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“Tragically, we are… witnessing increasing incidents of terrorism in parts of our continent, France and elsewhere,” he told the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Co-operation at the Sandton Convention Centre.
These tragedies reminded leaders they had to work harder to build peace and promote inclusive growth and development.
“There can be no lasting military solution to this problem. It needs political, social and economic solutions to ensure sustainability.”
Zuma said Africa had committed to “silencing the guns” on the continent by 2020 and steps had been taken towards bringing the African Standby Force and its rapid development capability into operation.
“The force will respond quickly in conflict situations to save lives and bring stability,” he said.
Zuma acknowledged China’s contribution to peacekeeping in Africa.
The country had participated in around 16 United Nations peacekeeping missions in Africa and currently had 2 000 peacekeeping personnel on the ground.
“We appreciate this commitment to peace, development and progress.
“It gives practical meaning to the belief of President Xi [Jinping] that China’s military capability must be utilised to achieve peace.”
Earlier Jinping said China supported the settlement of African issues by Africans in the African way.
