President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi said that the Libyan crisis is en route to be solved peacefully and conclusively during the coming months, as the escalation and civil conflict is increasing in the war-torn country. Al-Sisi's comments came during the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development. The escalation in Libya entered a new phase after the Turkish pact with the National Accord Government (GNA), hence provoking the Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF) and its allies in the region. President Al-Sisi said that for Africa to enjoy peace and prosperity, the solution is to find radical answers to security challenges. He added that in order to achieve peace, states have to exercise sovereignty over its territories and to improve the abilities of its national institutions. Welcoming the guests, Al-Sisi said that Aswan, which is hosting the conference, is a bridge between Egypt and the African continent through the River Nile. The president said that this generation is perfect for African countries to meet and discuss the status of Africa, specifically with the ongoing challenges like security threats as well as the need to implement sustainable development, and the threats of terrorism, human trafficking, weapons trade, and illegal immigration. Al-Sisi also added that there are other problems that are facing Africa such as climate change, which lead to the desertification of several areas, and is limiting water resources. He added that Africa, through several diplomatic bodies, have managed to sign the 2063 Development Agenda, and the 2020 Weapons Silencing initiative to end all conflicts and civil wars in the continent. Al-Sisi asserted that the framework of the nation state is essential to achieve peace and stability, adding that empowering young people and women is also crucial to enhance the performance of state bodies and institutions. He also added that the amount of growth the continent has achieved calls for optimism. On the local obstacles that face the Egyptian state, Al-Sisi said that in Egypt the country was countering terrorism but also decided to start the process of sustainable development. He added that countering militant groups demands more collective action and resisting the countries that supports these entities. "Egypt is ready to provide all the help it can to our brothers in the Sahel and the Sahara to counter terrorism," the president added. The Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development will run for two days with the participation of a large number of African and international leaders and top officials. According to its official website, the Aswan Forum's aim is to discuss issues related to sustainability of peace, security and development. Other issues tabled on the agenda of the forum include silencing guns in Africa, managing journeys out of extremism and building post-terrorism local orders, financing post-conflict economic recovery, harnessing digital financing, and financial Inclusion for sustainable development and peace.
