The United Kingdom has expressed its desire for a permanent African representation in the United Nations Security Council. Ambassador Kate Foster, the UK's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, made this call during a Security Council meeting on UN-African Union cooperation. She emphasized that the partnership between the UN and the African Union is indispensable in addressing the deepening conflict and insecurity across parts of the continent.
According to Ambassador Foster, several factors are weakening Africa's stability, widening humanitarian needs, and hindering progress. These factors include terrorism, climate impact, unconstitutional changes of government, and foreign interference. She suggested that regular engagement between the UN and AU Security Councils, as well as better coordination in the field, could yield optimal outcomes in addressing these challenges.
A reinforced alignment between the UN and the AU, Foster argued, can identify risks sooner, strengthen prevention and mediation, and resolve disputes before they escalate. She also highlighted the importance of continued security transition and realistic liaison between Somalia, the AU, troop-contributing countries, and the UN to protect hard-won gains in the country.
The UK has praised the AU mediation and the UN peacekeeping efforts to aid the U.S.-Qatar diplomacy on the Democratic Republic of Congo. London also commended the UN-AU collaboration on Sudan's peace process, noting that their fact-finding missions are helping to foster accountability and avoid duplication.
Ambassador Foster underscored the progress made by the UN and the AU on UNSCR 2719, the framework for UN support to AU-led peace operations. She advocated for robust oversight, as well as human rights and financial compliance, to ensure the effectiveness of this partnership.
The UK's call for permanent African representation in the UN Security Council is part of a broader effort to strengthen the partnership between the UN and the AU. Foster emphasized that a stronger African Union, in partnership with a stronger United Nations, is essential to meeting the continent's most pressing peace and security challenges.
The situation in northern Ethiopia was also discussed, with the UK urging a UN-AU alliance in responding to the crisis. The UK's position reflects its commitment to enhancing cooperation between the UN and the AU to address the complex peace and security challenges facing Africa.
Key points
- The UK wants a permanent African representation in the UN Security Council to address peace and security challenges on the continent.
- The partnership between the UN and the AU is crucial in addressing terrorism, climate impact, and other factors weakening Africa's stability.
- A reinforced alignment between the UN and the AU can identify risks sooner, strengthen prevention and mediation, and resolve disputes before they escalate.
