IPU: Kalu Urges Strong Post-War Recovery Plans for Africa

Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu has called on countries of the world to take as a priority, the development and implementation of robust frameworks for post-war recovery.

He highlighted that this strategy is not just morally essential but also strategically crucial for ensuring enduring peace and stability in areas devastated by conflict.

As he puts it, the world can only aspire to turn the teachings of history into a strong basis for a tranquil tomorrow once this particular aim has been realized.

The Deputy Speaker made the call in a proposal titled l; “The Imperative for Strengthened Post-War Management” which he submitted at the ongoing 150th General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) at Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Rt . Hon. Kalu, who was named a co-rapporteur to the IPU’s Standing Committee on Peace and International Security is to speak on “The role of parliaments in establishing robust post-conflict management mechanisms and restoring a just and lasting peace”

Alongside A. Al-Zu’bi of Jordan and Ms. F. Belhirch of Netherlands, he noted the devastating effects of conflicts and wars in Sudan and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

His words; “Despite multiple peace agreements, sporadic violence has persists due to inadequate post-conflict reconstruction and weak governance structures.

“The failure to establish a resilient peacekeeping and reconstructionframework has left Sudan vulnerable to renewed conflict, Economic marginalization and weak institutions.

This disappointing setback has hindered sustainable peace even more, highlighting the necessity for improved systems in managing the aftermath of war.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has faced conflicts since the 1990s, encompassing both the First and Second Congo Wars. These wars were dubbed 'Africa's World War' because of their extensive scope and the participation of several nearby nations.

The conflicts have led to more than 5 million fatalities, largely because of illness, hunger, and aggression. The area still faces intermittent fighting, which hinders years of tenuous reconciliation attempts.

Inadequate post-war leadership, widespread corruption, and lack of effective conflict-resolution methods have hindered enduring stability.

The global community's failure to implement complete peace agreements has led to a situation where ongoing violence has become commonplace.

The progression of history from World War I through regional conflicts in Sudan and the DRC illustrates an ongoing trend: the inability to create robust post-conflict governance structures leads to repeated episodes of violence and instability.

To disrupt this pattern, the global community, working alongside national governments, needs to focus on developing and putting into action strong structures for post-war recuperation.

Kalu, who is also the coordinator of the Peace In South East Project (PISE-P) — an initiative focused on restoring peace in southeastern Nigeria using non-violent methods — emphasized that the experiences from conflicts in countries like Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and others around the globe show that achieving victory in combat is merely the initial phase in establishing lasting peace.

For lasting peace, Kalu thus called for enhanced institutions, economic rebuilding, social harmony, and integration as restorative measures along with international assistance.

Resilient governance systems can effectively handle post-conflict situations and promote inclusive political participation.

The full execution may ensure economic resurgence along with the reconstruction of infrastructure, generating employment opportunities, lessening disparities, and fostering communication between conflicting parties and communities. Consequently, this process could help mend longstanding rifts and bolster national cohesion.

Creating systems that include formerly marginalized groups within the political framework can be achieved through policies ensuring their involvement in governance and society. This approach can alleviate negative sentiments and foster national cohesion.

By integrating these elements, we not only uphold the tenets of fairness but also convert past resentments into chances for comprehensive governance," Kalu stated. "Furthermore, this approach leverages international bodies to offer continuous backing, oversight, and responsibility to guarantee the complete implementation of peace accords.

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