Ify Onyekwere
The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) convened its 1153rd meeting on May 12, 2023, focusing on the financing of AU-led Peace Support Operations (PSOs) to seek sustainable solutions to address persistent capacity challenges. The Peace and Security Council expressed concern over the ongoing financial challenges faced by AU’s Peace Support Operations. It emphasized the AU\’s commitment to mobilize predictable, adequate, and sustainable financing for all AU-mandated operations.
While acknowledging the efforts of the African Union (AU) Commission and the Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs) in mobilizing funding for PSOs, the Peace and Security Council (PSC) underscored the need for enhanced collaboration and coordination between the AU and the RECs/RMs in planning, deployment, and management of operations.
Recognizing the United Nations Security Council\’s (UNSC) crucial role in international peace and security, the PSC called for financing AU-mandated or authorized PSOs through UN-assessed contributions. The Council stressed the importance of developing effective response models to address contemporary African conflict trends and dynamics.
To tackle the financial challenges faced by AU PSOs, the Peace and Security Council decided to increase the ceiling of the Crisis Reserve Facility (CRF) from $5 million to $10 million for both 2023 and 2024. This move aims to enable the AU to respond to emergency peace and security challenges promptly and effectively on the continent. Additionally, the PSC urged the AU Commission to utilize the AU Peace Fund to bridge the current financial gap in the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) budget for 2022 to 2024.
In a bid to engage development partners in resource mobilization for AU peace and security activities, the PSC requested the AU Commission, in consultation with the AU Chairperson, to nominate an AU Champion Leader. The Council commended AU Member States for their commitment to revitalizing the AU Peace Fund and called on other member states to voluntarily contribute to the fund.
The advocacy efforts of the African Members in the UN Security Council (A3) were praised, particularly their support for financing AU-led PSOs through UN assessed contributions. The PSC requested the A3 to resume consultations with relevant stakeholders to advance the adoption of a UN Security Council resolution on financing AU-led PSOs.
Looking ahead, the Peace and Security Council anticipates the report of the UN Secretary-General, scheduled to be presented to the UN Security Council on May 25, 2023. The report is expected to propose appropriate financing models utilizing UN-assessed contributions to support AU-led PSOs. The AU Commission, in collaboration with the UN, will work towards developing modalities for enhanced AU-UN joint work, including collaborative planning and mandating processes, to respond to crisis situations and access financial support on a case-by-case basis.
The PSC intends to submit this communiqué to the A3 to prepare for the UN Security Council meeting on May 25, 2023, showcasing its active engagement and commitment to addressing the financing challenges facing AU PSOs.
The AU\’s efforts to secure sustainable financing for its peace support operations are crucial for maintaining peace and security across the African continent. By strengthening partnerships and exploring innovative funding mechanisms, the AU aims to enhance its ability to effectively respond to Africa\’s complex and evolving security challenges.