Ghana leads UN Security Council in historic move towards sustainable peace in Africa
Ghana has spearheaded the United Nations Security Council in adopting an unprecedented resolution aimed at bolstering sustainable peace across the African continent.
The resolution, forged through collaborative efforts with partner nations Gabon and Mozambique, signifies a departure from conventional UN Peacekeeping Operations.
Led by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Minister for Foreign Affairs Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the resolution underscores the vital need to support and finance African Peace Support Operations capable of addressing all threats to international peace and security on the continent.
Notably, this extends beyond the traditional UN peacekeeping model.
A key highlight of the resolution is the commitment to allocate UN funding, derived from assessed contributions, covering up to 75% of the annual budgets for African Union (AU)-led peace support operations mandated by the UN Security Council.
The remaining funds will be collaboratively mobilized by the UN and AU from the international community as extra-budgetary resources.
This historic decision follows intense high-level debates in November 2022, focusing on the escalating threats of violent extremism and terrorism in Africa, particularly in the Sahel and coastal West Africa.
The discussions emphasized the necessity of financing operations led by Africa through UN assessed contributions, with a focus on balanced funding for both military operations and addressing the socio-economic and climatic root causes of conflicts.
A primary objective of the resolution is to disrupt conditions fostering radicalization and recruitment, targeting the roots of terrorism.
Additionally, the framework is expected to provide essential resources and international support to regional security initiatives, including ECOWAS, the Accra Initiative, and the Multi-National Joint Task Force combatting Boko Haram.
Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, expressed the significance of this achievement, stating, “Today is a great day for Africa and for diplomacy. We have taken a giant step to end the threats to international peace and security in our region.”
As Ghana concludes its term in the UN Security Council, this accomplishment stands as a testament to the nation’s unwavering commitment to shaping a future based on sustainable peace and stability in Africa.
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