Mr. President,

1- I have the honour to deliver the following statement on behalf of the Group of 77 and China to introduce the draft resolution A/72.L.59/Rev.1 on "The implementation of the recommendations contained in the report of the SG on the causes of conflict in Africa and the promotion of durable peace and sustainable development in Africa".

2- We believe that the resolution continues to be an important platform in stressing Africa's responsibility and role for peace and security in the continent and entails the need for Africa to strengthen its capacity to address the root causes of conflict and to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner.

3- The G77 and China acknowledges positive trends and advances in obtaining durable peace in Africa and, also emphasizes the need to create conditions required for durable peace, as a necessity for sustainable development. In this regard, there is an urgent need to continue developing African human and institutional capacities, particularly in countries emerging from conflict.

4- The Group recalls that African countries have taken numerous steps to address peace and security challenges at national and regional levels, including, in the case of terrorism and instability, by establishing the G5 Sahel Force, the Multinational Joint Task Force, and the deployment of the African Union Mission in Somalia. These commendable efforts, despite the limited capacity and resources, manifest Africa's determination to find solution to its own security challenges. Furthermore, African countries have demonstrated growing commitment to the rule of law and good governance. The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) has become a unique and innovative framework to promote good governance as well as durable peace and sustainable development across the continent.

5- In this regard, all efforts should focus on the necessary means of implementation, including financial resources, technology transfer and capacity building. The scale must be ambitious enough to meet the aspirations of the SDGs. Developed countries should fulfil their commitments in the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, including ODA commitments as aid remains an important source of development financing for developing countries, particularly in Africa.

6- The G77 and China is of the view that to complement and strengthen African efforts to address challenges to the continent's peace and security, it is critical that partners enhance their support for African peace and security activities and help build the continent's own capacity to prevent and resolve conflict through increased assistance. No country or organization can solve these challenges alone. Moreover, the G77 and China underscores the importance of the long standing and exemplary partnership between the United Nations and Africa, notably through support for the establishment and operationalization of the AU Peace and Security Architecture. This comprises cooperation between the African Union Peace and Security Council and the United Nations Security Council.
Mr. President,

7- This year's resolution brings new elements to advance Africa's efforts in this regards, it underlines the importance of a comprehensive approach to sustaining peace, preventing conflict by addressing its root causes promoting sustained economic growth, eradicating poverty and promoting reconciliation and unity at the national level is crucial to drastic reduction of conflict situations in the continent of Africa.

8- The resolution underlines the need to address economic and social and environmental impact of climate change, desertification and land degradation in Africa. Initiatives enhancing agriculture resilience in Africa, in particular the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme and other such initiatives such as the Great Green Wall and the Land Policy Initiative are not only important but are critical to the Agricultural Security of the African Continent and by extension the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 2.

9- It calls upon the International Community to enhance support and fulfil its commitments to take further action in areas critical to the economic and social development of the African continent. This can only be achieved if a mutually beneficial approach is employed to create a shared future based upon the common humanity of all Member States of the United Nations.

10- The Group is therefore, gravely concerned, that a resolution aimed at drastically reducing conflict situations and promoting durable peace and sustainable development in Africa is being subject to a vote in the General Assembly of the United Nations.

11- Finally, I wish to take this opportunity to express my thanks to the representatives of Nigeria for his commendable role as coordinator on behalf of the Group 77 and China. I would also like to thank the representatives of Morocco for his role in facilitating the consultations on the draft resolution and his outstanding outreach to present a text that is well-balanced to be considered for adoption.

12- We express our appreciation to all Member States for their active and constructive engagement in the negotiation process. The Group of 77 would like to express its appreciation also to the Office of the Special Adviser on Africa for its support during the negotiation on this resolution.

13- We are looking forward to working with all partners in mutual trust and in good faith to implement the key deliverables in this resolution.

Thank you.