News in Brief

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen addresses Parliament Part 1/2

Ethiopia eyes greater ties with the new Somalia Gov’t

Priorities for implementing Ethiopia’s national dialogue (Excerpts from Chatham House Africa Programme online Panel) Part 2/2

AU holds 14th Specialized Technical Committee on Defense, Safety and Security Meeting of Defense Ministers

Africa and the African Union

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, congratulates the newly elected President of Somalia, Hassen Sheik Mohammed on his historic election on Monday (May 16). The Chairperson commends the outgoing President, Mohamed Abdullahi ‘Farmajo’ for demonstrating strong leadership and statesmanship through his gracious acceptance of the election outcome. In addition, the Chairperson commends all the people of Somalia including members of the Parliament for their high display of patriotism through the orderly conduct of the election, while recognizing the crucial role played by the Somali Security Forces and the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to guarantee security for the entire election process.

The 9th ‘Afri-cities Forum’ was held in Kisumu City of Kenya 17-21 May 2022, with the theme “The Role of Intermediary Cities in the Implementation of Agenda 2030 of the United Nations and Agenda 2063 of the African Union”. African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mohamat attended the event, underlined the significance of the Forum and emphasized, “Africa, like the rest of the world, has committed itself to the implementation of the United Nations Agenda and the New Urban Agenda. The Continent’s Agenda outlines not only our Aspirations for the future but also identifies key flagship Programmes which can boost Africa’s economic growth and development and lead to the rapid transformation of the continent, he said.

The African Union will host two extraordinary Summits in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, 25-28, 2022, the coming week. The first one on Humanitarian and Pledges on 27th May and Terrorism and the other on an Unconstitutional Changes on 28th May.

Last week, the Meeting of the Ministers of Defence of the 14th Specialized Technical Committee on Defense, Safety and Security (STCDSS) took place at the African Union Head Quarters, Addis Ababa on May 12, 2022. (See article)

IGAD’s press release after the Ministerial meeting on the current drought estimates that 8.1 million people are food insecure in Ethiopia, 3.5 million in Kenya, 7.7 million in Somalia, 8.9 million in South Sudan, 10.6 million in Sudan, & 1.6 million in Uganda.

Ethiopia

President Sahle-Work Zewde, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia warmly congratulate former President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on his re-election last Sunday (May 15) as President of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The messages underscored that Ethiopia looks forward to working with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and his administration in the spirit of the longstanding and friendly relationship between Ethiopia and Somalia. President-elect Hassan Sheikh Mohamud later responded to the goodwill wishes of Prime Minister Abiy on Twitter saying, “I certainly look forward to working with you on enhancing our bilateral and diplomatic relations.”

President Sahle-Work Zewde held talks with the European Union Human Rights Special Representative Eamon Gilmore on Friday (May 20). Their discussion focused on the human rights situation and accountability, access to humanitarian operation, issues related gender based violence and the forthcoming National Dialogue. Eamon Gilmore has so far discussed with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Demeke Mekonnen and other Ethiopian high officials. He briefed the media that the European Union is set to ponder suspended financial support for development activities in Ethiopia.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed condolences to the  government and people of the UAE on the passing of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and later congratulate the newly elected President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, extending sincere wishes for progress and prosperity of the UAE under the wise leadership of His Highness.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia,  Demeke Mekonnen, presented the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ nine-month performance report for the Ethiopian Parliament on Tuesday (May 17). The report ranges from institutional level reforms and Ethiopian Diaspora engagement to efforts of the Ministry in protecting interests at regional and multilateral levels. (See article Part ½)

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister  Demeke Mekonnen had a meeting on Wednesday (May 18) with Eamon Gilmore, EU Special Representative for Human Rights. The discussion between the two sides covered accountability measures for human rights abuses, accessibility to humanitarian supply, and steps taken to ensure enduring peace in Ethiopia. In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister mentioned the encouraging peace-building measures of the government, including the declaration of the Unilateral Humanitarian Ceasefire, the indefinite Humanitarian Truce, the release of political figures from prison, and the establishment of the national dialogue Commission. Unfortunately, he said the laudable peace initiatives of the federal government of Ethiopia could not be met with equal commitment and determination from the TPLF side.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen met and discussed on Friday (May 14) with Dr. Annette Weber, EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister spoke about the humanitarian supply to conflict-affected people in the northern part of the country and other regional matters. He briefed the EU special representative about the accelerated unfettered humanitarian access created for partners, including the WFP following the declaration of the humanitarian truce.

