High-Level Seminar on Peace and Security in Africa Begins in Algeria

ADDIS ABABA – African ministers have convened in Algeria to exchange views aimed at enhancing coordination on peace and security issues of common interest at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

The High-Level Seminar on Peace and Security in Africa, also known as the “Oran Process”, has begun today in Oran.

The forum is taking place under the theme ‘‘assisting incoming African Members of the UNSC in preparing to address Peace and Security issues on the Continent’’.

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama, who is also Chairperson of the AU Peace and Security Council for December, bid farewell to Kenya, whose tenure at the UNSC will end this month.

Mozambique will replace Kenya as of January 2023, and join Ghana and Gabon to make up the three elected African States or the African three (A3) at the UN Security Council.

“We congratulate Mozambique on her successful election into the UN Security Council and welcome her into the fold of the A3,” said the Nigerian Foreign Minister.

Geoffrey also expressed his “immense appreciation to the A3” for the way and manner they have promoted and articulated African common positions, interests, and concerns on peace and security issues concerning Africa and its people, within the decision-making processes of the UNSC.

The Nigerian minister called the gathering in Oran “timely” and the theme for deliberations “more relevant and pertinent”, given the myriad of challenges facing Africa.

These challenges include the increasing proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons, rising terrorism and violent extremism, as well as recent trends of Unconstitutional Changes of Government.

“It is clearly evident that these developments are negatively affecting national, regional, and continental stability and undermining our drive towards achieving AU Agenda 2063 and our flagship project ‘Silencing the Guns in Africa’” he noted.

“That is why we must continue to act collectively, in unity and solidarity in our fight against these threats.”

The three-day seminar is expected to come up with “practical recommendations on best means and ways” of stepping up cooperation and collaboration between the PSC and the A3, according to Geoffrey.

An Ethiopian delegation led by State Minister of Foreign Affairs Birtukan Ayano is participating in the High-Level Forum.

Addressing the opening session, Birtukan praised countries that represent Africa at the UNSC and supported Ethiopia, and stood by the side of justice during the recent conflict in the Northern part of the country despite pressures against the ‘African solutions to African problems.

Featured Image: Nigeria’s Foreign Minister and Chairperson of the AU Peace and Security Council for December Geoffrey Onyeama welcomed the ministers to the high-level seminar on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. [Photo AU PAPS)