2023-10-30: The President of the Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou N’guesso, delivered a committed speech at the summit on the preservation of tropical forest basins, calling for world peace. Sassou stressed that the protection of the forest is closely linked to the promotion of peace, affirming that one cannot be a friend of the forest without being a friend of peace.
The Congolese president highlighted the role that the forest plays in conflict zones, as a place of camouflage and military targets. He stressed that the forest symbolizes mediation and dialogue, recalling the concept of the palaver tree, under which crises and conflicts are resolved through dialogue.
This plea for peace joins that of Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, who recently denounced Rwanda’s aggression against the DRC and called for unity and peace in Africa. Tshisekedi also stressed the importance of preserving forests, particularly in the DRC which is home to a significant part of the Congo Basin.
With more than 62% forests in the Congo Basin, the DRC is determined to assume its leadership in environmental and climate protection. Tshisekedi stressed that this commitment must be shared with countries in other tropical forest basins, such as the Amazon, Borneo and the Mekong.
These calls for peace and the preservation of forests highlight the growing importance of protecting the environment and combating armed conflict. By recognizing that environmental issues are inseparable from issues of peace and dialogue, African leaders are sending a strong message to promote a sustainable and peaceful future for all. They thus highlight the key role of Africa in protecting the global environment.
As heads of state gather to discuss the preservation of tropical forest basins, it is essential that these discussions translate into concrete actions. The protection of nature and the promotion of peace are issues that concern all of humanity. It is our responsibility to support these initiatives and work together to build a sustainable and peaceful future for our planet.