DAVOS, SWITZERLAND: President Yoweri Museveni has said the Africa continent is facing a new healthier conflict in terms of population growth now at 1.3 billion people, adding that the growing number of youth are not being accommodated by the economies.

“We need to address these issues; tackle social economic issues and avoid the usual conflicts that are mainly ideological,” he said.

The President was a guest speaker at an Interactive panel discussion entitled “Peace building in Africa platform” moderated by Mrs Bineta Diop, the AUC Chairperson’s Special envoy on Women, Peace and Security at the sidelines of the ongoing World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. The panel was attended by various ministers, business community, politicians, activists and researchers and discussed issues ranging from political conflicts, refugees, trade, security, human rights, refugees, climate change and a new model of finance and peace building in Africa.

According to the latest estimates by the United Nations, the current population of Africa is 1,305,825,768 as of Wednesday, January 23, 2019. Africas’ population is equivalent to 16.64% of the total world population.

“Initially the main causes of conflict in Africa were ideological. Some groups would exploit identity. What is more important, identity or interests? Some opportunists groups mislead others into believing that identity (Religion, colour, tribes etc) is more important, eclipsing interests (Prosperity),” he said.

President Museveni used his example as a cattle keeper who deals in milk and beef just like most of his tribe but that the people who make him prosperous are those from other tribes who buy his beef and milk.

‘In Uganda, after making many mistakes we fought this issue of identity. What is important for our people is prosperity,” he said.

The President said the other major factor was democracy and dictatorship where military coups became a source of conflict.

The President while acknowledge the fourth industrial revolution impact on the continents urged leaders to handle the issues holistically said artificial intelligence must be an organic structure.

He said Africa needs to face challenges of infrastructure development, electricity education etc in order to embrace a new revolution.

#ENDS