The support of United Nations African member states and that of the African Union Commission in peace operations on the continent was noted with appreciation by the world body’s Secretary-General.
While speaking to heads of state in Addis Ababa for the African Union Summit at the weekend, Antonio Guterres praised the African Union Peacekeepers saying that their selfless service and sacrifice is at the forefront of the UN mind.
Antonio Guterres noted that African countries provide almost half all UN peacekeeping troops – including 60% of all women peacekeepers and the majority of UN police.
The UN Chief acknowledged the sacrifice of African Troops in AMISOM (the AU Mission in Somalia); the G5 joint force, which counters violent extremism and terrorism in the Sahel; and the Multi-national Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Basin, set up to restore security in areas affected by the Boko Haram terror group.
“To be fully effective these African peace operations require robust mandates from the Security Council and predictable, sustainable financing, including assessed contributions,” he said.
The Secretary-General said he was determined from his first day in office to forge closer ties between the United Nations and Africa, noting a significant improvement in strategic co-operation between the UN and the African Union.
