The Egyptian foreign minister expressed hopes that the PSC's protocol would be amended to grant the North African region an additional seat to ensure a more balanced representation.

Abdelatty’s remarks came during a virtual ministerial council meeting, which focused on discussing the experiences and lessons learned from implementing the PSC's mandate under the African Union's (AU) Constitutive Act and the protocol that established it.

In October, Egypt took over the leadership of the AU's PSC during a period marked by rising regional and global complexities and escalating security issues.

PSC protocol
 

The PSC is the AU's primary decision-making body responsible for preventing, managing, and resolving conflicts. It also plays a crucial role in implementing measures to combat international terrorism.

The council consists of 15 non-permanent members elected by the AU Executive Council. According to the council's official website, 10 members serve two-year terms, while five serve five-year terms.

North Africa, including Egypt, Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, and Western Sahara, currently holds just two seats on the PSC; West Africa has four seats; and Southern, Central, and East Africa each have three seats.

The protocol establishing the PSC was adopted on 9 July 2002 in Durban, South Africa, and came into force in December 2003.

Article 5(2) of the protocol outlines criteria for electing members. These include contributions to peace and security in Africa, involvement in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, responsibility in regional initiatives, support for the Peace Fund, respect for governance and human rights, and commitment to the AU's financial obligations.

Unprecedented challenges
 

During the ministerial meeting, Abdelatty emphasized that Africa is currently facing unprecedented challenges that undermine its ability to achieve the 2063 Agenda goals.

The AU Agenda 2063 is a strategic framework for achieving inclusive and sustainable development across Africa over the next 50 years. Its focus is on promoting economic growth, social progress, peace, security, and regional integration.

Egypt’s top diplomat stressed the importance of adhering to the AU's core principles, including respect for states' sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in their internal affairs.

He also reaffirmed Egypt's steadfast commitment to promoting peace, security, and development across Africa.

Moreover, Abdelatty discussed the effectiveness of the PSC’s mechanisms in addressing Africa’s security challenges, highlighting the increasing trend of suspending countries' memberships within the AU.

He explained that sanctions may not always be effective in resolving crises and could sometimes exacerbate violence.

Constructive strategies
 

FM Abdelatty also called for the adoption of more constructive strategies to strengthen national institutions and support African countries during transitional periods.

Additionally, he stressed the need to enhance the AU’s capacity to respond effectively to crises and support post-conflict peacebuilding and development to achieve lasting stability.