In a decisive joint effort to address the escalating security challenges across the African continent, African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have issued a stern warning against external interference.
Speaking at a joint press conference at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the two leaders highlighted how the influx of foreign weapons, funding, and political support is exacerbating conflicts and destabilizing the region. The announcement followed the signing of a new declaration aimed at deepening cooperation between the AU and the UN to foster lasting peace.
Chairperson Youssouf emphasized that the majority of security crises on the continent are fueled from abroad, noting that financial resources and ammunition—and in some cases, foreign fighters—are being funneled into Africa to sustain wars. According to Youssouf, this interference is actively disrupting mediation efforts and hindering peace processes in critical areas, including the Sahel, Sudan, the Horn of Africa, and eastern DR Congo.
"The AU must lead peace negotiations on the continent, based on the principle of African solutions to African conflicts," Youssouf stated, urging a shift toward local leadership in resolving domestic disputes.
Secretary-General Guterres echoed these concerns, describing the interference of outside countries as "absolutely intolerable." He criticized the practice of supplying weapons and political backing to advance strategic or economic interests at the expense of African stability.
Guterres also drew attention to the evolving nature of modern warfare, specifically the rise of drone attacks. He warned that conflicts are increasingly characterized by the use of foreign-manufactured drones targeting civilians rather than traditional army-on-army combat. "We also raise our voices, denouncing those countries that are providing drones that are not manufactured in Africa, as they are causing immense suffering for African people," Guterres added.
The leaders concluded that a strengthened common diplomacy is essential to create the necessary conditions for external interference to cease, paving the way for political agreements that can effectively end these protracted conflicts.
Reference(s):
AU, UN condemn external interferences in Africa's security crisis
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