PSC/PR/BR.(CDXXXVII) Page 3 Council expressed serious concern on the growing threats of terrorism in Africa and called on the AU Commission and the Secretariats of the RECs/RMs to come up with a comprehensive AU Strategy for addressing the phenomenon of extremism, terrorism and other new and emerging threats to peace and security in Africa such as piracy, human trafficking, drug trafficking, religious oriented tensions, the spread of small arms and light weapons. Furthermore, Council called for the development of mechanisms within the APSA to deal with these emerging threats. Council also highlighted the growing problem of state fragility in light of the latest developments in the continent and underscored the need for AU Member States to strengthen governance and institutions, as well as security sector reforms. Council recognized the urgent need for serious improvements in the way and manner that it responds to threats to peace and security on the continent and outbreaks of violent conflicts by making greater use of its mandate, especially in those aspects that have not received greater attention. Council noted with concern the weak, inadequate or lack of implementation of some of its decisions and expressed its strong determination to address this phenomenon by taking specific measures, including the convening of a special session in this regard. Furthermore, Council called for greater political will and resources to be committed to the PSC and all other aspects of the APSA in order to effectively implement decisions on peace and security. Council emphasized the importance of the visibility of its activities, and in this regard, Council underlined the need for an effective outreach and communication strategy. Council recognized the lack of sustainable and predictable finance and the provision of logistical support for AU peace support operations, which has been seriously undermining AU’s efforts to timely and effectively respond to crises situations. In this regard, Council agreed on the need to have greater ownership in providing financial and logistical support to AU peace support operations. Council, therefore, underscored the need to expedite the process of finding alternative sources of financing with regard to peace and security matters. Council appealed to all AU Member States, that have not done so, to sign and ratify all AU relevant instruments relating to peace and security, particularly the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union. Council noted with concern the challenges it faces in implementing its mandate due to gaps in the provisions in the PSC Protocol and stressed the importance of relevant AU Organs providing additional enabling provisions in the PSC Protocol. To this end, Council agreed to organize a retreat/brainstorming session to identify all gaps and make proposals to this effect. Council agreed to organize a workshop of experts, academicians and policy practitioners, to undertake an in-depth consideration of Africa’s dynamic peace and security landscape, as