SA re-elected to AU Peace and Security Council

Written by Bathandwa Mbola

International relations

South Africa has been re-elected to the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC).

The PSC was established as the standing decision-making organ of the African Union for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts. It is composed of 15 countries, of which five are elected to three-year terms, and 10 to two-year terms.

South Africa was re-elected at the 28th Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council, which was held at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, ahead of the AU Summit recently.

President Jacob Zuma welcomed the re-election before recommitting to continue working with the other members of the PSC and the rest of the AU membership in pursuit of peace and stability on the African continent.

"The maintenance of peace and stability in Africa is key to realising the vision as contained in Agenda 2063 of a peaceful and secure Africa that is strong, united and an influential global player and partner,” said President Zuma.

Some of the PSC's core functions include conducting early warning and preventive diplomacy, facilitating peace-making and recommending intervention in Member States to promote peace, security and stability.

The PSC also works in support of peace-building and post-conflict reconstruction as well as humanitarian action and disaster management.