V Africa
| DOI | 10.1177/016934410402200109 |
| Author | Gina Bekker |
| Published date | 01 March 2004 |
| Date | 01 March 2004 |
| Subject Matter | Part B: Human Rights News |
V AFRICA
GINA BEKKER*
A. THE AFRICAN UNION (AU)
The Central Organ of the Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management
and Resolution held its 96
th
Ordinary Session at Ambassadorial level in
Addis Ababa on 21 October 2003.
1
Mr. Alpha Konare´, the Chairperson of
the Commission of the AU, briefed the Session on the enhancement of the
role of the AU in the promotion of peace and security in Africa.
2
A number
of issues related to conflict prevention and management on the continent
were raised, including the difficulties encountered in the peace process
between Ethiopia and Eritrea. In this regard, Mr Konare´ informed the
Central Organ of the co-operative efforts undertaken with other members of
the international community to facilitate the peace process.
3
The Protocol relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security
Council of the African Union came into force after the deposit of the
Republic of Nigeria’s instrument of ratification on 26 December 2003.
4
The
objectives of this Council as set out in the Protocol Relating to the
Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the AU include: the
promotion of peace, security and stability in Africa; the anticipation and
prevention of conflicts; the promotion and implementation of post-conflict
reconstruction activities; the co-ordination and harmonisation of con-
tinental efforts to combat terrorism; the development of a common
defence policy for the Union; and the promotion and encouragement of
democratic practices, good governance, protection of human rights as well
as respect for the sanctity of human life and international humanitarian
law.
5
Nineteen countries signed the Protocol to the African Charter on
Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women between October
Netherlands Quarterly of Human Rights, Vol. 22/1 (2004) 137
* Association of Commonwealth Universities Scholar and PhD candidate, School of Law,
Birkbeck College, University of London.
1
Central Organ/MEC/AMB/COMM.(XCVI).
2
Idem.
3
Idem.
4
Press Release No. 117/2003, ‘The Protocol on the Peace and Security Council Enters Into
Force’. Article 22(5) of the Protocol provides that it ‘shall enter into force upon the deposit of
the instruments of ratification by a simple majority of the Member States of the Union’.
5
Article 3 of the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of
the African Union.
To continue reading
Request your trial