Close monitoring of elections scheduled for 2015

Following an open session on 14 January 2015, the Peace and Security Council (PSC) noted in its press statement that no less than 18 elections are scheduled to take place in African countries in 2015 and warned that some of these face the risk of violence. The statement affirmed the need to closely monitor developments in these countries, make proper use of early warning systems and deploy preventive diplomacy initiatives. The statement also underscored the need to initiate joint efforts whenever necessary to address possible flaws in national electoral codes, with a view to ensuring peaceful, free and transparent elections in member states.

ASEOWA mandate extended

The PSC held two sessions in January 2015 to follow up on the progress made to contain and eliminate the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. The first meeting was held on 15 January at ambassadorial level and the second at the level of Heads of State and Government on 29 January. In the communiqué issued after the first meeting the Council decided to extend the mandate of the Africa Union Support Mission to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa (ASEOWA) for another six months and agreed to continue to receive periodic briefings and reports from the African Union Commission (AUC). The Council noted that renewed commitment is essential and, despite the progress achieved so far, the lack of adequate resources is detrimental to the momentum gained.

The Council decided to extend the mandate of the Africa Union Support Mission to Ebola Outbreak in West Africa for another six months

During the meeting held on 29 January the PSC commended the AUC Chairperson on the mobilisation of funding from the private sector and ordinary African citizens via the continent-wide SMS campaign. In its communiqué the Council also requested the AUC to replicate the same fundraising efforts for the funding of the AU Peace and Security agenda. As part of the effort to address the post-Ebola reconstruction needs of the affected countries, the PSC requested the AUC to convene an African Solidarity Conference. In addition, the AUC was requested to make recommendations on how the African Standby Force can best contribute to addressing humanitarian crises on the continent.

The report of the Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan deferred

Yet again the PSC noted with disappointment the failure of the South Sudanese warring parties to agree on outstanding matters and reach a political settlement during its meeting held at the level of Heads of State and Government on 29 January 2015. In its communiqué the PSC expressed its deep concern over the continued fighting and catastrophic humanitarian situation that are still prevailing in the country. It called on the parties to recommit themselves to end hostilities, negotiate in good faith and without precondition, and establish a Transitional Government of National Unity. The Council appreciated the efforts towards the operationalisation of the AU High Level Ad-hoc Committee of Heads of State and Government. While noting the completion of the work of the Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan, the Council decided to defer consideration of the report to a future date.

A new Multinational Joint Task Force to combat Boko Haram

In its communiqué of 29 January the PSC authorised the deployment of a Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) for an initial 12-month period with a force strength of 7 500 military and other personnel. The force is established with the mandate to create a safe and secure environment, and to fully restore state authority in the affected areas. The PSC urged the United Nations Security Council to adopt a resolution endorsing the deployment of the MNJTF and authorising the establishment of a Trust Fund to finance the force. It requested the AUC to organise a donors’ conference to mobilise resources by mid-March and provide the Council with monthly updates on the implementation of this decision. It also requested the Sub-committee of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee on Refugee, IDP and Humanitarian Affairs to urgently undertake a visit to the affected areas and recommend ways to mobilise additional support to complement the assistance that is already being provided by international partners.  

The article was first published by The Institute for Security Studies ( http://www.issafrica.org) and is republished with permission  granted to www.oasesnews.com