Highlights: The 37th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union concluded this Sunday, February 18 in Addis Ababa. Around thirty leaders 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 returned to a “very worrying” situation on the continent. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye recalled the need to restore security and peace across the territory, particularly in the Great Lakes regions and Sudan.

The 37th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union concluded this Sunday, February 18 in Addis Ababa. Around thirty leaders from the continent made the trip to the capital…

The 37th African Union summit ends with a “worrying” observation for the continent

The 37th Summit of Heads of State and Government of the African Union concluded this Sunday, February 18 in Addis Ababa. Around thirty leaders 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 returned to a “very worrying” situation on the continent.

AU Peace and Security Council Commissioner Bankole Adeoye speaks during the press conference on the second and final day of the 37th African Union Summit, February 18, 2024, in Adddis Ababa. AFP - MICHELE SPATARI

By: RFI Follow

With

our special correspondent in Addis Ababa,

Sidy Yansané

Ambassador Bankole Adeoye - who takes on the role of Commissioner for Political Affairs of the African Union Peace and Security Council - says he relays the concern of heads of state and government over increasingly frequent destabilization on the continent, notably military putsches.

He referred to the six countries suspended for deviating from the democratic path. We are talking about the three countries of the Sahel, Guinea, Gabon and Sudan. The Assembly says they have a zero-tolerance policy regarding these coups. “

If we take the military rather than the political voice, suspension is the number one sanction for unconstitutional changes. This is why the Peace and Security Council applied a suspension six times: Sudan, Gabon, Niger, Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso. Because they have flouted the fundamental values and principles of the African Union regarding democracy within the AU.

But he also clarified that the African Union supported the transition process so that it restores constitutional order. “

The African Union does nothing that is outside its role. This is why we are working with many actors, including UNDP, to launch what we call the African Facility to Support Inclusive Transition in Africa. This Facility promotes engagement on how many suspended Member States can have a similar, effective and inclusive political transition. We are therefore 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 nevertheless recalled that the African Union acted as observer for 13 elections last year and that it will do so for the 15 elections to come this year. Proof according to him that the continent seeks to maintain its path towards the strengthening of democratic practices.

He also expressed the need to operationalize the African Standby Force (FFA). He also praised the mediation work of the Angolan President, João Lourenço, considered a champion of mediation in the still burning issue of conflicts in the east of the DRC between Kinshasa and Kigali. Finally, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye recalled the need to restore security and peace across the territory, particularly in the Great Lakes regions and Sudan, in the Horn of Africa through Libya and in the Sahel. .

Read alsoAU Summit: the conflict in eastern DRC debated during a tripartite meeting

The 37th African Union summit ends with a “worrying” observation for the continent

The 37th African Union summit ends with a “worrying” observation for the continent

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