Chatham House Africa Programme on Wednesday (May 11) hosted an online discussion inviting experts to discuss challenges and priorities in shaping an inclusive and effective national dialogue in Ethiopia. (See article) Part2/2

Ethiopia participated from 16-20 May in the International Migration Review Forum convened under the auspices the General Assembly of the United Nations which aims at assessing the progress of the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe Orderly and Regular Migration. Ethiopia, is represented by the State Minister of the Ministry of Justice, H. E. Alemanteh Agidew who shared the experience of Ethiopia, particularly on measures taken by the Government to address the challenges surrounding migrants and expedite the implementation of the Global Compact.

Ethiopia’s Refugees and Returnees Service and UNHCR Ethiopia briefed on Wednesday (May 18) Addis based ambassadors and heads of mission on Ethiopia’s protection to refugees. The largest and highest level gathering, co-hosted by the US and EU Ambassadors in Ethiopia, attracted more than 20 ambassadors and mission heads. Director General of Refugees and Returnees Service, Tesfahun Gobezay said that Ethiopia has been exerting continuous efforts to protect refugees and receive new asylum seekers over the last three years in spite of difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, drought and the conflict in the North. UNHCR Representative in Ethiopia Mamadou Dian Balde praised the GoE for upholding its commitments to protect refugees and called on actors to continue their commitment in terms of financial and technical support.

The Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing in collaboration with China International Contractors Association (CHINCA) organized a virtual Forum promoting Ethiopia’s transport logistics and investment infrastructure opportunities to Chinese investors and enterprises where more than 900 participants, including Dagmawit Moges – Minister of Transport and Logistics,  Melaku Alebel – Minister of Industry, and Mrs. Lelise Neme – Ethiopian Investment Commission Commissioner attended. The forum aimed at creating a platform for exchanging views on the policies, priorities, modalities and benefits of investing in the Ethiopian infrastructure sector, which is one of the priorities of the government, as it was unveiled through the country’s Homegrown Economic Reform Program and the 10-Year Development Plan, derived from the new reform agenda of the country.

A delegation led by State Minister for the Ministry of Labor and Skill, Nigusu Tilahun arrived in Kuwait on Monday (May 18). The delegation aimed to finalize the labor exchange agreement between Ethiopia and Kuwait. The agreement will help thousands of Ethiopians get employment opportunities in Kuwait.

Eritrea

The national council of Eritrean Americans (NCEA) released a statement that strongly condemns California’s 30th congressional district Representative Brad Sherman’s unfounded accusations and smear campaign against Eritrea (May 19). The statement, among others, said his misrepresentation and distortion of facts unfolding in Ethiopia and the Greater Horn of Africa is deplorable. “He has repeatedly been calling for US military intervention in the Horn of Africa on behalf of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), a group declared terrorist by the Ethiopian parliament.”

Eritrea celebrates its 31st National Day on Wednesday (May 18). Eritrea’s Information Minister, Yemane G/Meskel announced “31st Independence Anniversary will be celebrated under the theme: “Independent Choice: Backbone of Our Pride”. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, President Zoran Milanovic of the Republic of Croatia as well Crown Prince Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah of the State of Kuwait sent messages of congratulations in connection with the 31st Independence Day anniversary.

Kenya

Kenya’s foreign affairs secretary on Wednesday (May 18) expressed concerns that increased food insecurity could escalate conflict in Africa, alarmed at the United Nations Ministerial meeting in New York. In the meeting, Kenya’s Foreign Office Secretary, Raychelle Omamo, stressed “The food crisis in Africa may lead to direct reversals in development, political instability, and the escalation of conflicts at all levels”. The session was chaired by the U.S.

Save the Children and Oxfam launched a report on Wednesday (May 18) showing that one person is likely to die from hunger every 48 seconds in drought-ravaged Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia. The report ‘Dangerous delay 2’: the cost of in action’, shows that the world has again failed to heed the warnings.

Somalia

Somalia’s former leader Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was elected president on Sunday (May 15). Mr Mohamud received 214 votes. The outgoing president, Mohamed Abudallahi Farmajo has been in office since 2017.

