The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Mrs. Matšepo Ramakoae says the role of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) is extremely important in the African Union (AU).
This, she said when officiating a three-day induction for new members of AU Peace and Security Council held in Maseru. The induction began on Wednesday and will end on Friday.
Mrs. Ramakoae said the new members are therefore entrusted to ensure that the council does not lose its relevance.
She added that the country was an active member of the council for the past three years and has served the region and continent well, expressing hope that the council will continue where Lesotho stopped.
She further said the continent is currently faced with a challenge of poverty, unemployment, COVID-19 aftermath and terrorism.
She said even in the southern region, where countries were spared terrorism, they have seen troops from Southern African Development Community member states being deployed in Mozambique and this signifies that more has to be done, therefore thanked AU for holding the induction in Lesotho.
Speaking at the same event, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Mr. Bankole Adeoye congratulated the new members of the council, saying he is confident that their election brings a commitment to addressing African challenges.
He added that their membership in the Council requires leadership and determination to prevent and resolve conflicts in the continent.
He also acknowledged and commended the outgoing members of the Council for their work in setting a high pace for peace and security over the last two to three years.
He further reminded the participants that the induction is intended to analyse governance and peace security trends in the continent.
The Chairperson of the Peace and Security Council Ambassador Prof. Mafa Sejanamane said the induction is of great importance as the new members will understand what is expected of them because there is a need to continuously maintain peace and security in Africa.
He also commended AU for providing Lesotho with expertise in the security sector reform programme which is expected to be finalised soon.
The Peace and Security Council (PSC) is the standing decision-making organ of the AU for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts. It is a collective security and early warning arrangement intended to facilitate timely and efficient responses to conflict and crisis situations in Africa.
Source: LENA 23/03/2022