Sanctions lead to security breakdown in Africa

Khartoum (Sudan), May 7, GNA - Economic sanctions placed on a number of African countries could lead to a breakdown of law and order in these nations, compounding their already fragile economies, participants at a recent security conference of East African countries in Khartoum heard.

The gathering was under the aegis of the African Union's Committee of Intelligence and Security Services in Africa (CISSA), which looked at the impact of 'illegal' sanctions on the security of countries such as Sudan, Somalia, Libya and Zimbabwe.

The recurring arguments during the meeting were that such sanctions were leading to increased terrorism, extremism and organised crime.

The Executive Manager of CISSA, Mr Shimlis Walad Smayat, pointed out that the 'unilateral' sanctions imposed on these countries were having severe consequences on their 'economic, social, and security sectors, directly affecting the vulnerable'.

He added: 'The sanctions are not only damaging the targeted country, but also constitute a real challenge in the whole region. Sanctions could weaken the state institutions, including the security services, which may lead to the growth of crime, terrorism, and rebellion.'

Sudan has had its economic ties with the rest of the world restricted since its President, Omar al-Bashir, was indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC)) in 2009 for alleged war crimes in the country's Darfur region, although the matter is now in abeyance after the Prosecutor, Ms Fatou Bensouda, suspended investigations last year.

In the case of Libya and Somalia, continued turmoil in these countries have led to sanctions being imposed on both, while political issues have placed Zimbabwe on a partial sanctions regime.

However, the Khartoum meeting argued that these countries did not deserve to be treated in this manner because the actions were 'illegal'.

Sudanese Vice President Hasabu Mohamed Abdulrahman urged delegates 'to come up with recommendations towards lifting all sanctions imposed unfairly on African countries, among them Sudan,' according to a closing statement by the conference organisers.

The statement added: 'He [the vice president] also hailed the political efforts towards settling the continent's conflicts, describing the economic sanctions on Sudan as an obstacle [to] achieving peace in the country. He expressed Sudan's and the Sudanese people's desire to end the sanctions, admitting the country was suffering from its repercussions.'

He was quoted as saying: 'The sanctions frustrate those who are willing to put down their weapons and seek peace, which means the sanctions hinder the peace process.'

Mr Abdulrahman pointed out that the Intergovernmental Authority on Government (IGAD) and the AU 'condemn the unfair and illegitimate sanctions on Sudan'.

Fatima Haram Acyl, the AU's Trade and Industry Commissioner said that the sanctions 'are harming the continent', giving as examples the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Sudan and Zimbabwe.

She said that the AU summit in January had 'extremely condemned the illegitimate sanctions and called for them to be lifted.'

According to the closing statement, the meeting concluded that 'sanctions by any means' had adverse effects on all aspects of life, and called on the international community to review 'the coercive sanctions in line with international humanitarian law'.

The meeting also called on the AU 'to immediately appoint a special envoy to study the harmful impacts on African countries'.

GNA