Last week, former leader Hassan Sheikh Mohamud won the Presidential race becoming the 10th President of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The leadership of various countries, International and regional agencies lauded the country for concluding the election in a democratic and peaceful manner. The Ethiopian government has sent a message of congratulations to the people of Somalia for electing the government they want. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed that he looks forward to working with the new president on common bilateral and regional interests. (See article)

The Ambassador of Ethiopia to Somalia Abdulfatah Abdullahi Hassan had a meeting on Wednesday (May18) with President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Ambassador Abdulfatah has delivered the goodwill messages of President Sahle-Work Zewde and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to the new President. The two sides also noted the need to further scale up the friendly diplomatic and people-to-people relations between Ethiopia and Somalia.

The Biden administration ordered on Monday (May 16) the redeployment of 450 US soldiers to Somalia at the request of the Pentagon. Government officials state the decision is aimed at countering the advances of the Islamist group al-Shabab. The mission is not considered a combat deployment, but “an advise and assist and training mission,” said Army Lt. Col. Patrick Husted, a spokesman for U.S. Africa Command.

In related news, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the newly elected Somalia President has welcomed the decision by the United States to redeploy troops to Somalia. In a Twitter post on Tuesday (May 17) Mohamud’s office said that the president thanked and appreciated his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden for authorizing the deployment of American troops to Somalia.

The International Monetary Fund has agreed to extend the duration of a crucial aid package to Somalia, a senior official said, following a long-overdue presidential election last weekend. The three-year $400-million (380-million-euro) aid package from the IMF had been set to automatically expire on May 17 if a new administration was not in place by then, with multiple election delays adding to the heavily indebted country’s turmoil. But last week the IMF Executive Board accepted the Somali government’s request for a three-month extension until August 17, giving newly-elected President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s government time to examine and endorse planned refor

President of UAE Sheikh Mohamed ordered on Thursday (May 17) that Dh35 millions of humanitarian aid be sent to Somalia to support its development and alleviate extreme poverty. The aid confirms the UAE’s keenness to help friendly countries and its efforts to develop its bilateral relations with Somalia. Somalia, which on Monday re-elected President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, is suffering its worst drought in decades. The UN says about 6.1 million people – about 40 per cent of the population – have been affected and 760,000 people have fled their homes.

The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), alongside the Somali national army (SNA), recaptured a strategic town on Tuesday (May 17) in southern Somalia. Burundian peacekeepers serving under the AU mission, backed by Somali soldiers, retook El-Baraf in the Middle Shabelle province, according to Mayor Abdullahi Haji. It comes 14 days after al-Qaeda-affiliated terror group, al-Shabab, attacked an AU military base in the town that killed dozens of Burundian troops.

South Sudan

President Salva Kiir said the newly-constructed Freedom Bridge, funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), will enhance growth and boost regional integration. He was speaking during Thursday’s (May 19) inauguration of the $91 million project. Kenyan High Representative for Infrastructure Development in Africa, Raila Odinga and the Japanese Ambassador to South Sudan, Naohiro Tsutsumi, attended the event among other dignitaries.

President Muhammadu Buhari received President of South Sudan Salva Kiir Mayardit Special Envoy, Hon Albino Matham Ayuel, South Sudan Ambassador to Nigeria, Paul Molong Akoro during an audience with the Special Envoy at the State House Abuja on Friday (May 13).

A delegation led by Ambassador Joram Biswaro, Head of African Union Mission to South Sudan (AUMISS), was received by 1st Vice President, Dr. Riek Machar. They discussed the recent visit of the African and international diplomatic community to Unity State following the recent strife in that state. They also discussed the upcoming AU C5 visit to South Sudan, the upcoming AU Extraordinary Summit in Equatorial Guinea and exchanged views on the progress of implementation of the 2018 South Sudan Peace Agreement.

Sudan

Ali al-Sadiq acting Sudanese Foreign Minister said on Thursday (May 19) that his government is not targeting the UNITAMS head, but rather calls on the United Nations to implement the mandate given to the political mission, and make the transitional period a success. During the press conference, the minister said his government’s criticism of the UNITAMS’s performance came after extensive considerations and consultations over its mandate and what it has already implemented, referring to reports in this respect submitted to former Prime Minister Abdullah Hamdok. “Criticism of UNITAMS’s performance is not intended to criticize a particular person, as some might think,” he said.

