The African Union (AU) has engaged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to collectively address the challenges of regional insecurity.
They emphasised that terrorism, violent extremism, and unconstitutional changes in government necessitate a unified response that transcends national boundaries and requires collaborative efforts.
Ambassador Musa Nuhu, the Permanent Representative of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to ECOWAS and Chair of the ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council, highlighted in his opening remarks at the joint consultative meeting between the African Union’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) and ECOWAS Mediation and Security Council (MSC) at the Ambassadorial level in Abuja that such joint consultative engagements between the AU and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) are crucial platforms for forging a collective response to mitigate these challenges. This effort aligns with the principles outlined in Article 16 of the PSC Protocol, which aims to harmonise the activities of regional mechanisms towards promoting peace, security, and stability in Africa.
He emphasised the significance of the nexus between the missions of the AU PSC and the ECOWAS MSC, highlighting the interconnectedness of peace and security efforts at both continental and regional levels.
He stated, “By aligning strategies and actions, this joint consultation can foster a deeper understanding of regional security dynamics, harmonise efforts aimed at preventive diplomacy, and develop more effective conflict resolution strategies, thereby ensuring a more cohesive and comprehensive approach to regional peace and stability.”
“In the course of this joint consultation, we will explore areas of cooperation, including concerted strategies to sustain zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government and effective counterterrorism measures.”
“We will also discuss mobilising resources for regional and continental peace initiatives, as well as building synergies, coordination, and complementarity in our endeavours.”
“Therefore, I urge us all to seize this platform to engage in an in-depth discussion that will allow us to identify areas of potential synergies and foster a coherent response to achieve political stability, as well as ensure peace and security in Africa.
“By leveraging the collective expertise, resources, and networks of both organisations, we can amplify our efforts towards conflict prevention, mediation, and peacebuilding initiatives across the continent.”
He also gave advice that the AU-REC’s dialogue should go beyond discussions on only political affairs, peace, and security.
“You would all agree with me that the pursuit of lasting peace is linked to a broader spectrum of regional integration.”
“As such, the African Union’s engagement with Regional Economic Communities (RECs) should involve discussions on economic development, humanitarian intervention, social cohesion and infrastructural development, which are the building blocks for good governance that would guarantee a peaceful and stable Africa.”
“Through dialogue on all critical sectors, the AU and RECs like ECOWAS can craft effective solutions that address the root causes of conflict and foster a brighter future for all Africans. Therefore, we urge other organs of AU and RECs to learn from the PSC best practices of engaging their counterparts at the regional level.” He added.
Also, the Permanent Representative of the Republic of The Gambia to the AU and Chairperson of the Peace and Security Council, Amb. Jainaba Jagne, lamented that the African continent is currently faced with the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism and the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of governments.
These, she said, have serious negative consequences for peace, security, and stability in African communities.
“Unfortunately, data shows that the western part of the continent is the most affected by both issues. Four out of six AU Member States suspended due to coup d’etats are countries from West Africa.
“This has never happened in the history of the African Union, and I believe in the history of ECOWAS as well. According to the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism, the West African region is the most affected by the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism on the continent in terms of attacks, deaths, and casualties. Together, we can reverse this unfortunate trend.
“These events are happening despite significant efforts made over the years by our governments and the continental and regional institutions, particularly the AU and RECs/RMs, to promote and consolidate democracy, as well as the entrenchment of various normative instruments adopted by the AU to address these challenges, including targeted sanctions against coup plotters.”
“As such, this meeting will be an opportunity for our two councils to brainstorm on the effective means and ways of preventing and responding to the recurrences of UCGs. We must find alternative options and tools to effectively address crises and challenges that beset our continent.”
“It is also a very good occasion to further reflect on the proliferation of terrorist groups that threaten peace, security, and development, as well as the territorial integrity of the member states directly affected by these unfortunate events.”
“This underscores the critical need for stronger cooperation between the PSC and RECs/RMs to enhance efforts to address security challenges posed by the spread of terrorism and violent extremism,” she added.
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