Intervention by the Vice-Minister for Political Multilateral Affairs, Ambassador Carlos Márcio Bicalho Cozendey, during the UN Security Council High-Level Debate on "Peace and security in Africa: The impact of development policies in the implementation of the Silencing the Guns agenda" - March 30th, 2023

Muito obrigado Senhor Presidente pelas suas palavras inspiradoras e pelo seu depoimento pessoal.

We are very pleased to welcome you today as President of the Security Council.

At this last meeting of the Mozambican Presidency of the Security Council, I would like to pay due tribute to the outstanding work of Ambassador Pedro Comissário and his team. I would also like to thank the briefers, Mrs. Mr.  for the information and assessments provided.

Mister President,

When this Council last convened to discuss the "Silencing the Guns" initiative, a little over two years ago, the atmosphere was cautiously optimistic. Even though challenges remained, important peace agreements had been reached in South Sudan and Ethiopia and the situation in the Horn of Africa was improving. Besides, important electoral processes had just been concluded.

Today, the outlook before our eyes is a little bit more somber. The Covid-19 pandemic and the conflict in Europe have disrupted trade flows and raised the prices for grains and other essential commodities, increasing food insecurity and lowering living standards. The situation in the Sahel continues to demand attention, with ruptures of constitutional order and the advance of militant groups towards the coastal countries in West Africa. In the Eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the reemergence of the M-23 illegal armed group has contributed to the deterioration of the already dramatic security and humanitarian situation in that region.

It must be pointed out, however, that there are positive signs of renewed determination on the part of African governments and societies to bring about lasting peace and security to the continent. I have in mind, first of all, the continued commitment of the African Union to "Silencing the Guns", just confirmed by the establishment of the Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism and by the appointment of Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas as High Representative to this important file. The effort countries in the Great Lakes Region and in Central Africa have devoted to the diplomatic endeavours aimed at tackling conflict in the Eastern DRC is another encouraging sign.

Mister President,

African countries have not only shown the resolve to promote political and diplomatic solutions to conflicts in the continent, but also they have joined forces to provide appropriate responses on the ground, when needed. The Multinational Joint Task Force that tackles terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin, as well as the G5 Sahel Joint Task force, are important examples of African solutions to African problems. The regional force deployed by the Eastern African Community in the Eastern DRC can be another tool to bring stability to that region.

Adequate assistance from the international community is indispensable for the success of these efforts. That support should be provided on the basis of strict compliance with the Charter of the United Nations, of international law and in full respect for the principle of non-interference in the affairs of sovereign States.

Mister President,

The "Silencing the Guns" pledge is but one element of this ambitious vision for the future of Africa, expressed in the Solemn Declaration, adopted in 2013, during the celebration of the 50th anniversary of pan-Africanism. Brazil is proud of having participated in that process at the highest level and having witnessed such an inspiring demonstration of African solidarity.

That vision, which was further outlined in the Agenda 2063, was one of a prosperous Africa, based on inclusive growth and sustainable development, and a peaceful and secure Africa. In fact, a prosperous, integrated and united Africa based on good governance, democracy, social inclusion and respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law are necessary preconditions for a conflict-free continent. This is the essence of what we are debating today: security and development are indeed closely interlinked and mutually reinforcing.

Official development assistance - be it multilateral or bilateral, humanitarian or development-driven - is important, but essentially a temporary solution. What developing countries, and those in Africa in particular, need is a global economic, financial and trade architecture that allows them to fulfill their potential.

In that context, I will bring again the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC) as a uniquely placed enabler to mobilize international attention and support to nationally defined peacebuilding priorities, both in terms of financing and expertise. At the same time, technical cooperation, notably South-South cooperation, plays a key role in capacity-building. The PBC`s accumulated experience in promoting national ownership, inclusivity and institution-building also provides useful guidelines for societies that seek prosperity and security as their way forward.

Mister President,

Brazil has been actively contributing to African security and development, be it with South-South technical cooperation projects, participation in peacekeeping operations or engagement in the fight against piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, among other initiatives. As a developing nation, attached to Africa by close historical and cultural ties, Brazil stands ready to assist the continent to fulfill its vision of a prosperous future when guns no longer can be heard.

Thank you very much; muito obrigado.