ISS Seminar: An Analysis of the Prodi Report

Date: 2009-03-05 to Invalid date

ISS Seminar: An Analysis of the Prodi Report
Addis Ababa, 5 March 2009

 

Closed event - by invitation only

 

Hosted by the Conflict Prevention Programme (CPP), ISS Addis Ababa

 

On 18 March 2009 the United Nations Security Council is expected to consider the report of the joint African Union (AU)-United Nations (UN) panel set up by the Secretary-General to review options for supporting AU peacekeeping operations. Amongst others the panel recommended establishment of two new financial mechanisms: approving the use of UN assessed funding to support UN authorised AU peacekeeping operations for up to six months on a case by case basis; AND establishment of a voluntarily funded Multi-Donor Trust Fund to build AU peacekeeping capacity.

 

The Panel’s report reflects the need for greater African autonomy and the need to develop indigenous conflict management capacities, within the context of division of labour and sharing of responsibilities at least from an African perspective. However, finance and burden sharing notwithstanding, but more importantly implementation of the recommendations is a political rather than a technical issue. Consequently, considering that responsibility with financial issues rest with the UN General Assembly; and the current UN financial practice does not allow assessed UN funding for peace operations led by other organizations, even when authorised by the Council; the all important question is when and how is the UNSC going to respond to the report and what issues are at stake for the AU Peace and Security Council?

 

Using this question as it point of departure, this seminar seeks to analyse the Prodi Report and interrogate if it provides a robust and sustainable framework for AU-UN engagement. In so doing, the seminar hopes to explore the probable impact of the report’s recommendation on the strengthening and implementation of African peace and security agenda.

 

The CPP strives to complement and support the work of the African Union (AU) particularly on issues of peace and security. The ISS Public Seminar Series is part of the CPP effort at consensus building by providing a platform for sharing information, encouraging policy debates and dialogues on the African peace and security agenda. The aim is to stimulate quality discussion, in-depth and constructive interaction between participants. To allow for constructive engagement, presentations will be introductory remarks aimed at stimulating unconstrained discussion. Mr. Kenneth Mpyisi, Director of ISS office in Addis Ababa, will open the discussions with a brief presentation.

 

Date: Thursday, 5 March 2009
Time: 14h30 – 16h30
Venue: Institute for Security Studies Office, Addis Ababa, First Floor, Ki-Ab Building, Alexander Pushkin Street, Pushkin Square

 

Enquiries: Ms Yemissrach Tadesse, Tel: (+251) 011-372-11-54; Fax: (+251) 011-372-59-54; E-mail: [email protected]

 

Please note that discussions occur under the Chatham House rules, which means no attribution without specific permission