Ethiopia reaffirms dedication to regional cooperation
Addis Ababa, December 3, 2024 (FBC) – Ethiopia has reaffirmed its steadfast commitment to regional cooperation and its dedication to combating terrorism and violent extremism in the region.
This statement was made at the 11th African High-Level Peace and Security Seminar held in Oran, Algeria, where an Ethiopian delegation led by Ambassador Hirut Zemene, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA).
The annual seminar, known as the Oran Process, has been organized over the past decade through collaboration between Algeria and the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC). It serves as a strategic platform for coordination between incoming and outgoing African non-permanent members of the UN Security Council (UNSC) and the AU PSC, amplifying Africa’s collective voice and strengthening its effectiveness in addressing global peace and security challenges.
On the occasion, Ambassador Hirut Zemene reaffirmed Ethiopia’s steadfast commitment to regional cooperation and its dedication to combating terrorism and violent extremism. She further explained the grave threat posed by extremist groups like Al-Shabaab and noted the need to celebrate the significant sacrifices made by Ethiopia, along with Troop Contributing Countries in combating terrorism in the Horn of Africa.
Ambassador Hirut also stressed the importance of strengthening the financing mechanisms for peace support operations and implementing UN Resolution 2719.
In his opening address, Ahmed Attaf, Algerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, National Community Abroad, and African Affairs, emphasized the importance of effective coordination between the AU PSC and the three African members of the UNSC to ensure unified African positions on peace and security issues.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Djibouti and the current Chairperson of the AU PSC for December 2024, highlighted in his opening remarks the continent’s multifaceted peace and security challenges. He also addressed the adverse impacts of emerging global issues and financial constraints in addressing peace and security matters within the multilateral framework.
Key topics discussed at this year’s seminar included countering terrorism, combating violent extremism, implementing UNSC Resolution 2719 on sustainable financing for peacekeeping operations in Africa, and advancing the “Pact for the Future.”