AU Chairperson calls for unity, stronger peace efforts at security retreat in Gabon

Africa

LIBREVILLE, Gabon — The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has called for stronger unity, preventive diplomacy and sustainable peace efforts across Africa amid evolving security challenges on the continent.

Speaking at the 17th High-Level Retreat on Peace and Security in Africa held in Gabon, Youssouf thanked the people and government of Gabon for hosting what he described as a timely dialogue on Africa’s changing security landscape.

According to the AU Chairperson, the financial and human cost of resolving conflicts across the continent remains enormous, stressing that prevention, good governance and adherence to the rule of law are essential to achieving lasting peace.

He warned that growing polarization in global politics and shortcomings in multilateral institutions require African nations to respond with unity, coordination and strategic clarity.

“The cost of resolving conflicts is exorbitant; prevention, governance and the rule of law are indispensable,” Youssouf stated.

The AU Chairperson emphasized that ceasefires, cessation of hostilities and peace agreements must go beyond temporary solutions and lead to sustainable peace across conflict-affected regions.

He noted that every conflict situation on the continent possesses unique characteristics and requires tailored approaches, drawing lessons from countries including South Africa, Rwanda, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Youssouf also called for the timely implementation of decisions reached by the AU Peace and Security Council as well as the enforcement of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2719 to ensure predictable and sustainable financing for peace support operations across Africa.

According to him, the African Union’s “Silencing the Guns by 2030” initiative remains achievable if governments, institutions and citizens collectively take responsibility for peacebuilding efforts.

“Silencing the Guns by 2030 is achievable if peace becomes a responsibility we all shoulder together,” he said.

The retreat was officially opened by the Vice President of Gabon, Hermann Immongault, and attended by former African presidents, ministers, diplomats, special representatives and permanent representatives of the Chairperson of the AU Commission.