Today is the UN-proclaimed Internatinal Day of Peace (Peace
Day). Every year since 1982, Peace Day has provided a rallying
point for the United Nations and its members states, as well as
for civil society, private sector and individuals, to join
forces to advance global peace. Today, the African continent is
joining the rest of the world to celebrate Peace Day. This year,
Peace Day holds a special significance for every African. In
recognition of the importance of addressing the problem of peace
and security, the African Union designated 2010 as the 'Year of
Peace and Security' during the Special Session on the
Consideration and Resolution of Conflicts in Africa, held in
Tripoli, on 31 August 2009. The Heads of State and Government
collectively made the following pledge: "...We are determined to
deal once and for all with the scourge of conflicts and violence
on our continent, acknowledging our shortcomings and errors,
committing our resources and our best people, and missing no
opportunity to push forward th