Communiqué of the 1159th Meeting of the Peace and Security Council held on 22 June 2023, on the Briefing on the Status of Implementation of the Common African Defence and Security Policy and Other Relevant Defence and Security Instruments on the Continent, with Specific Focus on Update on Operationalization of the African Standby Force.

Abstract

While expressing concern over the influx of mercenaries and foreign fighters and the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALWs) in the Continent, Council underscored the need to enhance cooperation in controlling the flow of SALWs. Council also emphasized the urgent need for expedited implementation of the Decision of the 36th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly on the structure of and funding for the CLB and requested Member States to assist in the mobilization of the required financial resources to this end. The Council further underscored the need for a maritime component within the ASF, among others, to facilitate maritime trade and ultimately the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area. AU Commission was requested to o expedite the assessment exercise of pledged strategic lift aircraft and the implementation of the decisions of the 15th meeting of the Specialized Technical Committee on Defence, Safety and Security (STCDSS). Lastly, the Chairperson of the Commission to regularly brief the Council on the status of the implementation of the Policy and other relevant AU instruments on defence and security in the Continent, in line with Article 14 of the Preamble of the Solemn Declaration of the Common African Defence and Security Policy.