African Union Peace and Security Council Discusses Latest Developments in the Sahel Region

Algiers, Aug 8 (KUNA) -- The African Union’s Peace and Security Council held a meeting on Saturday to discuss developments in the Sahel region, reviewing the latest political, security, and humanitarian updates, as well as human rights issues and the economic and social challenges facing the countries of the region.

In a statement, Algeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that its ambassador and permanent representative to the African Union, Mohamed Khaled, chaired the Peace and Security Council meeting, which was dedicated to assessing current developments in the Sahel region.

The statement noted that the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Pankele Adewuyi, and the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), Leonardo Santos Simao, emphasized the need to intensify “international, continental, and regional efforts to combat terrorism and transnational organized crime, with a view to enhancing stability, strengthening state institutions, and supporting peace and sustainable development, based on a comprehensive approach grounded in respect for state sovereignty, enhanced regional cooperation, and addressing the root causes of crises.”

The statement further clarified that the meeting reviewed regional and international efforts to bolster security and state authority, and also addressed the persistence of economic challenges despite signs of resilience recorded by some economies in the region.

Efforts undertaken by the African Union through high-level political engagement, preventive diplomacy, and support for dialogue were also discussed, notably the visit made last July by AU Commission Chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf to Mali and Burkina Faso.

At the conclusion of its deliberations, the Council called for “strengthening early warning and conflict prevention capacities, combating violent extremism, and cutting off terrorist financing, alongside intensifying humanitarian assistance for internally displaced persons, refugees, and host countries, and ensuring their safe and regular delivery.”

It also issued an appeal to African and international financial institutions and development partners to continue supporting economic recovery and resilience-building programs, and to address the deep-seated causes of instability, such as poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, and the growing impacts of climate change.

The Council affirmed that “the Sahel region remains of strategic importance to the continent, and achieving lasting peace requires enhanced regional cooperation, sound leadership, and a comprehensive approach that integrates security, development, and governance.”

It is worth noting that the African Union Peace and Security Council meeting was preceded by a coordination session bringing together Sahel countries and neighboring states to exchange views on current developments. (End) M.R. / A.B.K.