On September 18, Morocco called for a rethink of the African Union's peace support operations to address the changing nature of conflicts and security threats on the continent. At the 18th session of the AU's Specialized Technical Committee on Defense, Safety, and Security in Bujumbura, Burundi, Morocco's delegation proposed strengthening cooperation in areas such as training, cybersecurity, psychosocial support, and multinational exercises.
The Moroccan delegation emphasized that the transformation of conflicts and diversification of security risks require an evolution of African peace support mechanisms. They noted that classical peace support models have limitations in addressing current challenges. Morocco advocated for a collective reflection on the future of these operations to improve their adaptability, effectiveness, and intervention capabilities.
The 18th session of the Specialized Technical Committee took place from September 15 to 18, with a ministerial segment on the final day. The meeting was divided into three stages: a meeting of experts on September 15-16, a meeting of chiefs of staff and security service heads on September 17, and the ministerial segment on September 18.
Morocco reaffirmed its willingness to support African partners and AU institutions in developing necessary capacities for peace support operations. The country highlighted its expertise in training, operational experience exchange, and best practices sharing. Identified areas for cooperation include operational planning, crisis management, logistical support, and institutional support to African peace and security mechanisms.
Morocco's cooperation with African countries is also conducted at the bilateral level, within the framework of military and technical agreements concluded with several partners. According to the Moroccan delegation, technical assistance and participation in peace operations should contribute to developing national and regional crisis prevention and management capacities.
Peace support operations are one of the instruments of the AU's Peace and Security Council, which can authorize their deployment and define their general orientations. The AU has deployed nine peace support operations mandated by the organization since 2003, in addition to four missions authorized by it. Morocco also offered to contribute to the development of the AU's strategy on psychosocial support for peace operation personnel.
The Moroccan delegation stressed the importance of considering the human dimension in peace support operations. They emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the well-being of personnel engaged in these operations. By adapting peace support operations to evolving threats, the AU can enhance its effectiveness in maintaining peace and security on the continent.
Key points
- Morocco calls for adaptation of African Union's peace support operations to address evolving threats
- Moroccan delegation proposes strengthening cooperation in training, cybersecurity, and psychosocial support
- AU has deployed nine peace support operations mandated by the organization since 2003
