07 Feb 2016

Botswana has been elected to be a member of the Peace and Security Council of African Union (AU).

Briefing media on outcomes of the 26th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of Africa Union, on February 5, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Dr Pelonomi Venson-Moitoi stated that the vote would enhance Botswana’s efforts to promote dialogue in the prevention and resolution of conflicts as well as consolidation of democracy and good governance in Africa.

She said the two-year term would start in April

Dr Venson-Moitoi said regarding peace and security situation in Africa, the assembly expressed concern over the continuing political impasse as well as the increasing acts of violence and human rights violation in Burundi.

She said the assembly agreed that a high level delegation be sent to Burundi to engage with that country’s government and all stakeholders in a bid to find a lasting solution.

The minister also stated that the assembly welcomed the signing of the agreement on resolution of the conflict in South Sudan in August 2015, and the appointment of the chairperson of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, former President, Dr Festus Mogae.

Another resolution was the consideration of a mass-withdrawal by African countries from the Rome statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Dr Venson-Moitoi said they had raised deep concern over ICC’s bias against Africa. 

She said the Assembly decided that the Bureau of the Open Ended Ministerial Committee should urgently undertake consultation, including with the United Nations Security Council in order to engage on all issues that have been consistently raised by the African Union, among others, its call for already proposed amendments to the Rome statutes.

Dr Venson-Moitoi also said at the assembly, Zimbabwe president, Mr Robert Mugabe was replaced by General Idriss Déby Itno of Chad as AU chairperson.

The next Ordinary Session of the Assembly would be held in Kigali, Rwanda in June. 2016. Ends