Over 100 UN VIPs, heads of state to meet in Arusha

More than 100 international mediators, envoys and former heads of states have confirmed to participate at the fifth retreat expected for Arusha this month aimed at adopting a long term and structural approach in responding to violence and instability in Africa.

The meeting scheduled for Arusha from 21-23 October, this year is also expected to address threats facing the continent and find coherent strategy to silence guns by enhancing economical growth, justice, peace and stability on the continent.


A statement issued by Tanzania Information Services in Dar-es-salaam yesterday said, Africa’s instability along with emerging terrorism threats including climate change, are core issues to be discussed.

President Jakaya Kikwete will launch the opening ceremony to be witnessed by UN Secretary General, Dr Ban Ki-Moon, African Union Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, former South African President Thabo Mbeki and former President of Mali, Alpha Omar Konare.

Other dignitaries to be present at the retreat will include former Burundian President Pierre Buyoya, former Organisation of African Union (OAU) Secretary General, Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, African Development Bank participants, the United Nations, representatives from regional economic blocs, World Bank, League of Arab States, African bilateral partners, UN Security Council, European Union and team of experts.

The upcoming meeting follows April this year’s Durban, South Africa’s clarion call to silence guns by 2020 with the AU Peace and Security Council also holding a special session in the same month to campaign against guns.

The former Tanzanian Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, Ambassador Augustine Mahiga, is among 23 experts invited to attend the retreat in the tourist attraction city of Arusha.

ippmedia.com