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Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen addresses Parliament Part 1/2

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Ethiopia, Demeke Mekonnen, presented the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ nine-month performance report of the current fiscal year for the House of Peoples Representative of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on Tuesday (May 17). The report ranges from institutional level reforms, internal and external factors affecting the diplomatic works of the country and Ethiopian Diaspora engagement in supporting efforts of the Ministry in protecting interests at regional and multilateral levels.

He said the Ministry successfully implemented its institutional reform agenda that introduced new ways of doing diplomacy fitting contemporary diplomatic works. Various changes were introduced during the reform process, mainly to assign the right person to the right job and by considering geopolitical interests in maintaining missions abroad, he added. 

The country’s foreign policy gives a deserved attention to the peace and development of its neighbours with a strong inclination for economic interdependence and cooperation for common security issues, he said. In this regard, he said Ethiopia is working with Eritrea to advance common interests, particularly in the economic arena. Regarding Djibouti, he said the country is crucial to building Ethiopia’s economy since much of the export and import trade involves the ports on Djibouti. The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister also mentioned the strong cooperation between Ethiopia and its neighbours-South Sudan, Kenya and Somalia-in economic and security sectors. He also mentioned the border conflict with Sudan that occurred due to Sudan’s invasion of Ethiopian territories. The international community seems reluctant to condemn Sudan for its aggressions, he added.

Aside from rendering regular mission services, the Ministry has continued efforts to protect the rights of Ethiopians in the Diaspora, he said. He thanked Ethiopians in the Diaspora and friends of Ethiopia for their invaluable contribution to the rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts and for unwaveringly fighting undue attempts to meddle in the internal affairs of the country. He, in particular, mentioned the significant contributions of Ethiopians, at home and in the Diaspora, in the digital diplomacy arena that created measurable influence, further stressing the need to scale up efforts in that regard. Demeke noted the importance of engaging citizens from all walks of life to augment Ethiopia’s diplomacy and called on all Ethiopians to contribute their share to build the image of their country and curb threats to its sovereignty.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister covered in his report the encouraging performances of the Ministry in reading geopolitical shifts and acting accordingly to safeguard Ethiopia’s long term interests. Ethiopia’s diplomacy should be agile enough for the highly volatile contemporary geopolitics and maintain the country’s good standing in the African Union and other multilateral fora, he added. Although the undue external pressures on the country seem to ease up these days and Ethiopia starts to maintain its composure, we should not be oblivious to existing tasks and threats that require our continued engagement, he said.

The Deputy Prime Minister has responded to questions, comments, and suggestions forwarded by members of the Parliament.

We will cover the core points of the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister’s presentation in detail in the second part of this article next week

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Ethiopia eyes greater ties with the new Somalia Gov’t

Last week, former leader Hassan Sheikh Mohamud won the Presidential race becoming the 10th President of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The leadership of various countries, International and regional agencies lauded the country for concluding the election in a democratic and peaceful manner. The Ethiopian government has sent a message of congratulations to the people of Somalia for electing the government they want. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed that he looks forward to working with the new president on common bilateral and regional interests. 

“The realization of political transition by conducting a peaceful election with a civilized manner would make the people of Somalia proud.  Such kind of achievement is very important not only for the people of Somalia but also for the whole of Africa. Conducting a political transition in a civilized based by holding election in Somalia is a big issue” Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Dina Mufti told Ethiopian News Agency.

The recent relationship has centered on furthering the two countries’ economic and political cooperation as well as achieving peace and stability in the East African region.

Terrorist and extremist militant groups have been increasingly active in the Horn of Africa. Before its transition to a new mission, African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) stated that terrorism-related violence has surged in Somalia.  It indicated that Al-Shabab has been primarily responsible for the violence, which has included IEDs, mortar attacks, ambushes, and targeted assassinations of senior government officials, Somali security forces, and civilians.

But it is not only al-shabab in the picture but also what could be a resurgent Islamic State, as credible reports indicate that the group carried out two improvised explosive device attacks and detonated a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device in November 2021 and January 2022, respectively.  The Islamic State emerging regional presence in East Africa is characterized by a proliferation of funds, equipment, and transfer of terrorist tactics.

