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EU Statement - UN Security Council: Ad Hoc Working Group on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa

30.04.2024 Press and information team of the Delegation to the UN in New York

New York, 30 April 2024 - Statement of the European Union at the United Nations Security Council Ad Hoc Working Group on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa "Implementation of Resolution 2719 (2023), on flexible financing for the AU Peace Support Operations: Opportunities, challenges and way forward", delivered by Ambassador Hedda Samson, Chargé d'Affaires, a.i., European Union Delegation to the United Nations.

Mr President, Excellencies,

I have the honour of speaking on behalf of the European Union and its Member States.

The adoption of Security Council Resolution 2719 is a milestone for African-led peace support operations (PSOs) and a crucial building block in the UN Secretary General's New Agenda for Peace. The resolution also responds to the evolving nature of conflict and threats and responds to the call for stronger cooperation between the UN and regional organisations. The European Union welcomes the resolution and congratulates the African Union and the A3 on this crucial step towards adequate, predictable and sustainable financing of African-led PSOs.

The European Union has been a friend and close partner in the process leading up to the adoption of resolution 2719. The 27 member states have expressed their political support for the resolution on numerous occasions. The European Union has also been the African Union's number one partner on peace and security issues in terms of financial and technical support. From the establishment of the Africa Peace Facility (APF) in 2003 to the allocation of over EUR 1 billion so far to African partners under the European Peace Facility (EPF) since mid-2021, the EU has been a key partner of Africa, and in particular a strong supporter of AU PSOs. For example, the EU has provided over EUR 2.6 billion for AMISOM/ATMIS since the deployment of the mission in 2007.

In addition, the European Union has been funding the tripartite UN-AU-EU project for enhancing and operationalising the African Union Human Rights Compliance Framework, a critical step towards access to UN-assessed contributions.

Today we have heard how the UN and AU are working together towards implementing Resolution 2719. At this stage, it is extremely important that both actors engage actively to prepare the implementation of the resolution so that it would be ready when an operation is proposed. Designing a joint decision making process between the AU and the UN will be key to smooth implementation.

Another outstanding issue to resolve is the 25% financing gap. We welcome the commitment of the African Union, sub-regional organizations and its member states to contribute significantly to the African Union-led Peace Support Operations. Burden and responsibility sharing, including from the African Union, is key.

In this context, the EU will seek to continuously play a key role in providing support to AU-led PSOs on a case-by-case basis and through all the tools at its disposal. In line with our longstanding support to AU-led PSOs, EU support can include funding, equipment, supplies, infrastructure, services, training and advice, be it at national, sub-regional and/or continental level. The EU calls for other international partners to contribute to this overall effort.

Finally, let me stress that the EU's cooperation with the African Union in promoting peace and security across the African continent remains a strategic priority. Our support to future AU-led PSOs should be seen as an intrinsic part of our wider peace and security partnership which has both political and financial dimensions.

We look forward to a close dialogue with our African partners and the UN in the coming months on how we can best support the implementation of Resolution 2719.

Thank you