Egypt’s FM Partakes in AU Peace, Security Council Session

Badr Abdel Aaty, Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Migration, participated in the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) session at the level of heads of state and government, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. 

The session focused on revitalizing efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts in Africa.

In his address, Abdel Aaty praised the African Union’s role in promoting stability and conflict resolution across the continent. He emphasized that the growing challenges facing Africa, most notably armed conflicts, unconstitutional changes of government, terrorism, and external interference, require a strengthened peace and security architecture through a comprehensive approach that incorporates all relevant dimensions.

He underlined that achieving sustainable peace and development demands political will, the preservation of national unity and institutions, and robust support for countries undergoing political transitions. 

He also stressed the importance of ensuring sustainable financing for peace support operations to enhance their effectiveness, while simultaneously advancing the Peace Fund and mobilizing support for UN-assessed contributions, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2719.

 Abdel Aaty further highlighted the intrinsic link between peace and development, noting Egypt’s leading role in post-conflict reconstruction and development. He reaffirmed Egypt’s readiness to share its expertise in capacity building and reconstruction with post-conflict African states, in line with the mandate of the AU Centre for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development, which is headquartered in Egypt.

The minister also outlined Egypt’s perspective on regional developments in its immediate neighborhood. He stressed the importance of continued support for Sudan to preserve its unity, territorial integrity, and institutions. He referred to Egypt's ongoing preparations to deploy police and military personnel as part of the AU Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), alongside efforts to mobilize sustainable funding for the mission.

On Libya, he welcomed ongoing efforts to end the political divide, particularly the UN roadmap, while reiterating that the resolution must be purely Libyan-led and grounded in the Skhirat Agreement.

Turning to the Gaza crisis, Abdel Aaty issued a stark warning about the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding due to the ongoing war, stressing its implications for international peace and security. He underscored Egypt’s central role in mediation efforts and the facilitation of humanitarian aid, and called on African states to firmly reject all attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from their lands, labeling such actions as ethnic cleansing within the context of genocide.

In conclusion, Minister Abdel Aaty reaffirmed Egypt’s unwavering commitment to African unity, sovereignty, and prosperity, and its readiness to work hand-in-hand with fellow African nations to achieve peace and sustainable development across the continent.