Continued prevalence of armed conflicts and forced drifts affecting the lives of millions including women and children as refugees, deprives them of their means of livelihood, human dignity and hope in Africa. The Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Mohlabi Tsekoa said this when tabling the Protocol Relating to the Peace and Security Council of the African Union before the National Assembly.         

The Foreign Affairs Minister said Peace and Security Council has been established to promote peace, security and stability in Africa, to guarantee the protection and preservation of life and property, the well being of the African people and their environment as well as the creation of conditions conducive to sustainable development. Mr. Tsekoa also mentioned that the Peace and Security Council has been established to anticipate and prevent conflicts, promote and implement peace building and post conflict reconstruction activities to consolidate peace and to develop a common defence policy.         

In addition he said the Council has been established to promote and encourage democratic practices, good governance and the rule of law, to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for the sanctity of human life and international humanitarian law. Responding to the aspect of composition, he said the Council will be composed of 15 members elected on the basis of equal rights, of which 10 members will be elected for a term of two years and five members elected for a term of three years to ensure continuity. Mr. Tsekoa said in electing the Members of the Council, the Assembly would apply the principle of equitable regional representation and rotation.       

Minister Tsekoa  said commitment to uphold principles of the Union, contribution to the promotion and maintenance of peace and security in Africa, capacity to shoulder the responsibility, would be needed for member states to apply. He added that participation in peace efforts in the continent; contribution to Peace Fund; respect for constitutional governance and commitment to honour financial obligations of the Union would be considered. Mr. Tsekoa said the Council would conduct its affair through guidance by the principles enshrined in the Constitutive Act, the Charter of the United Nations and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

30 October 2003