Overview of the Meeting
The 19th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting, held on October 17, 2025, at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, marked a significant milestone in the collaboration between the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN) Security Council. This gathering aimed to enhance cooperation and dialogue between the two bodies, focusing on critical issues of peace and security on the African continent.
The participation of both the African Union Peace and Security Council and the UN Security Council underscored the importance of fostering multilateral dialogue to address regional conflicts and challenges effectively. The meeting served as a platform where representatives from AU and UN member states convened to discuss pressing security issues affecting various regions in Africa, including political instability, armed conflicts, and humanitarian crises.
Key goals of the discussions revolved around the integration of peacekeeping strategies and the promotion of sustainable development initiatives, which are vital for long-term stability. Both councils recognized that achieving peace in Africa demands a comprehensive approach that includes addressing the root causes of conflicts, such as poverty, political marginalization, and inadequate governance. Moreover, the dialogue emphasized the need for increased financing and support for peacekeeping missions as part of a collective response to the security challenges faced by member states.
This Joint Consultative Meeting not only facilitated the exchange of ideas and best practices but also strengthened the partnership between the African Union and the United Nations. By aligning their objectives, the two bodies aim to create a more cohesive framework for peacebuilding, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of their joint efforts in promoting security and stability across Africa.
The Role of the United Nations Security Council
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) serves a pivotal function in the international system, as defined by Article 24 of the UN Charter. This article bestows upon the UNSC the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. Its mandate encompasses a wide range of related tasks, including the analysis and assessment of global threats, the facilitation of conflict resolution, and the implementation of peacekeeping operations. Given the increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, the UNSC’s role remains vital in addressing contemporary security challenges, ensuring that member states adhere to their international obligations.
The engagement between the UNSC and regional organizations, notably the African Union (AU), is anchored in Chapter VIII of the UN Charter, which encourages cooperation in the maintenance of international peace. The recent 19th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting highlighted the solidified partnership between the two entities, particularly the reaffirmation of the African Union Peace and Security Council’s (AUPSC) mandate. The AUPSC is integral in promoting stability across the African continent through preventive diplomacy, peace support operations, and conflict prevention strategies. This collaboration is fundamentally important as the UNSC often calls upon regional organizations to assist in managing conflicts that primarily affect their respective regions.
The UNSC acknowledges the unique challenges faced by African states, which necessitate a concerted effort through the mechanisms established by the African Union. Such cooperation can enhance the responsiveness to crises, align with local priorities, and facilitate a comprehensive approach to ensuring security. Furthermore, the UN Security Council’s relationship with the AUPSC underscores the shared objective of achieving global security through regional empowerment, thereby reinforcing the vital role of multilateralism in addressing international conflicts.
Joint Efforts Against Terrorism and Violent Extremism
On October 16, 2025, the 19th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting between the African Union (AU) and the UN Security Council (UNSC) convened an informal seminar that marked the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325. This significant event provided a platform for both councils to deliberate on the urgent issues of terrorism and violent extremism that continue to threaten peace and stability across Africa.
The discussions highlighted the pressing need for collaborative efforts to address the multifaceted challenges posed by terrorism. Both the African Union and the United Nations underscored their commitment to enhancing cooperation in implementing effective counter-terrorism strategies. Through the lens of UN Security Council Resolution 2719, the councils acknowledged the importance of a comprehensive approach that not only focuses on security measures but also considers socio-economic factors that fuel extremism.
To this end, several key strategies were outlined during the seminar. Enhanced intelligence-sharing mechanisms, joint training initiatives among security forces, and community engagement programs aimed at preventing radicalization were prominently featured. The notion of a multi-stakeholder approach was emphasized, recognizing that local communities play a crucial role in identifying and mitigating risks associated with violent extremism. Furthermore, the councils discussed the significance of addressing root causes, such as poverty, inequality, and lack of access to education, which often serve as breeding grounds for terrorist ideologies.
Additionally, the AU and UNSC expressed support for strengthening regional cooperation, particularly through the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. These initiatives are seen as vital tools for economic development and long-term stability. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from both bodies to work together in fostering a safer, more secure environment for all African nations, marking a significant step forward in their joint efforts against terrorism and violent extremism.
Future Directions and Upcoming Meetings
The 19th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting between the African Union (AU) and the UN Security Council (UNSC) culminated in several pivotal agreements aimed at bolstering peace and security across Africa. Among the foremost commitments was a renewed support for African Union-led peace support operations, particularly focused on regions that are currently facing significant challenges. This includes ongoing efforts in Somalia, where the AU has been integral in stabilizing the nation and facilitating the transition to sustainable governance.
Additionally, the meeting underscored the necessity for concerted actions in the Sahel region, an area beset by violence, terrorism, and humanitarian crises. The AU and UNSC acknowledged the urgent need to enhance cooperative security measures to address these multifaceted threats. Likewise, maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea was approached as a critical concern, particularly given the rise in piracy and related maritime criminal activities that undermine both regional and international stability.
The Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region were also highlighted during the discussions. The commitment to strengthening peace operations in these areas underscores the partnership’s recognition of the complex interdependencies that influence security dynamics. As the region continues to evolve, reinforcing these operations becomes paramount.
Looking ahead, the AU and UNSC have announced plans for the 11th informal joint seminar, which is expected to facilitate deeper dialogues on strategic support and operational frameworks needed for effective peace initiatives. Furthermore, stakeholders are already preparing for the 20th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting, scheduled to be held in New York, which will potentially serve as a platform to consolidate gains made thus far while addressing emerging challenges. This commitment to ongoing collaboration between the AU and the UNSC represents a proactive approach to enhancing stability across the continent.
