Chissano laments violent conflicts in Africa

Chissano

Chissano is speaking at the third Albert Luthuli Memorial Lecture

Former Mozambican president Joaquim Chissano says people in Africa should follow Chief Albert Luthuli's example in solving conflict through peaceful means. He was speaking at the third Albert Luthuli Memorial Lecture at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban.

Chissano said it is regrettable that the continent has become synonymous with conflicts that are becoming increasingly violent and prolonged.

"To celebrate the life of Chief Albert Luthuli is to commit ourselves to the pursuit of the peaceful objectives that will bring about the development of our continent; it is to learn to solve our problems through dialogue and consensus; it is to resist the temptation of using violence to resolve our differences; it is to unite for the development and progress of our continent,” said Chissano.

The lecture is part of the Luthuli National Legacy project, which is one of the Cabinet-approved initiatives to acknowledge South Africans whose heritage was marginalised under apartheid. Chief Albert Luthuli was the first African to receive a Nobel Peace Prize.

The previous lectures were delivered by President Thabo Mbeki and former Zambian statesman Kenneth Kaunda. Today's lecture will focus on the theme of 'Leadership and Reconciliation'. Chissano will also visit the Luthuli Museum and Chief Luthuli's gravesite in Groutville, Kwadukuza, on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast.