UK Urges Strengthened UN-African Union Partnership Amid Escalating Conflict and Insecurity in Africa

In the face of escalating conflict and insecurity across various regions of the continent, the collaboration between the United Nations and the African Union has become increasingly vital. The Secretary-General’s report emphasises the growing complexity of conflicts, highlighting how terrorism, unconstitutional governmental changes, external interference, and climate-related pressures are undermining stability and heightening humanitarian needs.

These challenges not only threaten immediate stability but also jeopardise the progress and opportunities that many nations on the continent are striving to achieve.

Strengthening UN and AU Cooperation

Firstly, the deepening cooperation between the UN and the AU regarding peace and security is a welcome development. We anticipate the arrival of the AU Peace and Security Council in New York later this month, which will further strengthen our collaborative efforts. Regular interactions between our two Councils, enhanced links at headquarters, and improved coordination in the field will amplify our collective impact.

This cooperation allows for earlier identification of risks, bolsters prevention and mediation efforts, and aims to resolve disputes before they escalate—thus mitigating the associated human and financial costs. The United Kingdom supports this partnership through tangible actions. We have long advocated for permanent African representation within the Security Council and have committed £25 million through our African Union Partnership Programme to assist AU mediation and the UNDP-AUC African Facility to Support Inclusive Transitions, aiding states in navigating complex political transformations.

Addressing Critical Crises Together

Secondly, the advantages of this partnership are evident in some of the continent’s most urgent crises. In Somalia, AU forces, with UN support, have made significant sacrifices to promote stability alongside Somali and other local forces. Over the past year, the United Kingdom has contributed £16.5 million in direct support to AUSSOM, alongside an additional £8.5 million to the UN trust fund, facilitating logistical support for Somali security forces.

As we look towards Somalia’s ongoing security transition, it is imperative that there is urgent and realistic coordination among Somalia, the African Union, troop-contributing nations, and the UN to safeguard the hard-won achievements. In Sudan, collaboration through the Quintet is fostering an inclusive, Sudanese-led political process, with improved coordination between UN and AU fact-finding missions reinforcing accountability and preventing duplication of efforts.

Examples of Impactful Collaboration

In northern Ethiopia, the close cooperation between the UN and AU is crucial in addressing the current escalation, while in eastern DRC, AU mediation alongside UN peacekeeping efforts complements ongoing processes in Washington and Doha. These instances illustrate the tangible benefits that such partnerships can yield.

The same collaborative spirit is evident in joint initiatives surrounding climate security, women’s participation, security sector reform, disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration, and counter-terrorism efforts.

Building Momentum for Peace Operations

Lastly, the United Kingdom was proud to endorse resolution 2719, which laid the groundwork for UN support towards AU-led peace operations. Both the UN and AU have made significant strides in operationalising this framework, and it is now crucial to sustain this momentum. We must ensure that the requisite tools and mechanisms are in place when needed, underpinned by robust oversight and adherence to human rights and financial compliance standards.

In conclusion, a more robust African Union, in partnership with a strengthened United Nations, is essential for addressing the continent’s most pressing peace and security challenges.