SECURITY COUNCIL BRIEFING BY H.E. AMBASSADOR MOHAMED EDREES ON COOPERATION BETWEEN THE UNITED NATIONS & THE AFRICAN UNION

  Delivered by H.E. Mohamed Edrees

Head of Mission to the Permanent Observer Mission of the African Union to the United Nations

7th October 2025

Y.E. Vassily Alekseevich Nebenzia, Permanent Representative of the Russia Federation and President of the UN Security Council for the month of October 2025;

Esteemed Members of the United Nations Security Council,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. At the outset, allow me to warmly congratulate the Russian Federation for assuming the Presidency of the Security Council for the month of October 2025.

2. Let me also commend the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report on the partnership between the African Union and the United Nations. This partnership is grounded in the principle of complementarity, acknowledging that effective security solutions require the concerted efforts of both institutions working together to address present and future security challenges. The collaboration between the two institutions is thus underpinned by the cooperation between the Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council to ensure political and strategic convergence on peace and security

issues on the continent.

3. To facilitate effective collaboration, the role of the AU mission here in New York is critical in enhancing and consolidating this partnership and cooperation. In the same vein, the UN Office to the AU undertakes effective liaison with the AU Commission and engages with the AU Peace and Security Council in Addis Ababa accordingly.

Mr. President,

4. This meeting is taking place at a time when Africa is confronting an unprecedented web of security threats. We must work together to address these challenges, from Libya to the Sahel, to cut any connection of threats to the Lake Chad Basin region and West Africa. The same determination is required to achieve peace in Sudan, prevent any escalation of conflicts in the East and Horn of Africa as well as facilitate all efforts for stability in DRC and the Great Lakes region. We must also continue support the Government and people of Mozambique in their efforts to continue keeping its Northern region safe and free from terrorist threats.

5. We commend the efforts of the A3+ and its members, namely: Algeria, Guyana, Sierra Leone, and Somalia for serving as a strong voice in advancing African interests and priorities in the Security Council. The close coordination with the Caribbean region and the

“Plus” members – St Vincent and the Grenadines previously, and now Guyana, contributes to strengthening Africa’s collective advocacy and solidarity.

6. Let me also emphasize the significance of the General Assembly resolution 79/329. Before adoption of this resolution on 5 September this year (2025), African Union was for 12 years, the only regional organization without a comparable framework. Its adoption thus constitute a vital step in strengthening cooperation between the two organizations. Guided by the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and the Constitutive Act of the African Union, this resolution serves to enable alignment of AU-UN efforts towards achieving shared objectives.

7. As we continue enhancing our partnership, further progress requires networked multilateral efforts and flexibility to guarantee achievement of peace and security across the continent. In this regard, allow me to highlight three (3) areas that require critical

consideration:

a. First, penholdership and co-penholdership by the A3+ should be encouraged, supported and enhanced to ensure Africa leadership and ownership of files that affect its member states and the continent. This is to guarantee that African priorities are considered,

and integrated in the outcomes of Council decisions on Africa and on issues of interest to the continent.

b. Second, in instances where UN peacekeeping may not be suitable, it is crucial to recognize that AU-led Peace Support Operations (PSOs), including enforcement actions, contribute to both regional and global peace and security efforts. In this context, the

effective implementation and utilization of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2719 (2023) is a top priority. The attempt for its use to support AUSSOM operations revealed that political will, not technical capacity, remains the most significant

milestone to achieve.

c. Third, multilateral efforts and support from the international community to conflict prevention and mediation efforts should be directed to enhance Africa’s ownership and leadership. The support from the UN and the broader international community to the efforts that led to the signing as well as implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement reached in Pretoria is a case in point and should be replicated in other instances in a context specific manner.

Mr. President,

8. Steadfast in our shared commitment to foster strengthened collaboration and partnership, the Chairperson of the AU Commission looks forward to his visit to New York for the 9th AU-UN Annual Conference towards the end of the year. This engagement

will enable us to evaluate the progress achieved in our cooperation on peace, security, and development, including immediate to longterm steps that the two institutions need to undertake to continue consolidating our strategic partnership and joint efforts.

9. In addition, we look forward to the Nineteenth (19th) Annual Joint Consultative Meeting between the African Union Peace and Security Council and the United Nations Security Council, to be cochaired by the Russian Federation and the Republic of Botswana, in Addis Ababa on 17 October 2025. This meeting will provide a valuable opportunity to further enhance coordination and cooperation between the two Councils in advancing peace, security and stability across the African continent.

10. The cooperation between the African Union and the United States in the field of peacebuilding is equally noteworthy. The African Union enjoys a standing invitation to participate in all meetings of the Peacebuilding Commission, thereby ensuring that the voice of the Union is heard on matters related to peacebuilding. We also commend the continuous consultations between the Peacebuilding Commission and the Peace and Security Council, and we are about to hold the eighth Annual Consultative Meeting in Addis Ababa on 17 and 18 November.

11. To conclude, any hesitation or failure to take decisive, urgent action will affect the effectiveness of our two Councils and institutions to adequately prevent and address ongoing threats and conflicts that will have far-reaching consequences for global peace and security. Let us capitalize on the strengths and resilience of our Councils and institutions to achieve peace and stability, as well as the enabling environment for development and economic growth across Africa and the world.

I thank you.