The goal of silencing the guns and ending all forms of conflict in Africa is still achievable, despite the slow implementation in some parts of the continent.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah emphasised this during the meeting with the visiting Vice-President and Special Envoy of Sudan, Malik Nganyoufa Eyre, at State House.
The goal of silencing the guns is espoused in the continental blueprint Agenda 2063—The Africa We Want, with its implementation plan.
Despite the initial deadline of 2020, conflict and crisis situations persist in some parts of Africa, necessitating a redoubling of efforts.
President Nandi-Ndaitwah remains optimistic about a conflict-free Africa and one that would continue to meet the needs of its citizens.
"We are making progress, but we have a challenge because of one factor: in the first ten years of our Agenda 2063, the silencing of the guns. Unfortunately, we are moving very slowly, but we still believe we have a chance to reach that stage where we silence the guns on our continent and then proceed to focus in earnest on socio-economic development for the people of Africa."
Sudan's Vice-President Malik Nganyoufa Eyre said the ruling Sovereign Council is still committed to returning to civilian-led government in full, following years of conflict, as he briefed President Nandi-Ndaitwah on progress.
"I bring greetings from my President and the newly appointed PM of Sudan. As you are aware, we didn't have a PM because of the war. The war has obstructed it for two years, and on the other hand, let me congratulate you on winning the elections and leading this beautiful country. I believe in your abilities, and joining together with others, we will reach the goals of Agenda 2063. This is important for Africa, that it becomes stable and peaceful; that is the desire of any African leader, despite the juggle here and there now, and I think this is because of the abundance of natural resources of Africa and less utilisation of these resources of Africa."
Vice-President Eyre was on a one-day working visit to Namibia.