Sweden has called for stronger democratic institutions, inclusive governance and sustained dialogue to promote lasting peace and peaceful elections in Nigeria.
Sweden’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Anna Westerholm, made the call at the All Nigeria Rotary Peace Summit on Saturday in Ikeja.
The summit had the theme, “Good Governance, Justice and Equity: Foundations for Sustainable Peace”.
Westerholm said that peaceful elections depended on public confidence in institutions, sustained political dialogue and commitment to resolving differences without violence.
“Peaceful elections are not built on the election day.
“Peaceful elections are built on confidence in institutions, on sustained political dialogue, on a shared commitment to resolving differences without violence,” she said.
The envoy stressed the importance of women participation in peacebuilding.
According to her, women should not be regarded merely as victims of conflict but as active leaders in preventing violence and promoting peace.
She noted that women and children were particularly vulnerable to violence, displacement and insecurity during conflicts.
“Yet, women are far more than victims of conflict. There can be no lasting peace without our meaningful participation.
“We are not simply beneficiaries of peace, we are leaders in preventing conflicts and building peace,” she said.
Westerholm described inclusion as a fundamental requirement for sustainable peace.
She added that peacebuilding involved practical efforts by individuals and organisations committed to resolving disputes and preventing violence.
She commended the contributions of Peace Corps and Peace Activator Fellows, who, she said, helped to resolve disputes, bridge divides and prevent tensions from escalating into violence in their communities.
The ambassador said the summit’s theme was relevant, stressing that discussions on peace must translate into measurable outcomes.
She urged stakeholders developing commitments and peace legacy agenda at the summit to ensure that their declarations would contain clear actions, designated responsibilities and mechanisms for measuring progress.
“Do not measure success by the words of your communique.
“Measure it by safer communities, greater trust in institutions, peaceful elections, and young Nigerians who see opportunities to build their future here, at home,” she said.
Westerholm said that Sweden and Nigeria were marking 65 years of diplomatic relations, adding that development, security and peace remained interconnected throughout the relationship.
She said that Sweden’s approach to sustainable peace was anchored on democratic institutions, human rights, dialogue and economic opportunities.
According to her, Europe’s history and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war demonstrate the devastating consequences of conflict and the need for every generation to defend and renew peace.
“Peace is never guaranteed. It must be defended and renewed by every generation,” she said.
The ambassador emphasised that peace could not be achieved by governments, international organisations or security forces alone but by collective commitment of communities, civil societies, businesses and individuals.
She reaffirmed Sweden’s commitment to working with Nigeria to strengthen foundations of lasting peace.
“The question is no longer why peace matters. We know, of course, it does. The question is: What are we prepared to invest to sustain it?” she asked.
She urged participants to ensure that the summit would produce concrete results capable of contributing to a lasting peace legacy in Nigeria. (NAN)
