the necessity of addressing social marginalization and fostering inclusive societies, which create opportunities for youth, women, and persons with disabilities. He urged leaders to focus on governance that improves citizens' lives and to enhance continental unity and cooperation with the Global South. Lastly, Mahama expressed gratitude to various contributors to the event, including Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Ethiopian government, and called on African leaders to demonstrate measurable progress by the next forum edition.
