Ambassador Jainaba Jagne, Permanent Representative of The Gambia to the African Union and Chairperson of the African Union Peace and Security Council, highlighted the challenges facing Africa, stating, "The African continent is currently facing the scourges of terrorism and violent extremism, as well as the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government."
During a meeting in Abuja, Nigeria, between the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and the Mediation and Security Council of ECOWAS, Ambassador Jainaba Jagne emphasized the impact of these issues on African communities, particularly in the Western part of the continent. She pointed out that four out of the six AU Member States suspended for coups are from West Africa, making it the most affected region by terrorism and violent extremism.
Ambassador Jainaba Jagne stressed the importance of cooperation between the PSC and the Regional Economic Communities to address these challenges effectively. She called for preventive diplomacy to avoid coups and extremism, advocating for joint strategies and actions among West African countries.
Echoing similar sentiments, Ambassador Musa Sani Nuhu, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, emphasized the need for aligned strategies and actions to enhance regional security dynamics and conflict resolution efforts. He urged for a zero-tolerance approach towards unconstitutional changes of government and effective measures to combat terrorism.
The inaugural meeting discussed various issues such as unconstitutional changes of government, terrorism, and resource mobilization for peace initiatives at regional and continental levels. Participants explored avenues for greater synergy, coherence, and coordination between the African Union and ECOWAS in promoting peace, governance, and security.
Ambassador Jainaba Jagne expressed the intention to regularize meetings with all Regional Economic Communities in Africa to strengthen relations and enhance consultations on peace and security matters.
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