The Community for Sahelo-Saharan States (CEN-SAD), which met in Sabrata, Libya, from 29-30 May, has expressed deep concern about the persistence of violence in the CEN-SAD Region and Africa in general, the worsening humanitarian crisis and the untold hardships especially to women and children.
In this connection, belligerent forces in the crisis areas have been urged to bury their differences and engage in fruitful dialogue for the achievement of lasting peace and security in the CEN-SAD Region.
A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra, on Monday, said the meeting, which was attended by Vice President John Dramani, paid tribute to the Libyan leader, Colonel Muammar Al-Gaddafi for his efforts in the resolution of the crisis and urged leaders and Heads of State in the Region, to also scale up their collective support, for a speedy resolution of the conflicts.
It said in respect of countries such as Mauritania and Cote d' lvoire, which were preparing for general election, the meeting urged them to endeavour to hold free, fair and transparent polls.
The Secretary-General of CEN-SAD was directed by the session to dispatch observer missions to monitor the elections as and when necessary.
The statement said the Summit agreed to remain committed to the issue of conflicts on the African continent and encouraged Col. Gaddafi to continue his laudable mediation efforts in the conflict areas.
Referring to the on-going continental integration agenda, the session commended Col. Gaddafi for his continued commitment to the integration process and urged CEN-SAD members, to actively participate in the up-coming African Union Statutory Meetings in Sirte, Libya, for a successful outcome.
With regard to the reform of the United Nations system, the meeting reaffirmed its support for the African Union's common position on the matter as contained in the "Ezulwini Consensus" document.
On economic and social issues, the Conference expressed concern about the worsening international crisis which was impacting negatively on the economies of member states of CEN-SAD.
"To address this unfortunate situation, the meeting agreed to pursue, promote and support the actions initiated by Col. Gaddafi, which aims at improving the incomes of rural populations, especially women and children in the area of higher agricultural yields."
The General Secretariat of CEN-SAD was directed to urgently organize a meeting involving Ministers of Agriculture, Environment and Water Resources to define an action plan to implement the Rural Development and Natural Resources Management Strategy of CEN-SAD.
For purposes of effective and efficient implementation of projects and programmes of CEN-SAD, the meeting agreed to allocate to the General Secretariat a budget of US$9.3 million for the financial year, 1st April, 2009 to 31st March, 2010.
The Summit was preceded by an Experts Meeting and the 18th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, from 23-24 and 26-27 May respectively.