The 37th African Union Heads of State and Government Summit concluded this Sunday, February 18, in Addis Ababa. Around thirty heads of state and government from the continent traveled to the Ethiopian capital to discuss the crises shaking Africa. At the end of this summit, the Commissioner of the Peace and Security Council reiterated the “very worrying” situation on the continent.
Published on: February 18, 2024 – 8:15 p.m
3 mins
With our special correspondent in Addis Ababa, Sidy Yansane
Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, who assumes the role of Commissioner for Political Affairs of the African Union Peace and Security Council, says he expresses the concerns of leaders over the increasing frequency of destabilization on the continent, particularly military coups.
He referred to the six countries that were suspended for deviating from the democratic path. We are talking about the three countries of the Sahel, Guinea, Gabon and Sudan. The assembly says it has a zero-tolerance policy towards these coups. “If we take the military and not the political voice, suspension is the number one sanction for unconstitutional changes. For this reason, the Peace and Security Council imposed a suspension on six occasions: Sudan, Gabon, Niger, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso. Because they have disregarded the fundamental values and principles of the African Union regarding democracy within the AU. »
But he also made it clear that the African Union supports the transition process so that it restores constitutional order. “The African Union is not doing anything that is outside its role. For this reason, we are working with many actors, including UNDP, to launch the African Facility to Support Inclusive Transition in Africa. This facility encourages consideration of how many suspended Member States can carry out a similar, effective and inclusive political transition. That is why we are working with them on their political transition program so that they can return to the African Union, provided they respect the constitutional order and organize free, fair, credible and transparent elections. »
Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, however, recalled that the African Union acted as an observer in 13 elections last year and will continue to do so in the 15 elections this year. In his opinion, proof that the continent wants to continue on its path towards strengthening democratic practices.
He also expressed the need to deploy the African Standby Force (FFA). He also praised the mediation work of Angolan President João Lourenço, who is considered a champion of mediation on the still burning issue of the conflicts in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo between Kinshasa and Kigali. Concluding, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye recalled the need to restore security and peace across the territory, particularly in the Great Lakes regions and Sudan, the Horn of Africa via Libya and the Sahel.
This 37th summit was also marked by the numerous divisions among its member states, for example in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo, between Somalia and Ethiopia, and between Morocco and Algeria. Although the African Union was integrated into the G20 in September 2023, some observers doubt the organization's ability to reach a common position.
The AU's admission to the G20 ushers in a new era, as the AU becomes a player in international politics. She finds herself in a position where she must present a view that represents Africa on global issues. But with the African Union it's very complicated…
Paul-Simon Handy, Director of the East Africa Regional Office of the Institute for Security Studies
Gwendal Lavina
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