On 6 August, SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga participated in AUPSC’s 1226th session on ‘Constitutionalism, Democracy, and Governance’.

The meeting was opened by the Permanent Representative of Botswana to the AU and Chairperson of the AUPSC for the month of August, Tebelelo A. Boang. SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga; AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye; and the Political Advisor of the President of the Republic of Botswana, Professor Mpho Molo also delivered statements.

In his statement, SRSG highlighted several instances in which joint engagement by the UN, AU, and RECs had played a key role in promoting democracy. He also welcomed the decision of 7 July to designate President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal as the ECOWAS facilitator, in collaboration with President Faure Essozimma Gnassingbé of Togo, to promote engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, noting that the UN High-Level mission to the Sahel continues to complement such efforts.

Interventions were also made by the majority of the AUPSC members present. The various interventions and statements discussed mechanisms to address the rise of UCGs on the continent, the complex nature of political transitions, the role of the AU in this regard, as well as the importance of democratic elections. Participants also discussed the importance of sustainable development, underscoring the key role of Agenda 2063, the Silencing the Guns initiative as well as Agenda 2030.