Africa-Press. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Yusuf, has called for urgent reform of the peace and security structure in Africa. This was stated during his speech at the 21st extraordinary summit of the African Union on conflict prevention and resolution in Luanda, Angola, where he noted that ongoing crises and emerging threats, from Sudan and Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo to Somalia, the Sahel, Libya, Northern Mozambique, and Madagascar, including terrorism, violent extremism, piracy, transnational organized crime, and the mistreatment of migrants, require a stronger collective response.
He stated, “Prevention must become our priority. We need an enhanced continental early warning system, more effective implementation of African Union decisions, sustainable funding for peacekeeping operations, and a fully operational Peace Fund.”
Yusuf added that partnerships, including those with the United Nations, must reflect the realities and aspirations of Africa. He emphasized that the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2719 is a legitimate and urgent demand.
He also stressed that regional economic communities and the African Union’s regional mechanisms remain central to preventive diplomacy. He highlighted the need for continuous consultation among the Peace and Security Council, the Commission, member states, and regional bodies.
He noted that no single country can face these threats alone. He underscored the importance of solidarity, concerted efforts, and enhancing African sovereignty in the areas of peace and security.
Regarding unconstitutional governmental changes, he stated that the African Union’s position remains clear: “Consistency in defending African Union standards, alongside dialogue and support.”
The Secretary-General of the African Union Commission clarified that this is a long-term endeavor that requires a steadfast political stance, emphasizing that the summit should be a summit of choices that enhances Africa’s capacity to collectively take charge of peace and security.
The summit was chaired by João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola and Chairperson of the African Union for Peace and Reconciliation in Africa, and by the current Chairperson of the African Union, President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi. The summit will provide an opportunity for heads of state and government to conduct a strategic assessment of the effectiveness of existing continental mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution.