This evolving and emerging forces demand more agile, swift, flexible and quick reaction forces. That is why the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) was introduced last April, building on the experiences and lessons of AMISOM.  ATMIS will be a full-fledged multidimensional mission that will be able to support the development of Somali Security Forces and state institutions by 31 December 2024, as per the AU.  While transition is a difficult process, the African Union, the Federal Government of Somalia, and Somalia’s international allies are expected to be dedicated to the success of ATMIS in helping Somalia achieve long-term peace and reconciliation, as well as significant economic and social progress.

In the regard, Ethiopia’s support and assistance is of paramount importance noting that it has a leading role in the peacekeeping mission in the country. Ethiopia has been sacrificing its citizens along with the 20,000-strong African Union forces in order to ensure peace in Somalia. The government of Ethiopia has also reaffirmed it will reinforce its commitment to support the new government of Somalia. “We hope that the new government will play the paramount efforts to realizing this,” Dina stressed.

It is important to stress, however, that the two countries’ relationship is not just about security. Ethiopia looks forward to engage at a higher level with the new Somali leadership to increase regional integration in terms of economy, trade, infrastructure network to maximize mutual benefits.

This could be further strengthened with supply of energy, besides infrastructure networking both in air and land.  Trade relation is also another area of interest as the existing trade exchange between the two is high. Closely working to augment the social relations of Ethiopia and Somalia people is also in the best interest of the two governments.

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Priorities for implementing Ethiopia’s national dialogue (Excerpts from Chatham House Africa Programme online Panel) Part 2/2

The vivid difference of opinions and differences among various political and opinion leaders and also segments of society in Ethiopia on the most fundamental national issues for centuries should be resolved through broad-based inclusive public dialogue that produces national consensus. Conducting inclusive national dialogues is therefore critical to bolstering national consensus along the way, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration, and mending the damage in order to restore social values. This will have a good impact by ensuring that no one is left behind in the society, as well as building a culture of peace, democracy, and prosperity in the country while transforming the entire thinking system, particularly the political culture.

To participate in that dialogue process, the ground must be cleared with established national dialogue priorities. These are always a pre-requisite and foundational effort for conducting a trustworthy, inclusive national discourse. This is primarily designed to transform fighting forces into producers and to foster a peaceful culture through nonviolent means.

Rather than resorting to violence to advance political interests, which is the vicious cycle that has been causing long-lasting incoherence and instability in the country, coming to the table and discussing it with transformational thinking will pacify the country. Stopping the cycle of violence and embracing each other, looking forward to transforming fighting forces into producing forces, is the anatomy of this national dialogue!

There should be certain essential approaches that should be taken as a cornerstone of this national discourse, which necessitates the ultimate commitment from institutions working to fulfill the objectives of this historical event. Among other things which must be taken into account, inclusiveness will be the first cornerstone of national dialogue. Assuring that the national dialogue is as inclusive as possible and that no one is left out will be critical to both the processes and the eventual outcome. To make this national dialogue as inclusive as possible, an inclusive formula should be devised to address issues such as identity, ethnicity, religion, geography, age, and so on. Having broad ownership of the processes is a priority for making sure all the participants are represented from all parts of the country.

The second pillar should be to ensure that the agenda for dialogue is generated from different stakeholders or different constituents that are identified by independent institutions, which are mandated to facilitate the national dialogue and ensure that the agenda represents the key underlining issues that each constituency needs to be addressed!

The third pillar is that the process must be owned at different levels; at a grassroots community level and elite level, etc. The fourth pillar is independence, or zero tolerance for interference, which is a very important aspect of the national dialogue to get the public trust and to make sure that this is not a process imposed by foreign powers but rather its indigenous/Ethiopian initiatives to resolve the countries’ long-lasting problems and issues.

The fifth pillar is the adaptive process, which is done by drawing some sort of a framework for the national dialogue, making the process more adaptive along the way! The six pillars will be the sensitivity to the local dynamics and complexity of a country as diverse as Ethiopia, being sensitive to the local dynamics and complexity by working with regional community structures to make sure that the process takes into account this complexity. The final pillar is drawing lessons from indigenous and global practices. Even though such dialogue is not new to Ethiopia and it is a cultural thing to have dialogues here and there, learning from both the local and global practices of national dialogue is fundamental!

In general, understanding that the national dialogue serves as a unique space for deliberating those processes or steps that can lead the country into positive societal transformation, assisting in the development of strategies and policies to achieve the collective goals that the dialogue will define!

