The 51st African Union (AU) Permanent Representatives Committee’s (PRC) ordinary session kicked off on Monday with a special focus on peace and security challenges in Africa, particularly the situations in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and Libya.
Opening the session, Chairperson of the AU Commission (AUC) Mohammed Ali Youssouf said the current international environment has become increasingly complex, making solidarity among African countries more critical to deal with security challenges.
“The Commission will endeavor to use all available means to find solutions,” Youssouf said. He added, “The Peace and Security Council will act promptly and dynamically to address the various crises facing our nations.”
He urged AU member states to adjust to present realities and strengthen reliance on domestic resources while safeguarding collective interests.
Chairperson of the PRC to the African Union, Professor Miguel Cesar Domingos Bembe, echoed these concerns, pointing to persistent and unresolved conflicts across the continent.
“Unresolved conflicts continue to plague regions such as eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Libya and the Sahel,” Bembe said.
He also noted that Madagascar has recently experienced an unconstitutional change in government, while Benin narrowly avoided a similar crisis.
Bembe emphasised the commission’s determination to address peace and security challenges using all available mechanisms, including the work of commissioners, special envoys and the Panel of the Wise.
“The Peace and Security Council is acting with necessary speed and dynamism to respond promptly to various crises,” he noted.
He further highlighted ongoing institutional reforms, particularly within the peace and security architecture, aimed at strengthening stability and resilience across the continent.
Referring to the broader global context, Bembe said declining financial resources, rising tariff barriers and restrictive visa regimes are increasingly affecting African countries and limiting the free movement of people.
He called on member states to remain adaptable, promote self-reliance and sustain strategic partnerships, even as global trends shift toward protectionism and unilateralism.
Theme of the AU’s 2026 Summit is set to focus on water as a vital resource for life, development, and sustainability, was underscored as both timely and forward-looking.
MG/as/APA