African Union stresses the need for structural reform of conflict prevention and peacekeeping mechanisms

Rabat, Aug 30 (KUNA) -- The African Union (AU) stressed on Sunday the need to accelerate structural reforms of the continent’s peace and security mechanisms and to immediately shift to proactive diplomacy to mitigate crises and armed conflicts. This stance was expressed during the opening of the extraordinary session of the AU Summit of Heads of State and Government, held in the Angolan capital, Luanda.

In his opening address, Angolan President João Lourenço said that the complex security challenges facing several regions of the continent require a restructuring of continental strategies and the harmonization of mediation efforts to prevent the escalation of tension hotspots. He clarified that achieving lasting stability demands the full activation of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and enhanced direct coordination between the AU and regional economic communities to avoid the fragmentation and contradiction of initiatives.

For his part, AU Commission Chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf emphasized in his speech that the current phase necessitates a commitment to providing sustainable continental funding for peacekeeping operations. He noted that the continental goal of “Silencing the Guns by 2030” would not be achieved without serious political will and the activation of accountability and early warning mechanisms.

The summit comes at a time when the Nigerian Ministry of Defense announced that the Nigerian Defence and Security Forces were gradually regaining control of sensitive sites in the capital, Niamey, following an armed confrontation that took place in the city. Niamey witnessed two attacks this year targeting the airport and an adjacent military base, which authorities said they had repelled, amid ongoing security challenges facing the country due to armed attacks in the border regions with Mali and Burkina Faso.

The summit is expected to conclude later today with the adoption of the “Luanda Declaration,” along with a comprehensive action plan and implementation roadmap to enhance security and stability across the African continent. (End) M.R.Y. / S.A.M.