Statement delivered by Robert Mtonga in Pretoria, South Africa, 10 September 2009

Statement delivered by Robert Mtonga, Zambia Campaign to Ban Landmines

Third Continental Conferece of Africa Experts on Landmines, Pretoria, South Africa

10 September 2009

Distinguished Delegates, ladies and gentlemen,

The International Campaign to Ban Landmines over the last two days has, with keen interest and undivided attention followed the deliberations here in Pretoria thanks to the invitation extended to us by the organizers of this timely Conference.

I can state without fear of contradiction that the ICBL is very pleased with the spirit and substance of the exchanges at this the Third Continental Conference of African Experts on Landmines focusing on Africa as an Antipersonnel Mine Free Zone: Challenges and Opportunities."

There is reason to be cautiously optimistic that Africa has yet again stepped-up to the plate to lead the world from the front, the last mile of the way towards a mine-free world.

With the resoluteness exhibited here backed by solid evidence of measured success as presented in the various reports by those that have cared to speak, the ICBL is convinced that at the Cartagena Summit, Africa will speak with one big voice and hopefully be heard with one ear by the rest of the world.

It is important that the Plan of Action that will emerge from this meeting be as clear as the African skies.

The ICBL does not underrate the enormity of the remaining tasks ahead of Africa and takes note of the challenges raised during this gathering. The ICBL proposes that these challenges serve as a point of departure towards the desired dawn when we all shall walk the African soil in safety.

Here are some of The ICBL expectations respecting this Conference:

• All the four remaining African states will quickly join the Mine Ban Treaty before long.
• Mine clearance will be stepped-up in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
• Victim/survivor assistance will be given prominence by states concluding clear, verifiable and implementable national plans of action that will draw synergies and complimentarity from other sister conventions such as the Convention on Cluster Munitions and the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
• Stockpile destruction will be done well ahead of deadlines or indeed at the soonest possible time.

International and regional cooperation will be given the visibility, as Africa needs this in practical rather than rhetorical terms that have been hitherto the order of business.

The ICBL eagerly anticipates that all African states will take their rich vein of leadership to the Convention on Cluster Munitions as well. Your leadership so far has not only placed Africa in a class of her own but also heads and shoulders above your peers. This is the African way. Let those ratifications flow like the mighty African rivers teaming with life!

In Conclusion, the ICBL echoes the advice of Angola and Zimbabwe among others to ensure that continental, sub regional and other bodies be created so that monitoring and implementation of the African plan of action is done swiftly. It will not do to have sporadic, knee-jerk meetings. Rather deliberately planned programmes will serve Africa's interests well.

Let us all go to Cartagena and be counted. Africa arise!

Thank you for listening.