Egypt elected as member of African Peace and Security Council for two-year term

Ahram Online , Friday 16 Feb 2024

Egypt was elected as a member of the African Peace and Security Council (PSC) for the 2024-2026 term, receiving an overwhelming majority of 44 out of 46 votes in the elections held on Wednesday and Thursday.

An African Union session
File photo: An African Union session. AFP

 

In a statement on Thursday, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the election results reflect the confidence African states have in Egypt's ability to address vital issues within the council.

The two-day elections were during the 44th ordinary session of the African Union’s (AU) Executive Council.

Ten countries were elected for a two-year mandate effective from 1 April.

 

The PSC, which became fully operational in 2004, is the African Union's (AU) decision-making body. 

It is responsible for preventing, managing, and resolving conflicts.

It holds the authority to ensure the implementation of essential conventions and instruments to combat international terrorism.

The PSC consists of 15 non-permanent members elected by the AU Executive Council, including ten members elected for two-year terms and five members elected for five-year terms.

Egypt previously held the monthly chairmanship of the council in November 2021 and October 2020. 

The country also secured membership in the PSC for the 2020-2022 term.

During its latest chairmanship of the PSC in November 2021, Egypt called for increased African coordination to combat terrorism and urged collective solutions to build a safe, stable, and prosperous Africa.

Becoming fully operational in 2004, 

The PSC's new crew will be facing intense challenges, including the ongoing conflict in Sudan, where over 13,000 people have been killed and over 26,000 injured in less than a year, according to a UN report published on January 21.

The PSC will also be required to address the fresh spat between Ethiopia and Somalia after the breakaway region of Somaliland struck a controversial deal with Ethiopia, giving Addis Ababa access to the Red Sea.

Short link: