Working through the established mechanisms of the African Governance Architecture and the African Peace and Security Architecture, the full range of responses to conflict can be effectively supported and strengthened
By George Swarei
Mr Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to the AU told the security Council in New York that the alignment between the African Union and the United Nations is particularly relevant for current challenges.
“The African conflict landscape is evolving, becoming more complex and often intractable,” he said.
Referring to the report on cooperation between the UN and AU on peace efforts, noting the rise in political violence, terrorism and extremism in Africa is exposing serious weaknesses in governance.
He alluded to the spate of military coups, notably in the Sahel, which he said have worsened instability, human rights abuses and humanitarian crises, while Sudan faces a catastrophic conflict. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is also grappling with security and humanitarian concerns during election preparations.
Mr. Onanga-Anyanga further noted that empowering AU-led peace support operations would in turn strengthen the authority of the Security Council and its responsibilities as outlined in the UN Charter.
He highlighted the importance of partnering with the AU to enhance capacities to address the complex and dynamic threats to peace and security on the continent.
“Working through the established mechanisms of the African Governance Architecture and the African Peace and Security Architecture, the full range of responses to conflict can be effectively supported and strengthened to deliver peace,” he added.
He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the UN Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council – particularly through joint field visits and coordination meetings – which are key to addressing the complex dynamics in conflict situations, advancing prevention and mitigation measures and enhancing strategic coordination.
“Such visits could help advance a common understanding of the complex dynamics at work in conflict situations, explore prevention and, where appropriate, mitigation measures and provide opportunities to deliver common messages,” Mr. Onanga-Anyanga said.
