Nations Security Council (UNSC) debate
18 March 2009
South African Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will today,
17 March 2009, depart for New York to participate in a high-level debate in the
United Nations Security Council (UNSC) scheduled for 18 March 2009.
The debate will focus on how best the international community can support
African Union peace operations that are conducted with a mandate from the
Security Council. During its term in the Security Council in 2007 and 2008,
South Africa had focused on developing a strategic partnership between the UNSC
and the African Union Peace and Security Council and on drawing attention to
the need for the international community to assist with the funding and
logistics associated with African peacekeeping operations.
This South African initiative contributed towards the adoption of the
landmark resolution 1809 (2008) and the establishment of a high-level African
Union â United Nations Panel dedicated to exploring co-operation between the
two bodies in greater depth, under the chairmanship of the former Prime
Minister of Italy, Dr Roman Prodi.
The debate on Wednesday in the UN Security Council is expected to consider
the African Union â United Nations Panelâs final report, which makes a number
of important proposals on how to build up the African Union's capacity to
respond to crises as they occur and to promote long-term stability on the
African continent. These include the establishment of new funding mechanisms to
enhance the predictability, sustainability and flexibility of financing of
United Nations-mandated peace operations undertaken by the African Union.
Such funding mechanisms would not only allow for the expeditious and
effective deployment of well-equipped troops and effective support
arrangements, but would also provide a solid basis for longer-term
capacity-building projects in Africa.
The Security Council proceeds from the premise that whilst it has the primary
responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security,
regional organisations such as the African Union play an important and
complementary role in conflict resolution and peacekeeping. It is also
recognised that Africa has both the greatest need for peacekeeping and the
biggest challenge in matching its willingness to act with the resources needed
to secure the sustained success of its interventions.
Issued by: Department Foreign Affairs
18 March 2009
