Senegal takes over leadership of AU Security and Peace Council in July

Senegal is assuming this July 2023 the presidency of the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council, the country’s Foreign ministry has announced.

“After holding the presidency of the African Union (2022-2023), Senegal is again honored to assume, for the month of July, that of the Peace and Security Council of the continental organization”, the ministry indicated.

“Community responses to security challenges in Africa and the AU Peace and Security Council’s field mission in the Sahel will be at the heart of this presidency,” the ministry added. The West African country also looks to hold the consultative meeting with the AU’s Economic, Social & Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) and review the AU Commission Chairperson’s semi-annual report on elections on the continent.

Established in July 2004, the ECOSOCC is an advisory organ composed of different social and professional groups of AU Member States. The council provides an opportunity for African Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to play an active role in contributing to the AU’s principles, policies, and programs.

The Peace and Security Council (PSC) is the standing decision-making organ of the AU for the prevention, management, and resolution of conflicts. The council is made of 15 members with equal voting powers. All members are elected by the AU Executive Council and endorsed by the AU Assembly during its ordinary sessions.