Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
On Saturday, 14 February 2026, Dr. Badr Abdelatty, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Egyptians Abroad, presented, on behalf of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, the annual report on the activities of the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council and the overall state of peace and security in Africa during the regular session of the African Union Summit.
At the beginning of his speech, Minister Abdelatty conveyed the greetings and appreciation of President Sisi, in his capacity as Chair of the Peace and Security Council for the current month, to the heads of state and government participating in the AU Summit. He affirmed Egypt’s steadfast commitment to supporting the AU peace and security system, highlighting its role in preventing conflicts, safeguarding state sovereignty, maintaining territorial integrity, and achieving the aspirations of African populations for stability and development.
Abdelatty emphasized the necessity of adopting a comprehensive approach to enhancing security in Africa, one that addresses the various interconnected challenges, particularly terrorism and external interventions that threaten state sovereignty and territorial integrity. He stressed the importance of strengthening early-warning systems, activating preventive diplomacy tools, and deploying mediation mechanisms to address hotspots at early stages, preventing escalation, reinforcing stability, and preserving the resources of African states.
Activities of the Peace and Security Council
Regarding the council’s activities, Minister Abdelatty noted that the Peace and Security Council held 70 meetings over the past year, during which 80 items were discussed. Conflicts and political transitions accounted for 36% of the topics, while substantive issues represented 34%. In addition, the council convened five emergency sessions concerning Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea-Bissau, and Benin, demonstrating its swift response to developments and its firm rejection of unconstitutional changes of government. Over the course of the year, the council successfully adopted 63 communiqués concluding the sessions.
Key Developments in Conflict and Transition Areas
Minister Abdelatty highlighted notable developments and successes achieved by the council, including:
- Lifting the suspension of membership for both Gabon and Guinea following successful presidential elections and the restoration of constitutional order.
- Renewing the mandate of the Multinational Joint Task Force combating Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin.
- Emphasizing the central role of the African Union Mission for Support to Somalia (AUSSOM/AMISOM), noting that it continues to achieve progress on the ground despite funding gaps. He reiterated the call for predictable and sustainable financing for the mission to enable it to perform its duties effectively.
Sudan and Political Transitions
Concerning Sudan, Minister Abdelatty stressed the council’s ongoing monitoring of the crisis and its commitment to supporting efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire and reaching a comprehensive political settlement that preserves Sudan’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity while meeting the population’s aspirations for security and stability.
He also underscored the pivotal role of the African trio at the UN Security Council (A3) in defending unified African positions. The council continues to support countries undergoing political transitions by organizing field missions and informal consultative meetings to strengthen stability.
Commitment to African Peace Initiatives
Minister Abdelatty reaffirmed the council’s dedication to fulfilling its mandate, emphasizing that it will continue to assist states during periods of political transition, uphold respect for state sovereignty, and reject any foreign interventions that threaten national unity or territorial integrity. He called on AU member states and all partners to continue supporting efforts to “Silence the Guns” by 2030 and achieve the objectives of the African Union Agenda 2063.
In conclusion, Minister Abdelatty reiterated that the Peace and Security Council remains committed to supporting African states through political transitions, conducting field visits and consultative meetings, enhancing stabilization efforts, and promoting peace and security across the continent.