However, it should be noted that in the face of ongoing conflicts, maintaining inclusion and participation, broader ownership of the initiative, as well as issues regarding how a country-wide process can fit alongside local discussion initiatives and broader consultation and peace-building efforts, pose difficult obstacles. Moreover, ensuring that the dialogue’s findings are effectively implemented, its priorities are carried out in a reasonable framework, and the process is linked to constitutional bodies will be crucial to the entire national dialogue process and subsequent achievements.

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AU holds 14th Specialized Technical Committee on Defense, Safety and Security Meeting of Defense Ministers

Last week, the Meeting of the Ministers of Defence of the 14th Specialized Technical Committee on Defense, Safety and Security (STCDSS) took place at the African Union Head Quarters, Addis Ababa on May 12, 2022. Preceded by the 17th Ordinary meeting of the African Chiefs of Defence Staff and Heads of Safety and Security Services which came up with recommendations of the reports of the meeting of the experts and presented its conclusions for consideration of the meetings of the Ministers, the 14 STCDSS Meeting of Ministers was attended by Ministers of Defence and Security, Chief of Staffs of Defence and Security, Members of the Bureau of the STCDSS, Heads of Delegations and Representatives from the RECs/RMs, Representatives of the AUC, among others. The meeting kicked off with the AU anthem, a minute of silence in honour of Africa Peacekeepers and victims of violence in Africa.

In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Bankole Adeoye, on behalf of Moussa Faki Mohamat and on his own behalf, after welcoming the high-level attendants to the 14th Ordinary Meeting of the Specialized Technical committee on Defense, Safety and Security (STCDSS), seized the opportunity to pay tribute stating “all AU PSOs personnel that are in the field contributing to the fight against terrorism and violent extremism from the Horn of Africa to the Sahel, particularly those that have paid the ultimate price in the cause of peace.”

Reminding the recent attack on the brave and galant Burundian forces by the terrorist Al-Shabab group and the need for concerted effort against terrorist threats, the Commissioner said, “Such instances point to the dire need for us to remain vigilant and steadfast in our efforts to prevent and eliminate terrorist threats on the continent”.

The Commissioner reiterated the five key strategic priorities of the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department of the AU Commission and the AU Institutional Reforms including; (1) To re-energize AU Early warning, Conflict prevention and mediation. (2) To ensure integral capacity for our PSOs, particularly in the areas of conflict Management and Resolution. (3). Strengthening Democracy and Good governance. (4) Inclusive smart partnerships for Human Security. (5) Strategic coordination and Implementation modalities.

In his remarks, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye further expounded the key strategic priorities of the PAPS Department that focus on the promotion of open, democratic and inclusive societies, empowering resilient communities, improving lives, and supporting socio-economic development and human security efforts across the continent. This also includes efforts to strengthen existing capacities for peace operations and the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.

In light with its current approach, the Commissioner briefed the six key initiatives taken to reverse emerging patterns of conflicts and security challenges at the continental, regional and member states level , among which included is the five AU authorized and mandated Peace Support Operations (PSOs) in Somalia, Central African Republic, Lake Chad Basin, Group 5 Sahel Joint Task force (G5 Sahel), and in Mozambique and the best experiences to be learned from them, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye stressed.

He recalled the need to continue coordinated collective efforts to address the current multiple peace and security challenges in the continent.

In the same token, on his part,  Sidiki Kaba, Minister of Defence of Senegal and Chair of the Meeting of Ministers of the 14th STCDSS, outlined the need for coordination between African Union and the RECs/RMs in the utilization of ASF and the need to ensure a well-equipped ASF for rapid enforcement operations to enhance peace and security in Africa.

The STCDSS requested the Commission for the African Union Political Affairs, Peace and Security to expedite the establishment of a Counter Terrorism Unit within the ASF. The STCDSS also requested the MSs to continue enhancing their PSO capacities in line with the ASF Training Directives and requirements for effective response to current and emerging conflict trends, the African Union reported.

The 14th Specialized Technical Committee on Defense, Safety and Security Declarations also calls for Member States to ratify the AU Convention on Cross Border Cooperation, Niamey Convention and the development of national border policies for Better Integrated Border Governance.

Among the way forwards, and “As part of the efforts to address the scourge of terrorism and Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa, an Extraordinary Summit will be convened in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, on 28 May 2022. The Summit is expected to engender actionable commitments by member states and agree on roles of the RECs/RMs and the Commission in support of Member States’ efforts to address these critical issues”.