HL/Retreat/YoPS.Decl.(I) Annex 3 Page 2 violence and disputes, with their potential to undermine the democratization processes underway on the continent; (iii) peace, justice and reconciliation and the need to ensure that these three objectives are pursued in a holistic and mutually reinforcing way; (iv) disarmament, demobilization and reinsertion, as well as security sector reform, which should be designed to suit local conditions and whose successful completion is critical to the consolidation of peace; (iv) management of natural resources and wealth sharing; and (vi) challenges linked to the implementation of peace agreements. 6. We also reviewed the situations on the ground, identifying the challenges being faced, as well as how to strengthen current efforts to advance peace, security, stability and reconciliation. In particular, we focused our attention on: (i) Somalia, Sudan (Darfur, implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement – CPA – and democratic transformation) and other related issues; (ii) the Great Lakes Region and countries affected by the activities of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA); (iii) West Africa (Niger, Guinea, Guinea Bissau and Côte d’Ivoire); (iv) Western Sahara and the Sahelian belt. 7. In reviewing these situations, we recognized that many conflicts have significant regional and international dimensions. Consequently, we endeavored to strengthen regional approaches to peace-making and peace-building and, where such collaborative approaches do not yet exist, to identify how they might best be established. 8. We reiterate that the onus for conflict prevention, resolution and peace building falls primarily on national stakeholders. We urge them to take full ownership of peace processes in their respective countries, and pledge to support them in their efforts and to contribute to the strengthening of their capabilities. In this respect, we emphasize the critical importance of governance, respect of the rule of law, fair allocation of resources among all segments of the population, and national leadership in the prevention of conflicts and the promotion of sustainable peace. We also stress the importance of comprehensive post-conflict reconstruction and development programmes in countries emerging from conflicts, building on relevant AU, UN and other institutions’ instruments and policies, and strengthening them where required. More generally, we encourage African countries to put in place national architectures for peace on the basis of their commitments within the framework of the AU, the UN and other relevant organizations. 9. We underline the centrality of the culture of peace, especially through education, so that future generations can be spared the scourge of war and violence. Accordingly, we welcome the drawing competition to be launched continent-wide, to enable young people to share their vision of peace and contribute to the attainment of this goal, building the successful conclusion of the national competition organized by the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt. 10. We agree on the need for continued documentation and recording of lessons learned and assessments of past and current processes, as well as research into the causes and dynamics of conflict, to deepen our knowledge of the issues confronting us and enhance the effectiveness of our responses.