On 22 March 2016, the United Nations-African Union Joint Task Force on Peace and Security held its twelfth consultative meeting at United Nations Headquarters in New York. The United Nations Secretariat and African Union Commission were represented by senior officials from the two organizations.
The meeting discussed issues of common interest to the United Nations and African Union and identified areas of collaboration in a number of countries, including Burundi, Libya, Mali/Sahel, Somalia, South Sudan and Western Sahara. The meeting also discussed thematic issues, including progress in implementing the recommendations of the High-Level Independent Panel on Peace Operations and the report of the Secretary-General on “The Future of UN Peace Operations” and the need to strengthen combined efforts on conflict prevention, with a particular focus on upcoming elections in Africa. The Joint Task Force commended the leadership of the two organizations on the increasing levels of strategic cooperation between the United Nations and African Union.
On Somalia, the Joint Task Force expressed concern about the current security situation and recent attacks by Al Shabaab. The meeting praised AMISOM for its sacrifices and agreed that AMISOM would need to play a critical role in providing a conducive environment for the upcoming 2016 electoral process, including through continuing operations against Al Shabaab. The Joint Task Force noted that military operations in Somalia should be conducted in line with international humanitarian and human rights law and that UN support would be provided in line with the Secretary-General’s Human Rights Due Diligence Policy (HRDDP). The meeting agreed that the AU and UN would continue to take steps in support of AMISOM, including to expedite the deployment of force enablers and multipliers, especially helicopters. The Joint Task Force welcomed the signing of the AU-UN Memorandum of Understanding for support to AMISOM. The meeting welcomed the Djibouti Declaration of 28 February and the Communiqué of the Peace and Security Council of 29 February, and the steps being taken by the African Union to strengthen command and control in collaboration with AMISOM Troop Contributing Countries. The Joint Task Force discussed the issue of funding for AMISOM stipends and agreed that it should be addressed through a two-pronged approach, involving helping to secure short term solutions for 2016 and 2017, while working on a sustainable and predictable long-term solution, in consultation with members of the Security Council. A UN-AU working group will be established to follow up on the funding issue and enhancement of AMISOM management and effectiveness. The meeting also emphasized the importance of stepping up support to the Somali National Army in line with an agreed national security architecture. It also stressed the importance of strengthening coordination amongst all actors providing support to the security sector.
The meeting expressed concern about the continuing crisis in Burundi. The AU Commission and UN Secretariat would continue supporting efforts to achieve an inclusive political dialogue and to promote sustainable peace in Burundi using all tools at their disposal, including continued collaboration between UN Special Envoy Benomar and AU Special Representative Fall and the deployment of AU military observers and human rights observers. The meeting urged the authorities in Burundi to bring an end to human rights violations, ensure the protection of Burundians and called on all parties to accept regional and international assistance to peacefully resolve the crisis in that country through dialogue. The AU and UN would continue to support and work with the East African Community (EAC) to find a solution to the crisis.
The Joint Task Force agreed that the UN and AU should work together to support the swift implementation of the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) and to help the Presidency Council in Libya broaden support for the agreement. In that regard, the UN and AU agreed to more regularly exchange information on the situation in Libya. The two organizations would also work together to support Libyan efforts at ending the crisis and forming a single Government of National Accord. In that regard, the work of their respective envoys and close coordination between the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Martin Kobler, and the African Union High Representative, President Jakaya Kikwete, would be crucial.
The Joint Task Force welcomed positive steps made in the Malian peace process but expressed concern over the slow pace of the implementation of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in Mali. The Joint Task Force called on the signatory parties to intensify their commitment in the implementation process and to agree on a clear timeline with a focus on key priorities, such as decentralization, institutional reform, cantonment, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, and security sector reform. The Joint Task Force also expressed serious concern over the deterioration of the security situation in Mali and the series of attacks by terrorist and criminal groups, especially in the central and northern parts of the country, and strongly condemned the attacks by organized criminal groups and violent extremist groups. In that regard, the Joint Task Force recommended closer cooperation between the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), French Operation Barkhane, the Malian Defence and Security Forces and the signatory armed groups to address insecurity, greater involvement in and support for regional and sub-regional mechanisms and processes, including the G5 Sahel and the Nouakchott Process, and continuous support from Member States towards MINUSMA reaching its full operational capacity, including in terms of training and equipment. As part of a comprehensive strategy to address both the problem of terrorism and the criminal economy in the region, the AU and UN will continue to work together in support of the Nouakchott Process, including through the AU assessment mission to northern Mali. The Joint Task Force also recommended that the AU and UN work closely together towards the effective implementation of the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation. It looks forward to the recommendations of the Strategic Review of the MINUSMA and subsequent Security Council deliberations.
The Joint Task Force exchanged views on the situation in Western Sahara, in particular regarding Morocco’s recent decision to expel 84 people, including three AU personnel from MINURSO. Regretting this decision, the meeting agreed that the move would set a dangerous precedent to other peacekeeping operations. The United Nations thanked the African Union Chairperson for her support to the efforts of the Secretary-General and his Personal Envoy, to reach a mutually acceptable political solution, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.
On South Sudan, the Joint Task Force discussed the evolution of the situation and agreed that there should be no further delay to the return of Riek Machar and his troops to Juba. The UN confirmed that it stood ready to mobilise necessary means to facilitate the process. The Joint Task Force recommended that the AU and UN support the organizing of a joint UNSC/AUPSC visit to South Sudan in the near future in order to help promote a common front in support of political stability and to help prevent further deterioration of the security situation.
The Joint Task Force discussed progress in implementing the recommendations of the UN Secretary-General’s Report on the Future of Peace Operations, including work to develop a UN-AU Joint Framework for an Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security. The UN and agreed to jointly undertake a review and assessment of the various mechanisms currently available to finance and support AU peace operations authorized by the Security Council as part of efforts to find flexible, predictable and sustainable funding to AU operations. The UN would work closely with the new High Representative for the African Union Peace Fund, Mr. Donald Kaberuka, as he leads renewed efforts to secure funding for AU-led peace operations.
The Joint Task Force also discussed AU and UN collaboration in conflict prevention. The meeting agreed that the AU and UN should work together to promote a renewed global commitment towards conflict prevention and mediation, including through advocacy to their respective Member States. The two secretariats would work to deepen cooperation on peace and security including through carrying out, where possible, joint, coordinated conflict prevention efforts and strengthening working-level mechanisms for information-sharing. The two organizations would work together in a number of countries that will be conducting elections in the near future to ensure the holding of peaceful and credible polls. Some of these countries include Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Gabon and Zambia. The two organizations would also work together in support of Liberia as the Government assumes full security responsibilities by 30 June 2016, as mandated by the Security Council, and as the UN Mission in Liberia draws down. The meeting noted the planned strategic review of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) towards the end of 2016.
The Joint Task Force deliberated on the on-going political crisis in Lesotho which has persisted since the 2015 elections. It recognized the timely efforts the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has made by intervening through mediation and a commission of inquiry with a view to resolving the crisis that could threaten stability in the region. While calling on all political stakeholders in Lesotho to give peace a chance, the AU and UN will continue to support SADC in its peace efforts. The AU and UN call on all stakeholders to support the efforts of SADC and work together towards meeting the deadline of 31 March 2016 for the preparation of a roadmap to implement the recommendations of the SADC Commission of Inquiry. The AU and UN are convinced that the effective implementation of the recommendations of the SADC Commission of Inquiry presents a veritable opportunity for Lesotho both to resolve the current crisis and also avoid a possible relapse in future. The Joint Task Force called on SADC to urgently deploy its Oversight Committee in Lesotho to assist and monitor the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry.