Highlights of PSC decisions in March 2017

In March 2017 the PSC reviewed the activities of the Panel of the Wise and decided to speed up the establishment of the Mediation Support Unit.

Published on 12 April 2017 in PSC Insights

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PSC Report

Last month, the Peace and Security Council (PSC) discussed the situations in Western Sahara, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The PSC also considered the activities of the Panel of the Wise and the continent’s progress in conflict prevention and peacebuilding initiatives.

The activities of the Panel of Wise

On 13 March 2017 the PSC reviewed the activities of the AU Panel of the Wise for 2016. The council commended the efforts of Edem Kodjo, a member of the Panel of Wise who facilitated the mediation process in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 2016. The PSC welcomed the progress made in developing the modalities for the establishment of the African Network of Women in Conflict Prevention and Peace Mediation (FemWise). It also welcomed the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) invitation to the Panel of the Wise to provide a briefing on women’s participation in conflict prevention at the Arria Formula meeting of the UNSC in New York on 27 March.

The PSC highlighted the need to strengthen the capacity of the secretariat of the Panel of Wise, which lacks human, material and financial resources. This includes expediting the establishment of the Mediation Support Unit to provide the relevant technical support to African mediation efforts. The council emphasised the need for the panel to keep it informed of its activities, to enable timely decisions and responses when necessary.

The PSC highlighted the need to strengthen the capacity of the secretariat of the Panel of Wise

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The crisis in South Sudan

At its 667th meeting on 17 March the PSC considered the situation in South Sudan and called on the government and all armed groups to cease hostilities. The PSC insisted that only a political approach could lead to lasting peace in the country. It observed that the ongoing fighting has exacerbated the ravaging famine and dire humanitarian situation in the country. The council appealed to AU member states and the international community to urgently enhance humanitarian assistance and peace efforts in the country.

The quest for solutions to Western Sahara

The PSC held a meeting on the situation in Western Sahara on 20 March. It regretted the absence of Morocco at the meeting, and called on Morocco and Western Sahara to immediately engage in direct and serious talks without preconditions. The international community is required to provide support to the talks.

Only a political approach could lead to lasting peace in South Sudan

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The PSC also decided to reopen the AU office in Laayoune, Western Sahara and to reactivate the Ad Hoc Committee of Heads of State and Government on the Conflict in Western Sahara – a committee established in 1978. The status of former president Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique was elevated from AU special envoy to that of high representative for Western Sahara. This is to enable Chissano to mobilise international action on the issue and facilitate direct talks between Morocco and Western Sahara. The PSC also decided to undertake a field mission to Western Sahara in the course of 2017.

Briefing on early warning and the state of peace in Africa

The PSC, on 21 March, held a meeting on early warning and the state of peace and security in Africa. It expressed concern over denials of early warning signals, which have undermined conflict prevention and fostered violent conflicts. The council highlighted the need to address the root causes of violent conflicts, including inequality, exclusion and marginalisation. This also included addressing the root causes and adverse effects of climate change. The PSC called for synergy between the AU Commission and other African institutions, including think tanks and research institutions, whose activities focus on conflict prevention.

The PSC decided to undertake a field mission to Western Sahara in the course of 2017

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Getting peacebuilding right

The PSC held an open session on post-conflict reconstruction and development (PCRD) in Africa on 22 March. It acknowledged that the implementation of PCRD remains weak despite progress made in this regard. The council emphasised the broad nature of PCRD and the need for the unit to be moved from the Peace and Security Department (PSD) to the bureau of the chairperson of the commission. This is to ensure its holistic implementation drawing on various departments in the commission.

Enhanced partnership between the UN Peacebuilding Architecture (UNPBA) and the AU PCRD Centre is also seen as a key way of harmonising and coordinating efforts. The PSC stressed the need to re-activate the PSC Sub-Committee on PCRD, as well as the AU Ministerial Committee on PCRD, to provide the necessary oversight, political leadership and strategic guidance on peacebuilding.

Briefing on the situation in the DRC

On 27 March the PSC had a meeting on the situation in the DRC and expressed concern over the increase in violence and insecurity in the region. It condemned the killing of 39 Congolese police officers in Kasai Province, as well as other acts of violence against civilians. The PSC called on the Congolese authorities – with support from international partners – to take the necessary measures to bring justice to the victims.

The PSC also bemoaned the slow progress in the implementation of the Comprehensive Political Agreement of 31 December 2016 and encouraged the mediation efforts of the Congolese National Episcopal Conference. It commended the progress made by the Independent National Electoral Commission in voter registration in some areas and urged it to enhance such efforts in the remaining areas.

Highlight of decisions