Niël Terblanché
Namibia is set to assume the chairmanship of the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) in March
Ambassador Jerobeam Shaanika, the Deputy Executive Director for Multilateral Cooperation in the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation , announced that President Nangolo Mbumba will take up the continental leadership role. He added that Namibia has played an active role by contributing to the continent’s peace and security strategies in line with the goals of Agenda 2063.
Under Namibia’s stewardship, the PSC is scheduled to conduct six substantive sessions throughout March, addressing critical security situations across the continent, including the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Abyei, and Somalia.
These discussions are crucial for advancing peace and stability in regions plagued by conflict and instability.
Further enriching the council’s agenda, engagements with the Panel of Wise, FEMWISE, and YouthWise on their activities are on the docket, reiterating the AU’s commitment to inclusive and comprehensive approaches to peace-building.
These interactions emphasize the importance of wisdom, female empowerment, and youth involvement in crafting enduring peace strategies.
A significant highlight of Namibia’s tenure will be the Ministerial Seminar on Women, Peace, and Security, slated for March 23 in Swakopmund.
This seminar aims to bolster women’s participation in peace processes across Africa, a critical step toward achieving gender-inclusive peace and security frameworks.
The outcomes of this seminar are expected to shape future policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing the role of women in peacebuilding efforts continent-wide.
Following the seminar, an Induction and Orientation Workshop for incoming and outgoing PSC members will take place from 25 – 27 March 2024.
This workshop is designed to ensure a smooth transition and to equip new members with the necessary knowledge and tools to contribute to the council’s mission effectively.
With a focus on addressing ongoing conflicts, enhancing women’s roles in peace processes, and fostering the inclusion of youth and wise counsel, Namibia’s chairmanship is set to make a meaningful impact on the continent’s pursuit of lasting peace and stability.
