As well as being British Ambassador to Ethiopia, I am also the United Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) Economic Commission for Africa. Given that today is the International Day of Peace, it is perhaps worth reflecting on how much the AU does to promote peace throughout the Continent.
Its highest profile work just now is probably in Somalia where Burundi, Djiboutian, Kenyan and Ugandan troops form the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Their vital work has increased security in Somalia and improved the daily lives of ordinary Somalis. Without AMISOM, it is highly unlikely that last week’s election of the new President could have happened.
The AU’s High Level Implementation Panel, led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki, is currently facilitating talks in Addis Ababa between Sudan and South Sudan. Presidents Bashir and Kiir should meet in Addis Ababa on Sunday, hopefully to finalise negotiations as set out by the AU Peace and Security Council Roadmap and UN Security Council.
There are also AU Peacekeepers in Darfur as part of the joint AU – UN mission UNAMID. DRC, Guinea – Bissau, the Lord’s Resistance Army, Madagascar and Mali have also kept the AU Peace and Security Council busy over the past year. Increasingly, the AU is also focusing on longer term conflict prevention through improved early warning and strengthening democracy and good governance throughout the Continent.
What does this mean for the UK?
Well obviously, like the AU, we want to see a peaceful, stable and prosperous Africa. And given that 60 – 70% of UN Security Council (UNSC) business concerns Africa, it is essential that the UK, as a Permanent UNSC Member, works in harmony with the AU. Over the past year, the UK and the AU have worked particularly closely on Somalia and the Sudans – ensuring the Security Council Resolutions were in line with AU thinking and would help deliver peace and security.
Working on Peace and Security is probably where my AU and Ethiopian roles have the most cross over. Former Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles played a vital role, in particular on Sudan and Somalia. It would be fitting memory to him if Sunday’s Summit between Presidents Bashir and Kiir delivered lasting peace, security, and prosperity for the people of Sudan and South Sudan.
Finally, wherever you are in the world today, I hope will find the time to take a moment of peace and quiet to think about International Peace Day.
Dear Grey,
I have enjoyed reading your article on the International Peace Day. Particularly your point about ‘focusing on longer term conflict prevention through improved early warning and strengthening democracy and good governance throughout the Continent.’
On this topic, I would like to draw your attention to the work we do at the newly launched BIPADA Academy dealing with diplomatic protocol, general etiquette and leadership. The academy was originally aimed at would be African leaders and diplomats, but then we found that interests came mainly from different entities which are interested in tackling the rapid decline in people skills in the work and public places. Since this is the pool from which future leaders will be selected, BIPADA Academy feels obligated in putting together a team of experienced and accomplished elders who would impart their wisdom and vast experiences to future generation of leaders and diplomats for the sake of peace.
I hope that when you are back in the UK you will consider advising BIPADA team of experts and help us toward our goal to instill peace and selfless service in the minds of the next generation. The topic of peace is dear to my heart as I had experienced the Biafra War in Nigeria and I would like to help bring about a different mind set geared toward peace, tolerance and consideration toward others.
Again, thank you for your International Peace Day article.
Yours sincerely
Patti
Managing Director
BIPADA Academy