The United Nations and the African Union have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in tackling Africa’s escalating security and development challenges. Speaking before the UN Security Council on Tuesday, top officials from both organizations stressed that joint action is crucial to address the continent’s complex web of conflicts and humanitarian crises. Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, Head of the UN Office to the African Union (UNOAU), described the partnership as the cornerstone of “effective, networked multilateralism” essential for addressing Africa’s evolving threats to peace, security, and human rights.
“The strong and enduring partnership between the United Nations and the African Union, as well as with other regional organizations, forms the foundation of an effective multilateralism,” Onanga-Anyanga said. “This cooperation is vital to confronting the interconnected threats that today weigh heavily on Africa.” Mohamed Fathi Ahmed Edrees, the African Union’s Permanent Observer to the UN, highlighted the growing number of crises across the continent, from the Sahel and Libya to the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region.
“Africa is facing an unprecedented web of security threats,” he said. “We must work together to address these challenges, prevent escalation in Sudan and the East, and support Mozambique in keeping its northern region safe from terrorism.” Edrees warned that inaction or delays could have serious global repercussions, undermining the credibility and effectiveness of both the UN and AU. “Any hesitation to act decisively will weaken our institutions and hinder global peace and stability,” he said.
Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, UN Assistant Secretary-General for Africa, also emphasized the importance of UN Security Council Resolution 2719, adopted in December 2023, which allows the UN to use its assessed contributions to finance AU-led peace operations on a case-by-case basis. “Resolution 2719 meets the moment,” Pobee said. “It makes peace operations more relevant to today’s challenges. But shared understanding and realistic expectations remain key to success.” Analysts say the growing cooperation between the UN and AU reflects a broader recognition that Africa’s security threats from terrorism and climate shocks to political instability are deeply interconnected. Both institutions are now focusing on sustainable solutions, including conflict prevention, governance reform, and regional economic growth.
