The Provision Programme of Work was revised and the meeting of the HoSG on terrorism and violent extremism in Africa and the situation in Western Sahara; the ambassadorial meeting on the situation in Sudan; the field mission to Sudan; and the CoE meeting on the preparation for the HoSG and preparation for PSC induction were postponed. In addition, the PSC also received an update on the situation in the Horn of Africa. It should also be noted that the PSC considered and adopted its Provisional Programme of Work for March 2022.

 

Figure 1- Planned, Postponed, Implemented and added meetings/activities of the PSC for February 2022

The month began with an open session at its 1063^rdmeeting held on 8 February 2022 at the ministerial level on the theme Urbanization, Women, Peace and Security. Council adopted a communiqué expressing concern over the remarkable population growth in the continent and rapid urbanization amid other prevailing challenges that include a mismatch between the supply of services and pace of urbanization, persistent violent conflicts and crises, as well as other threats to peace, security and development, which if not well managed has negative effects on women and girls.

In this regard, Council, among others, requested the AU Commission, through the Office of the AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security and other relevant departments, in collaboration with Member States and RECs/RMs, to develop a Continental Comprehensive Roadmap on Urbanization that is both security and gender-sensitive and submit to the PSC for consideration.

Council also requested the AU Commission, in close coordination with the UN-HABITAT, to continue rendering support to the Member States in their respective national efforts of implementing AU relevant decisions, to address challenges related to urbanization such as those relating to peaceful coexistence and stability, as well as the safety and security of women and girls.

Council expressed deep concerns over the slow pace of implementation of the Transition Charter; and urgently called on the Transition Authorities and the National Transition Council to expedite the establishment of a clear, practical and time-bound calendar on the implementation of the Transition Charter, in particular, the holding of national elections, to facilitate the prompt return to constitutional order. Council also requested the Guinean military leaders to adhere to their commitments and not contest in the upcoming elections at the end of the transition period, to facilitate a total return to civilian rule, in line with the Constitution of the country. The AU Commission was requested to undertake a needs assessment mission to Guinea to engage Guinean authorities and other stakeholders on the adoption of a transitional plan that is in accordance with AU and ECOWAS norms and to provide quarterly briefings to the PSC.

The High Representative highlighted the recent developments in Ethiopia, including the establishment of the National Dialogue Commission coupled with the promulgation of the necessary legislation; the release of prisoners; the issue of humanitarian access; withdrawal of forces; the general improvement in goodwill and commitment to dialogue as the only viable approach to address the challenges facing the country, with the facilitation of the AU.

The High Representative informed the Council that despite the progress made, there are still limitations in access to essential services worsening the dire humanitarian situation in Tigray and other areas directly affected by the conflict. He appealed to PSC Members to continue to urge the Federal Government to lift the blockade and restore services as critical confidence-building measures and call on all parties to fully withdraw from occupied territories and to return to their original positions in order to lay the foundation for the commencement of dialogue and negotiations.

Council also reviewed the overall situation in the Horn of Africa and mutually recommitted to sharpening the strategy for promoting sustainable peace and stability in the region. The PSC did not issue any outcome and the High representative issued a press release following his briefing to the Council.

The PSC commended the FGS for the exceptional level of cooperation that was extended to the AU technical team during the consultations on the draft Concept of Operations (CONOPs), the Joint Proposal and the Logistics Support Concept for the new AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to be launched on 1 April 2022. Council underscored the importance of ensuring a common understanding between the AU and the FGS on the follow-on mission in Somalia.

Council Members emphasized the importance of squarely aligning the ATMIS mandate with the Somalia Transition Plan, as well as the importance of seriously considering the views of T/PCCs in the development of the CONOPs, bearing in mind that they have a better appreciation of the realities on the ground. The PSC agreed to receive a comprehensive briefing and to consider the CONOPs and the AU-UN joint report in early March 2022.

The PSC has remained actively seized of the situation in the Republic of South Sudan and has repeatedly encouraged the South Sudanese stakeholders to remain steadfast and to honor their commitments, so as to build lasting peace, security and stability in South Sudan and, by extension, throughout the region.

Against this background and pursuant to its mandate of promoting peace, security and stability in Africa, the PSC, from 22 to 25 February 2022, undertook its sixth field mission to the Republic of South Sudan since its first mission in October 2016^[1]. The field mission is in line with the African Union (AU) obligation as a Guarantor of the R-ARCSS, and took place two years since the formation of the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) on 22 February 2020.

The Mission enabled the PSC to gather first-hand information regarding the overall situation on the ground, particulalrly the status of progress in the implementation of the R-ARCSS, since the last PSC field mission undertaken in March 2021, and the challenges to be addressed so as to better inform the next steps that the AU will have to take as the transition enters its end-phase. The PSC also seized the opportunity to follow up on the implementation of the tasks in its Communique adopted following its 1060^th meeting held on 25 January 2022 on the situation in South Sudan.

 The presence of the Council Members on the ground reaffirmed the AU solidarity with the Government and the people of South Sudan, as well as to the continued commitment of the AU to support South Sudan in efforts aimed at ensuring a successful transition.  The PSC will consider the report of the field mission during the month of March 2022, which will be adopted by a communiqué.

Following its communiqué adopted at its 1061^st meeting, held on 27 January 2022, the AU Commission will organize a Reflection Forum on Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Ghana, in which the PSC Members will participate.

Taking into consideration that the newly elected Members of the PSC will take their seats in the Council from 1 April 2022, the AU Commission will organize an Induction/Orientation programme for the newly elected, re-elected and outgoing members of the PSC in Maseru, Lesotho. The PSC is expected to undertake an induction to newly elected members of PSC at Committee of Expert level and at Ambassadorial level. 

The newly elected Members of the PSC will start attending the PSC meetings from the beginning of March 2022 as observers.