Morocco assumes AU Peace and Security Council Chair amid rising tensions in Africa

Morocco has taken over as the chair of the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) for March, leading the AU's top decision-making body on conflict prevention, management, and resolution.

This leadership transition comes at a time of escalating tensions across Africa, particularly in the Horn of Africa and Great Lakes Region, where strained relations between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda persist.

Additionally, rising political and military instability in South Sudan and the ongoing war in Sudan are expected to dominate the agenda.

On Tuesday, the PSC convened and strongly condemned the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for attempting to establish a parallel government in Nairobi, warning that the move risks partitioning Sudan and further destabilizing the country.

The Council made it clear that it does not recognize the purported parallel entity, urging all AU member states to withhold recognition and support for the RSF's self-proclaimed administration.

"Council called on all parties to heed the calls for a ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access during this holy month of Ramadan and to commit to comprehensive and inclusive peace talks to end the conflict once and for all and restore the unity of the Sudanese state," read a statement from the PSC.

The AU reaffirmed its commitment to Sudan's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, emphasizing the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing war.

The conflict has resulted in the world's largest humanitarian crisis, with over 12 million Sudanese civilians displaced.

PSC Politics

Morocco assumed the PSC chairmanship from Equatorial Guinea, but the transition did not follow the usual alphabetical rotation system.

According to Article 8(6) of the PSC Protocol and Rule 23 of the PSC Rules of Procedure, The Gambia was next in line for the chairmanship.

However, with the conclusion of the duty of The Gambia's ambassador, the rotation process was disrupted, paving the way for Morocco to step in.

The chairmanship also comes amid AU electoral manoeuvring that saw Morocco's bid for re-election to the PSC thwarted in February.

Morocco's Maghreb rival, Algeria, failed to clinch enough votes, and in a dramatic turn of events, spoilt ballots blocked Morocco's candidacy, leading to a postponement of the final decision.

Despite these diplomatic setbacks, Morocco now leads the AU's top security organ at a pivotal moment, navigating complex geopolitical challenges across the continent.

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