Since its inception in 1963, the principle purpose of the Organisation of African Unity has been to promote African unity and solidarity in freedom, and to co-ordinate and intensify efforts to achieve a better life for the peoples of Africa. With the Cairo Declaration of 1993, the 29th OAU Assembly of Heads of State and Government accepted more specific responsibilities for the security of the peoples of Africa – in particular, for the prevention, management and resolution of conflict on our continent.

The creation of the OAU Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution placed security at the centre of the Organisation’s efforts. Our experiences in Mozambique, Angola, Sudan, Liberia, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Zaire show that internal conflicts generate massive flows of displaced people and refugees, encourage the proliferation of arms which continue to fuel conflicts and spur crime, and which can destroy the credibility of regions and eventually that of the entire continent. Because these factors combine to hinder the economic development of individual countries, of regions, and of the continent, and because internal wars have external consequences, collective action to manage these conflicts is now judged to be both appropriate and necessary.

The revival of democracy has brought brighter prospects for our continent. In this regard, OAU electoral observers have participated in more than 50 elections and referenda in 33 African countries. However, Africa is still plagued by violent conflict. Where conflicts appear imminent, we send an envoy or mission of enquiry to determine the facts and to recommend how the OAU can be helpful. It is significant that such missions are almost never refused, even when the governments under question are reluctant to subject their internal troubles to outside scrutiny. The OAU is currently involved in conflict management initiatives in countries such as Liberia, Sierra Leone, Rwanda, Burundi, Somalia and, of course, Zaire.

The OAU Summit of June 1995 also adopted a decision which provided for limited peacekeeping operations, under exceptional circumstances, to be conducted by the OAU itself. World events have now demonstrated that even though the OAU may wish to focus its efforts on the prevention of conflicts, it cannot exclude itself in some circumstances from undertaking activities of a peacekeeping nature. The Chiefs of Staff meeting in June 1996 focused on two crucial issues: the strengthening of Africa’s capacity in the field of peacekeeping under the aegis of the United Nations, and the modalities for limited peacekeeping operations undertaken by the OAU itself.

While Africa is clearly prepared to assume even more responsibility for peacekeeping in Africa, we insist on the principle that the international community, through the United Nations, has collective responsibility for global security. In other words, the OAU should not be made to accept sole responsibility for peacekeeping in Africa, while the UN looks after the rest of the world. The OAU is also only as strong as the collective will of its member states, and of individuals and organisations within those member states who are working towards the goals of unity and security in Africa. The Institute for Security Studies is one such organisation. The mission of the Institute reflects its commitment to enhance human security in Africa – a task which consumes much of my energy and resources, and those of the OAU. The ISS thus shares in the values of the OAU, through its commitment to democracy, good governance and the promotion of common security.

Although based in South Africa, the Institute sees itself as an African resource. During 1996, its activities included engagements in some thirteen African countries. Representatives of many more African countries have been able to draw on the resources available at the Institute. In these endeavours, the ISS has been working closely with the OAU, in particular with the OAU Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution and its Conflict Management Division.

The OAU realises that the future of Africa must be constructed through co-operation, and that this is not only the responsibility of governments, but also of those in civil society who have a voice. We need a growing capacity for research which supports our efforts to manage conflict and to provide a greater measure of security for the people of Africa. It is appropriate for institutes such as the ISS to team up with the OAU in our quest for African unity. I therefore take great pleasure, in my capacity as Secretary-General of the Organisation of African Unity, in announcing my acceptance as honorary patron of the Institute for Security Studies. It is my hope that the symbolism of this acceptance is not lost, and that it will demonstrate to all that the way forward is through a network of interaction and collaboration among all countries and organisations that embrace the cause of regional and African peace and security.

It is also my sincere hope that this role will enhance the contribution that the ISS is making towards stability and security within Africa, and that it will ensure that the OAU is provided with a resource base of significant expertise. I am honoured to be the first honorary patron of ISS, and trust that the Institute will grow from strength to strength in its pursuit of enhancing human security in Africa.