**ADDIS ABABA –** The African Union’s Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) has voiced profound concern over the escalating security challenges and pervasive political volatility gripping the Sahel and Horn of Africa regions. In its recent deliberations, the Council underscored the urgent need for comprehensive and coordinated strategies to address the intertwined crises of terrorism, armed conflicts, and dire humanitarian situations.
The Sahel, a vast region stretching across West and Central Africa, remains a primary hotspot for extremist groups affiliated with ISIS and Al-Qaeda, alongside burgeoning inter-communal violence. A series of coups d’état in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have further complicated regional stability, severely hindering democratic progress and creating fertile ground for insurgency. The AUPSC emphasized that these developments threaten the very fabric of regional integration, economic prosperity, and the well-being of millions.
Similarly, the Horn of Africa continues to grapple with long-standing internal and cross-border conflicts, massive internal displacements, and the devastating impacts of climate change, which exacerbate resource scarcity and social tensions. While ongoing efforts towards peace and reconciliation are visible in various parts of the region, the persistent threat posed by militant groups like Al-Shabaab, coupled with political fragmentation and governance deficits in some areas, demands sustained attention and coordinated responses from both regional and international actors.
In a recent statement, the AUPSC called upon all African Union member states to redouble their efforts in implementing robust security measures, fostering good governance, and promoting inclusive socio-economic development. These pillars, the Council asserted, are critical for establishing lasting peace and stability. Furthermore, it appealed to the international community for increased and urgent support, particularly in terms of humanitarian aid, capacity building for national security forces, and dedicated diplomatic engagement to resolve underlying political disputes.
The Council’s expression of grave concern serves as a critical reminder of the complex and multifaceted nature of Africa’s contemporary security landscape. It highlights the AU’s unwavering commitment to leading solutions from within the continent while simultaneously urging collective global action to safeguard peace, stability, and human dignity for millions across these vulnerable and vital regions.
