Addis Ababa, 4 August 2015: The Commissioner for Peace and Security of the African Union (AU), H. E. Amb. Smail Chergui just concluded a working visit to New York, today 3 August 2015.  

The visit of the Commissioner culminated in an in-depth meeting with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-moon. The discussions with the UN Secretary-General focused on the state of the partnership between the United Nations and the AU, and conflicts in Africa, such as the situation prevailing respectively in the Great Lakes and the Sahel region, including Northern Mali, as well as South Sudan. They also addressed issues relating to the fight against terrorism and violent extremism in Africa, as well as the conclusions of the UN High Level Panel on the review of Peacekeeping Operations. 

At the end of the discussions, the two parties expressed their satisfaction at the strategic nature of the AU-UN partnership and their willingness to continue efforts to deepen and broaden the cooperation between the two organizations. The UN Secretary-General reiterated the continued support of the United Nations to the consolidated action of the African Union to preserve peace and security on the Continent.  

During this mission which began on 29 July, the Commissioner held a series of consultations with the UN Senior Officials heading the following Departments: Political Affairs (DPA), Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) and Field Support (DFS).  On this occasion, he assessed with the different parties the joint action of the two organizations in Africa and also exchanged views on the ways to enhance the consistency of joint activities. 

The Commissioner also held meetings with the members of the UN Security Council and, in addition, took part in a meeting of the Security Council Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations, held on 31 July, devoted to the consideration of the issue of strengthening the role of MINUSMA. 

 

 

 

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