A joint communiqué adopted by the members of the PSC-AU, including the Kingdom of Morocco, and the UNSC at the end of their 18th annual joint consultative meeting at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, to deliberate on issues of peace and security in Africa, once again reiterated this position.
During this meeting, the Moroccan delegation chaired by the Ambassador, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Morocco to the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Mohammed Arrouchi, affirmed the principle of the primacy of the United Nations Security Council in dealing with peace and security situations in the world and in particular in Africa as well as the policy advocated by Morocco in responding to peace and security challenges through an approach integrated and multidimensional which is based on the nexus: peace, security and development which aims to help African countries and support them in meeting the needs and aspirations of their citizens in terms of peace, stability and sustainable development.
Thus, the AU PSC and the members of the UNSC reaffirmed, once again, the primary responsibility of the UNSC in the maintenance of international peace and security, particularly in Africa, in accordance with Article 24 of the Charter of the United Nations.
Also, they reaffirmed that development, peace and security are interdependent and synergistic and highlighted the relationship between the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the AU Agenda 2063, while recognizing the need for a comprehensive and integrated approach to maintaining peace.
They commended young people and women for the essential role they play at the national, regional, continental and global levels in preventing violence, promoting peace, security, stability and socio-development. economic, as well as in efforts to establish the foundations of peaceful societies.
They also highlighted the need to invest in young people and women in research, capacity building, job creation, mentoring and socio-economic development initiatives that enable them to actively play their role in the promotion of peace, security and stability, as well as their financial inclusion.
Furthermore, both Councils expressed their deep concern about the increased vulnerability of children to six serious violations of their rights in conflict situations, while condemning in the strongest terms the continued recruitment and use of children on the continent by belligerents in conflicts, including non-state armed groups and forces, as well as terrorist organizations.
They stressed the need for all States to ensure that all perpetrators of violations and abuses against children are held accountable, including through prompt and systematic investigations and, where appropriate , prosecutions and convictions.
– What are the main goals of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union in addressing security challenges in Africa?
Title: Bridging Peace and Development in Africa: An Interview with Mohamed Arrouchi
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Good afternoon, Mr. Arrouchi. Thank you for joining us today. Your recent participation in the joint consultative meeting at the UN Headquarters has garnered significant attention. Can you share the key outcomes of this meeting regarding peace and security in Africa?
Mohammed Arrouchi (Ambassador of Morocco to the African Union and UNECA): Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. The 18th annual joint consultative meeting between the Peace and Security Council of the African Union (PSC-AU) and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) was pivotal. It reaffirmed the critical role of the UNSC in managing peace and security matters globally, with a strong focus on Africa. Our discussions emphasized a collaborative approach to tackle these challenges effectively.
Editor: That sounds promising. The communiqué highlighted the importance of an integrated and multidimensional approach. Can you elaborate on what this entails, particularly in terms of the nexus between peace, security, and development?
Arrouchi: Certainly. The integrated approach we advocate for emphasizes that peace and security cannot be viewed in isolation from development. In many African contexts, instability often arises from developmental challenges. Therefore, our strategy aims to address these intertwined issues by focusing on socio-economic development, good governance, and empowerment of citizens. By doing so, we believe we can create a solid foundation for peace and stability across the continent.
Editor: It’s fascinating to see how these elements interconnect. During the meeting, the importance of supporting African nations to meet their citizens’ needs was mentioned as well. How is Morocco planning to contribute to this effort?
Arrouchi: Morocco is committed to playing a proactive role. We believe that support should go beyond mere peacekeeping. We aim to help African countries develop infrastructure, improve educational systems, and promote health initiatives. By addressing the root causes of conflict, we can help create a more stable and prosperous Africa. Our participation in various regional initiatives, like the African Union’s development programs, underscores our dedication to this cause.
Editor: The historical context of Africa’s security challenges is often complex. How does the PSC-AU plan to navigate this landscape, especially in light of the primary responsibility of the UNSC as stated in the communiqué?
Arrouchi: Navigating these complexities requires collaboration and mutual respect between the PSC-AU and the UNSC. While the UNSC has the primary responsibility, the PSC-AU provides invaluable local knowledge and context-specific insights that can enhance decision-making. This partnership is crucial in implementing successful strategies that resonate with the unique challenges faced by different regions in Africa.
Editor: That’s an important perspective. Looking ahead, what are your hopes for future consultations between the AU and the UNSC?
Arrouchi: My hope is that we continue to deepen our collaboration and understanding. Regular dialogues can foster a shared vision for peace and development in Africa. It’s vital that both bodies remain adaptable, innovative, and responsive to the evolving challenges on the continent. Together, we can forge a path towards sustainable peace that addresses the aspirations of all African citizens.
Editor: Thank you, Mr. Arrouchi, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that with collaborative efforts and a focus on integrated solutions, there is potential for significant progress in addressing peace and security challenges in Africa.
Arrouchi: Thank you for this opportunity. I look forward to seeing how these discussions unfold and to the continued commitment of all stakeholders involved.