Egypt Takes Over Chairmanship of African Union Peace and Security Council Amid Regional Challenges
Egypt has assumed the chairmanship of the African Union’s Peace and Security Council for one month amid a host of ongoing security challenges and conflicts across the continent.
According to Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this chairmanship term began on February 1, with Egypt succeeding the Democratic Republic of Congo, which held the position in January. Cairo stated that its primary focus during this period will be on resolving existing disputes in various parts of Africa.
The African Union’s Peace and Security Council was established in 2003 and is tasked with implementing the union’s decisions regarding conflict prevention, management, and resolution. The council consists of 15 members: five countries serve three-year terms, while ten serve two-year terms. Egypt signed the protocol establishing this council in March 2004.
Egypt’s Foreign Ministry emphasized that leading the council at this critical juncture coincides with complex security, political, and developmental challenges in Africa, as well as regional and international developments, requiring broad cooperation and coordination among member states.
Egyptian officials noted that during its tenure, the country will focus on enhancing the council’s effectiveness and will adopt a comprehensive approach to developing peace, security, and governance structures in Africa to help reduce conflicts and increase stability across the continent.
Furthermore, Egypt pledged to uphold the principles of the African Union Charter throughout its term, including respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states, the preservation of national institutions, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries.
