African Union (AU) member states are meeting this Saturday in Angola for the 26th Extraordinary Session of the AU Executive Council, pledging to overhaul continental peace protocols amid a sharp surge in political instability and security threats across Africa.
Opening the summit, Burundi’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Albert Shingiro, speaking on behalf of the Executive Council, warned that a complex mix of foreign interference, unconstitutional changes of government, terrorism, and climate change is undermining progress toward the AU’s “Silencing the Guns” initiative.
The summit brings together Ministers, diplomats, and senior AU officials, including AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Political Affairs, Peace and Security Commissioner Bankole Adeoye, and Angolan Foreign Minister Téte António, to draft a comprehensive decision and action plan on conflict resolution for approval by AU heads of state.
Addressing delegates, Shingiro highlighted the urgent need to modernise the African Peace and Security Architecture and secure predictable, independent funding for regional interventions.
“Despite significant progress, Africa continues to experience an alarming resurgence of political and security crises, compromising the gains made in peace and stability,” Shingiro told delegates. “These challenges demand collective responses based on solidarity and respect for international law.”
The council is urging member states to accelerate capitalisation of the AU Peace Fund through the wider implementation of a 0.2% import levy alongside expanded partnerships with African financial institutions and the private sector.
–ChannelAfrica/AU–
