“Cold War-like” Competition Threatens Africa: AU Security Council

The African Union Commission is set to develop a policy paper on emerging threats and security issues expected to be tabled to the AU Peace and Security Council this month.

The paper is to be published based on requests made during the Council’s ministerial-level meeting on September 25, 2024.

According to a communiqué issued by the Council on November 1, 2024, the new policy is necessary to safeguard the continent from a myriad of emerging threats.

“It has become deeply concerning that Africa continues to battle with myriad threats, both new, emerging and pervasive, to peace, security and stability, which were specifically identified as including, exponential growth of terrorism, violent extremism and transnational organized crime, especially human trafficking and the proliferation of weapons, as well as maritime insecurity,” it reads.

The communiqué refers to “renewed Cold War-like geopolitical and ideological competition” among the list of perceived threats, which also include a resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government, youth restlessness, economic crises, unsustainable debt, forced displacement, competition for resources, climate change, and new technologies.

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The Council called on AU member states to address the structural root causes of conflict and commit to work towards addressing the issues. It wants to see the implementation of socio-economic programs to prevent the spread of radical ideology and social unrest.

The Council also expressed concern over the increase of inter-state tensions and violent intra-state conflicts on the continent. It called on all parties to conflicts to prioritize peaceful resolutions and immediately and unconditionally cease hostilities

The communiqué also noted external interference, presence of foreign military, rising operations of mercenaries and private military companies, and resource competition on the continent.

The Council urged member states to enhance early warning systems and preventive diplomacy capacities to anticipate emerging threats and prevent conflicts before they escalate.

The Council stressed the need to intensify the AU’s efforts to promote democratic governance, constitutionalism, and the rule of law to stabilize regions affected by political disruptions and prevent future crises such as the surge in unconstitutional changes of government.

The communiqué also welcomed the recent commitment to UN Security Council reforms that seek to make it more representative, inclusive, and accountable.