Review & Mail Writers
Cabinet recently adopted the report on the African Union (AU) 16th Extraordinary Summit on Terrorism and Constitutional Changes of Government as part of efforts to address issues of terrorism and violent extremism which threatens peace and stability on the continent.
The summit ran under the theme, “Robust Response, Democracy and Collective Security” was held on 28 May 2022 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
In his report presented in the Fourteenth post cabinet briefing, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Fredrick Shava said the summit provider a rapport for African leaders and governments to address issues related to terrorism and unconstitutional changes of government.
“The summit provided the proper platform for AU Heads of State and Government to deliberate on the adoption of timeous strategic interventions to address the two interrelated vices of terrorism and unconstitutional changes of government, which are at the core of complex political and socio-economic challenges bedevilling the continent,” said Shava.
“In particular, the efforts of the AU, the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and individual member states to address the threat of terrorism and vulnerability of African States were highlighted. The summit concluded that there should be adherence to the AU principles, norms and shared values.
“Cabinet stresses that the Summit’s major outcome was the unanimous affirmation by African leaders that terrorism and unconstitutional changes of government were not welcome on the continent. The meeting was an endorsement of Africa’s goal of providing African solutions to African problems.”
Shava said the extraordinary summit produced two important documents which focused on terrorism and unconstitutional changes of government which are contained in the Malabo Declaration.
“Cabinet informs the nation that two major documents were produced by the Extraordinary Summit, namely the Malabo Declaration and Decisions on the Terrorism and Unconstitutional Changes of Government,” he said.
“On terrorism, the Declaration among others resolved to implement and strengthen the existing AU instruments and decisions aimed at eradicating the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism on the continent.
“It will also expedite the operationalisation of the African Standby Force (ASF) and to continue engaging the United Nations regarding the utilisation of assessed contributions for the benefit of the AU-mandated Peace Support Operations.”
With regards to Unconstitutional Changes of Government, the Summit proposed a number of measures which include strengthening the interface between the African Governance Architecture (AGA), African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) in order to facilitate the consolidation of good governance, particularly constitutionalism and the rule of law.
It also further agreed to create a conducive environment for the effective participation of women and youths in political processes and encourage Member States, AU Organs and Regional Economic Communities to develop appropriate mechanisms and programmes designed to deepen democracy and harmonise constitutional principles.
