African peace activists and militaryexperts have slammed the United Nations for reacting slowly to conflict situations in Africa, compared to other parts of the world, according to the New Ziana on Sunday.

Speaking at a seminar to mark UN Peace Keeping in Africa in theeastern Zimbabwean city of Mutare, they said the world body was faster in reacting to crisis situations outside Africa, particularly areas where the big powers had interests, such as Kuwait.

Zimbabwean Manicaland Resident Minister and Governor, retired lieutenant general Mike Nyambuya cited the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), saying that it took four years for the UN to deploy peacekeepers to the DRC, while it took just three months todeploy troops in Kuwait when it was invaded by Iraq in 1990.

Nyambuya said developed countries were no longer interested in peacekeeping in Africa but looting and plundering wealth in conflict areas on the continent.

"We owe nobody an apology as Africa, but should stand up on ourown and join hands to resolve our own conflicts," he said.

He said it was important for all Africans to support the newly formed Peace and Security Council of the African Union so that it helps maintain peace in Africa.

Ezekiel Pajibo, a peacekeeping representative from Liberia, said conflicts in Africa had resulted in its people losing their humanity and behaving like animals.

"War makes us behave like animals or creatures, and it dehumanizes us," he said.

Thelma Awori, a former senior UN official, said conflicts in Africa particularly affected women and children. He urged women tospeak more forcefully against wars on the continent.

Among other things, she said, women and girls were subjected torape and other forms of sexual violence in conflict situations allround Africa. Enditem

Source: Xinhua