US, AUC reaffirm collaboration to install democracy in Africa
The United States (US) and the African Union Commission (AUC) have reaffirmed their commitment to entrenching democracy in Africa and across the globe.
The special assistant to the President and National Security Council, Senior Director for Africa, Dana Banks, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee and the AUC Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Bankole Adeoye, summarised the principles of the U.S AUC security relationship.
According to a report shared by the US Embassy yesterday, the two leaders discussed the means of addressing recent coups, disrespect for constitutional term limits, and negative influence which he said were threats to democracy in the world.
“Officials emphasised that these negative trends across the continent undermine the foundational principles of the AU, including the promotion of democratic ideals,” the statement read.
“U.S. and AU officials share the vision that the AU becomes the continental security guarantor, promoting peace and democracy through an operationalised and sustainable African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and African Governance Architecture.”
The participants pledged to work to strengthen democratic institutions and promote good governance in addressing African issues such as health, peace, and a prosperous future.
Partnership
The eighth annual U.S-AUC High-Level Dialogue was held on March 11, 2022, in Washington DC, led by the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken and the AUC Head of Delegation and the Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat.
The African Union Commission (AUC) and the United States will champion mutual interests and values to address health, security, climate change, inclusive economic growth, peace, security, and governance globally.
Blinken and Faki inked a memorandum for a partnership between the United States and the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
Sanctions
The United States has sanctioned many African countries, including South Sudan, South Africa, Burundi, Rwanda, Central African Republic, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, to mention but a few.
In September 2021, the President of the United States, Joe Biden, threatened that his administration would impose more sanctions on South Sudanese leaders who delayed the implementation of the revitalised peace agreement.
The US Deputy Representative to the UN, Amb. Richard Mills said humanitarian aid amounting to $1 million had been looted or burned as workers were killed across South Sudan in an unspecified number of months.
“The continuous looting, threats, and violent attacks against humanitarian actors have led to the suspension of operations by numerous humanitarian agencies and a reduction of lifesaving assistance to vulnerable citizens,” Amb. Mills said.
He pledged the US government’s support towards the cause of the peace agreement, noting that those who were behind the attacks on aid workers might face sanctions.
“The United States remains committed to helping the people of South Sudan and to working closely with the transitional government, our fellow members of the Council, and all stakeholders to enable peace and prosperity for South Sudan and the region,” he added.
