African Union: Libya Withdraws Its Candidacy for AU Peace & Security Council Seat in Support of Morocco’s Bid

Libya has dropped its candidacy for the African Union Peace & Security Council seat for the 2022-2025 period in support of Morocco’s bid for the same post.
The decision was announced by Libya’s foreign minister Najla Al-Mangoush during her telephone conversation held over the weekend with Moroccan peer Nasser Bourita.
The PSC is the standing decision-making organ of the AU for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts. It promotes peace, security and stability in Africa.
Mr. Bourita has reaffirmed Morocco’s strong support to the Libyan government of national unity & institutions, and their efforts to hold inclusive elections in a bid to achieve a final solution to the Libyan crisis, brining in stability and development to this country, said a press release issued by Moroccan foreign ministry.
He also discussed with Libyan peer several international and regional issues, including the situation of the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD) set up in 1998 in Tripoli.
The two ministers pledged to work hand-in-hand to give a strong impetus to this regional economic grouping and push for the return of CEN-SAD Headquarters to Tripoli after it moved to N’Djamena, Chad, in 2019.

The two ministers also discussed the situation within the Community of Sahel-Saharan States (CEN-SAD), reiterating “their willingness to coordinate in order to give a strong impetus to this organization and promote the return of its institutions to work in their official and natural seats in Tripoli.
Established in February 1998 in Tripoli, CEN-SAD comprises several bodies, including the Conference of Leaders and Heads of State, the highest authority of the community, the Executive Council composed of ministers in charge of foreign affairs, economy and interior, in addition to the General Secretariat, which represents the administrative and permanent body of the organization and is based in Tripoli.
CEN-SAD also has a counter-terrorism center based in Cairo, as well as the Sahelo-Saharan Bank for Investment and Trade (BSIC), in addition to the Organization’s Economic, Social and Cultural Council.