PSC/AHG/2(CCL)
Annex 4
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crisis situations facing the continent.
(b)
Structural prevention of conflicts
8.
As indicated in my report to the Tripoli Special Session, the AU has, over the past
two decades, adopted several instruments designed to facilitate the structural prevention
of conflicts. These instruments relate to human rights, governance and the fight against
corruption, democratization, disarmament, terrorism, and the prevention and reduction
of interstate conflicts. They represent a consolidated framework of commonly accepted
norms and principles, whose observance would considerably reduce the risk of conflict
and violence on the continent and consolidate peace where it has been achieved. In
their Tripoli Declaration, the Heads of State and Government undertook to make
renewed efforts to address the root causes of conflicts in a holistic and systematic
manner, including through implementing existing instruments.
9.
Clearly, progress has been made in the signature and ratification of the abovementioned instruments. The entry into force of the AU Non-Aggression and Common
Defence Pact, on 18 December 2009, as well as the subsequent convening, in Addis
Ababa, on 27 October 2010, of the 1st meeting of the State Parties to the Pelindaba
Treaty, which entered into force on 15 July 2010, represented a milestone in the overall
efforts for the prevention and reduction of interstate conflicts and the establishment of a
Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Africa. However, I note with concern that key AU
instruments are yet to enter into force. This is the case of the AU Charter on
Democracy, Elections and Governance, adopted on 30 January 2007 and which, so far,
has been ratified by only seven Member States, while fifteen ratifications are required for
its entry into force. Also worth noting is the status of signature and ratification of the
2004 Protocol to the OAU Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism,
ratified so far by 10 Member States. I cannot but echo the call made by the Tripoli
Special Session for all Member States that have not yet done so to speedily sign and/or
ratify those instruments. Equally important is the need for Member States to comply with
the commitments they enter into, for lack of follow-up and implementation undermines
the credibility of the processes our continent has embarked upon. Significantly, in its
decision Assembly/AU/Dec.269(XIV) Rev.1 on the Prevention of Unconstitutional
Changes of Government and Strengthening the Capacity of the AU to Manage such
Situations, the 14th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union, held in Addis Ababa,
from 31 January to 2 February 2010, reiterated the need for Member States to uphold
the rule of law and abide by their own Constitutions, especially with regard to
constitutional reforms, bearing in mind that failure to respect these provisions could lead
to situations of tension which, in turn, could trigger off political crisis. I earnestly hope
that the forthcoming Ordinary Session of the Assembly, devoted to the theme of shared
values, will mark a watershed in our overall efforts to turn into action the many
instruments we have adopted over the years.
10.
On its part, the Commission will enhance its capacity to actively monitor the
implementation of these instruments, as well as take all necessary steps to sensitize the
Member States concerned.
I also intend, as requested by Decision