African Union's Peace and Security Council Reaffirms Commitment to Territorial Integrity at 20th Anniversary

The African Union's (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) reaffirmed its commitment to respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states, and the primacy of the United Nations Security Council, during a high-level ceremony in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. The event marked the 20th anniversary of the PSC and emphasized the need for cooperation and partnership to promote governance, peace, and security in Africa.

Why this matters: The African Union's reaffirmed commitment to territorial integrity and sovereignty has significant implications for global governance and international relations. This commitment could lead to increased cooperation and stability in Africa, and potentially influence global security dynamics.

The colloquium, themed '20 Years of the AU PSC as a Standing Decision-Making Organ: The Next 2 Decades of the Peace and Security We Want in Africa,' saw the adoption of the 'Dar Es Salaam Declaration.' This declaration underscored the principles enshrined in the AU's constitutive act, conventions, and protocols, highlighting the importance of non-interference in the internal affairs of member states and the primacy of the UN Security Council in maintaining international peace and security, in line with the respect for states and their sovereignty.

Morocco, a key player within the PSC, called for a multidimensional approach based on the peace, security, and development nexus. The Moroccan delegation emphasized the kingdom's active role in promoting peace and stability in Africa, citing its credible and solidarity-based initiatives for the well-being of African citizens. 'Morocco will spare no effort, in concert with PSC member States, to help lay new, strong and lasting foundations for a stable, prosperous, and united Africa,' stated the Moroccan delegation.

The PSC also stressed the need for AU member states to strengthen governance institutions, accelerate socio-economic development programs, and address the root causes of conflicts, in line with the calls for African unity. The council's efforts over the past two decades have included deploying peace support operations, appointing high representatives and peace envoys, and utilizing the Panel of the Wise for preventive diplomacy.

AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat highlighted the council's significant contributions to peace and security in Africa, noting the establishment of fundamental principles such that promotion of African solutions to African problems and rejection of violent solutions to conflicts. 'The intimate link between peace and development, the promotion of African solutions to African problems, the rejection of violent solutions to African conflicts, the promotion of mediation and political dialogue, the rejection of external interference, and the unwavering commitment to the independence, sovereignty, integrity, and unity of African states have all become part of the collective imagination under the AU-PSC,' Mahamat stated.

Despite these achievements, the PSC faces ongoing challenges, including the need to assess the adherence to the AU's basic principles and ensure the implementation of its protocols and declarations, as emphasized in the call for peace and stability. The council's commitment to a conflict-free Africa remains steadfast, with continued efforts to silence the guns and promote sustainable peace and development.

The AU-PSC looks towards the next two decades, with emphasis on cooperation, partnership, and African-led solutions being vital in addressing the continent's peace and security challenges, as urged by the African synergy. The reaffirmation of these commitments during the Dar Es Salaam colloquium sets a hopeful tone for the future of Africa's stability and prosperity.

Key Takeaways

• African Union's Peace and Security Council reaffirms commitment to territorial integrity and sovereignty.
• PSC emphasizes cooperation and partnership to promote governance, peace, and security in Africa.
• Morocco calls for multidimensional approach based on peace, security, and development nexus.
• PSC stresses need to strengthen governance institutions and address root causes of conflicts.
• AU-PSC looks towards next two decades, emphasizing African-led solutions and cooperation.