The Socialist International Africa Committee met in Rabat on December 17-18 ahead of the Council to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the African continent in a volatile global environment.
Peace and security in relation with national and regional situations and the challenges linked to the implementation of the goals of the Pact for the Future in the continent were at the epicenter of the discussions.
Declaration of the Africa Committee
Hosted by the Socialist Union of Popular Forces of Morocco, this session of the Africa Committee provided member parties with a platform for in-depth exchange on the major political issues currently shaping the African continent. The discussions highlighted persistent challenges, including democratic backsliding and violations of fundamental freedoms observed in several countries.
The debates also focused on the alarming effects of climate change, a phenomenon that disrupts the social and environmental balances of African nations. Faced with this cross-border scourge, participants emphasized the urgent need for unprecedented mobilization of progressive forces to promote bold, solidarity-based, and coordinated policies at the regional and global levels.
By reaffirming the values of social justice, sustainability, and democracy, this meeting illustrated the unwavering determination of the Socialist International and its African parties to build a future where freedom, equality, and solidarity remain at the heart of the desired sociopolitical transformations.
In this spirit, we warmly congratulate our comrades on their recent electoral victories, particularly our comrades from SWAPO in Namibia, PAICV in Cape Verde, and NDC in Ghana, embodying hope and progress for their respective nations.
I. Peace and Security
Military regimes are currently a major source of concern in Africa. We reaffirm that only an immediate transition to normal constitutional order can guarantee democracy and the rule of law.
World peace remains a collective responsibility that requires the synergies of all governments as well as regional, continental, and multilateral institutions, with the active support of the international community. This commitment is essential to preserve security and stability on a global scale.
We insist on the integration by our parties of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace, and security, while taking into account the specific needs of persons with disabilities.
In this context, we examined the conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. By analyzing the historical and contemporary factors fueling these tensions, we explored pathways to achieve lasting peace, including through strengthened diplomatic efforts, deepened regional cooperation, and grassroots initiatives promoting reconciliation between the two countries.
Similarly, the armed conflict in Sudan requires urgent and resolute mobilization from the African continent. Its repercussions far exceed the country's borders, leading to a massive influx of refugees, intensified border tensions, and considerable pressure on already vulnerable social and economic infrastructures in neighboring nations. This crisis underscores the urgency of enhanced cooperation and collective action to address the humanitarian and security challenges it generates. It also reaffirms the need for a common vision to establish lasting peace and shared stability on a continental scale.
We firmly condemn the use of coups to resolve political conflicts. We also demand the immediate release of all political detainees and specifically call for the immediate freedom of comrade Mohamed Bazoum.
We are convinced that only social-democratic forces can guarantee stability and shared prosperity while fully respecting the principles of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a universal concern and one of the most striking symbols of imperialism, also captured our attention. We presented an African perspective on this issue, analyzing its implications for regional stability and international relations. We also explored how the African continent can actively contribute to peace efforts.
In this context, the Africa Committee firmly condemns war crimes, including the genocide perpetrated in Gaza, and calls on international institutions to assume their historical and humanitarian responsibilities. We demand respect for international law and UN resolutions.
Finally, the Africa Committee calls for an immediate ceasefire and the recognition of the State of Palestine.
II. Climate Change
Climate change, due to the severity of its impacts and consequences, exacerbates the risks of violent conflicts in many regions of the continent. The rapid deterioration of the environment deprives populations of the ability to adapt to new conditions, exposing them to increased precariousness and constant degradation of their economic and living conditions.
We demand that major polluting nations fully assume their historical responsibilities. This includes the immediate implementation of significant funding to support African climate adaptation initiatives, recognition of equity in global emission reduction efforts, and the establishment of innovative mechanisms to repair the losses and damages suffered by the most vulnerable populations.
Africa must occupy a central place in the fight against climate change. We call on African governments to adopt ambitious, solidarity-based, and forward-looking policies, strengthening intra-African cooperation and fully valuing local resources to build sustainable resilience. Finally, climate migrations should not be perceived as a problem to be eradicated but as a reality to be addressed with dignity, humanity, and respect for fundamental rights.
III. Future Pact
This session allowed for the examination of the key points of the New York Future Pact 2024, highlighting its relevance and potential benefits for African nations. We explored ways in which African countries can align their policies and initiatives with this Pact to promote sustainable development, protect the environment, and promote social justice.
African socialist parties, strong in their collective experience, shared values, and commitment to social justice, are particularly well-placed to propose effective solutions to the continent's economic and development challenges.
We emphasize the importance of unity among African nations in the face of common challenges. Strengthening intra-African relations is essential to building a resilient and self-sufficient continent. We encourage African countries to prioritize mutual expertise and support, thereby reducing their dependence on external actors.
By adopting an approach based on solidarity and mutual aid, we can strengthen our collective capacity to overcome the economic, social, and environmental challenges we face.
In a context marked by rapid technological advances, artificial intelligence (AI) offers the African continent a unique opportunity to address some of its most complex challenges while opening the way to new development perspectives. However, this technological transformation must be guided by solid principles and clear objectives.
We therefore call on African nations to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) in an ethical, inclusive, and equitable manner, ensuring that this technology benefits all citizens without exacerbating existing inequalities. AI must become a true lever for social transformation, promoting the empowerment of populations and contributing to the sustainable development of the continent, in harmony with its socio-economic realities.
Resolutions
Resolution 1:
The Africa Committee of the Socialist International (SI) decides to create a working group dedicated to peace and security, tasked with thoroughly studying current issues and proposing concrete solutions aimed at strengthening peace and security on the African continent.
Resolution 2:
The Africa Committee of the SI calls on all member parties to actively engage in supporting the democratic process in African states, while working to strengthen regional integration, both economically and politically, in accordance with the principles of good neighborliness and non-interference.
Resolution 3:
The Africa Committee of the SI initiates a process to develop an African Charter for the Future, inspired by the New York Charter, and adapted to the specificities and priorities of the African continent, to guide development and cooperation efforts for a prosperous and equitable future.
