On the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Benin chaired the 1369th meeting of the African Union's Peace and Security Council (CPS) in New York on September 23, 2026. The ministerial-level meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Corinne Amori Brunet, African Union Commission Chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security Bankolé Adeoye.
The session focused on "Good Neighborliness and Regional Responses to Security and Terrorism Challenges in Africa." It brought together representatives of Council member states, regional organizations, and international partners. In her opening remarks, Foreign Minister Corinne Amori Brunet emphasized the importance of cooperation between neighboring countries in addressing cross-border security threats.
Minister Brunet noted that while borders define territories and sovereignties, they also represent spaces for people to live, work, trade, and connect with family and culture. When insecurity arises, its impact extends beyond one country's borders. Benin advocates for concrete cooperation, including effective state presence, rapid information sharing, collaboration between security services and judicial authorities, and maintaining legitimate cross-border exchanges.
This approach aligns with Benin's diplomacy of good neighborliness under President Romuald Wadagni, prioritizing dialogue with neighboring countries, security, and regional cooperation. Brunet stressed that this cooperation should be preserved even during periods of tension between states. Benin aims to better coordinate existing mechanisms and adapt them to territorial realities rather than creating new frameworks.
The session highlighted the role of communities living in border areas, particularly women, in promoting peace and security. Their local knowledge and proximity to communities are essential in identifying tensions, contributing to prevention, and informing peace and security decisions. This focus follows the second high-level ministerial seminar of the Swakopmund process on "Women, Peace, and Security," held in Cotonou on September 9-10, 2026.
The New York meeting continues this momentum by linking women's participation to prevention and security challenges in border territories. Through this ministerial meeting, Benin continues to prioritize prevention of crises, a focus area during its presidency of the African Union's Peace and Security Council in September.
By emphasizing good neighborliness and regional cooperation, Benin aims to address the complex security landscape in Africa. The meeting's outcomes are expected to contribute to the ongoing discussions on peace and security within the African Union and the international community.
Key points
- Benin leads 1369th meeting of African Union's Peace and Security Council, emphasizing cooperation between neighboring countries to tackle security challenges.
- The meeting highlights the role of communities living in border areas, particularly women, in promoting peace and security.
- Benin's approach focuses on concrete cooperation, including effective state presence, rapid information sharing, and collaboration between security services and judicial authorities.
