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.