New Year Message 1993

"This year witnessed the historic decision taken by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government meeting in Cairo this July, to establish within the OAU, a Mechanism for the Prevention, Management and Resolution of conflicts in the Continent. It was an empowering decision giving Africa the framework and means to act collectively in dealing with conflicts. Underlining that decision was the determination of our leaders to re-seize the initiative and play the central role in all efforts at resolving Conflicts in the Continent, instead of standing by as outsiders have come and try to provide solutions, mostly without success. The Mechanism is already operational and it has met several times at ambassadorial level and once each at Ministerial and Heads of State level to consider the conflicts now going on in the Continent." - Dr. Salim, December 30, 1993