AU Peace Council calls for greater democratic process

AU Peace Council calls for greater democratic process
Uche Iheanacho, Abuja

The Peace and Security Council of the African Union (AU), has called for greater democratic process in Africa.

The call was made at the 278th meeting of the union held on May 13, 2011 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The meeting received a briefing on the activities of the AU Panel of the Wise, which represented by Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, former President of the Republic of Zambia, Dr. Mary Chinery‐Hesse, Mrs. Marie‐Madeleine Kalala‐Ngoy and Mrs. Elisabeth Pognon.

The Council welcomed the efforts being made by the Panel in pursuance of its mandate to support the efforts of the Peace and Security Council and those of the Chairperson of the Commission, particularly in the area of conflict prevention.

Transition

In this respect, the Council expressed satisfaction at the outcome of the visit undertaken by the Panel to Tunisia, from 6 to 7 April 2011, and looked forward to the planned mission to Egypt, in June 2011.

The Council stressed the important role that the Panel can play in accompanying and supporting the on-going transitions in both Tunisia and Egypt.

It also welcomed the activities being planned by the Panel as a follow-up to its report on “the strengthening of the role of the African Union in the prevention, management and resolution of election‐related disputes and violent conflicts in Africa”, as endorsed by the 13th ordinary session of the Assembly of the Union, held in Sirte, Libya, from 1 to 3 July 2009.

Uprising

The Security Council commended the Panel for working towards the completion of its thematic reflection on “Non‐impunity, truth, justice and reconciliation in Africa – Opportunities and constraints”, and looks forward to receiving the final report.

The AU Council also looks forward to the completion of the thematic reflection on “Sexual violence, Women and Children in Armed conflicts”.

It encouraged the Panel to expeditiously undertake the comprehensive review, including the early convening of a workshop bringing together relevant stakeholders, of the existing mechanisms relating to democratization and governance in Africa.

The council also calls for best option to strengthen the democratization processes on the continent, in light of the challenges and opportunities linked to the popular uprisings in North Africa, at a meeting to be convened no later than December 2011.

Williams