Egypt Assumes AU Peace and Security Council Leadership, Vows to Prioritize Sudan and Somalia

CAIRO — Egypt on Sunday took over the rotating monthly leadership of the African Union’s Peace and Security Council, pledging to prioritize efforts to address conflicts in Sudan and Somalia.

The one-month presidency, which began February 1, comes as Africa faces overlapping challenges, including armed conflicts, fragile political transitions, food insecurity, and climate-related pressures, according to Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs.

Egypt plans to hold informal consultations at the ministerial level with Sudan’s foreign minister, followed by two separate ministerial sessions focusing on developments in Sudan and Somalia. Officials said the country aims to strengthen the council’s effectiveness through a comprehensive approach linking peace, security, and governance, in line with the African Union’s long-term development framework, Agenda 2063.

Egyptian representatives emphasized that their leadership will follow the AU Constitutive Act, stressing respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity, protection of national institutions, and non-interference in the internal affairs of member states, principles that frequently underpin council debates.

The presidency’s agenda also includes thematic sessions on the security implications of climate change, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the persistent challenges of political transitions across Africa. Egypt will also lead discussions on post-conflict reconstruction and development, a portfolio it currently chairs within the AU.

During its term, Egypt will present the council’s annual activity report at the upcoming summit of African heads of state and government and conduct field visits and consultations with regional and international partners to enhance coordination on peace and security across the continent.

GAROWE ONLINE