Egypt chairs African Union’s Peace and Security Council during October

Egypt’s October chairmanship of the African Union’s (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) starting October 1 reaffirms restoration of its leading role in Africa at all levels, and its activation of qualitative relations with African countries in all fields.

The assumption of this presidency also shows the successes of Egyptian diplomacy in promoting peace and security framework in the continent in the era of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi. 

Cairo has launched a new era in its ties with Africa after the June 30, 2013 revolution with Egyptian policies based on a realistic understanding of the nature of the relations and interests that bind Egypt with its sisterly nations within the continent.

Egyptian policies have also been based on a conscious appreciation of the importance of co-operation and closeness between the peoples of the continent to confront shared challenges and destinies in light of the rapid developments affecting security and development.

Egypt received an overwhelming majority of 44 out of 46 votes in the elections held on February 14 and 15.

The Peace and Security Council (PSC) is the standing decision-making organ of the AU for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts. 

It is a collective security and early warning arrangement intended to facilitate timely and efficient responses to conflict and crisis situations in Africa. 

It is also the key pillar of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), which is the framework for promoting peace, security and stability in Africa.

The Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council was adopted on July 9, 2002 in Durban, South Africa, and entered into force in December 2003. The PSC became fully operational in early 2004. The PSC Protocol, together with the PSC Rules of Procedure, the AU Constitutive Act and the conclusions of various PSC retreats, provide operational guidance to PSC activities.

The PSC has 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. For continuity, five members are elected for three-year terms and 10 for two-year terms. While there are no permanent members, the PSC Protocol does not prevent any Member States from seeking immediate re-election.