Gambiaj.com – (ABUJA) – Ambassador Jainaba Jagne of The Gambia and Ambassador Musa Nuhu of Nigeria have today co-chaired a historic inaugural joint consultation involving the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) and the Economic Community of West African States Mediation and Security Council (MSC) in Abuja to address pressing peace and security challenges in the Western region.

Ambassador Jagne, in her capacity as the Chairperson of the Peace and Security Council for the month of April 2024, emphasized the critical role of collaboration and coordination between the AU and ECOWAS in preventing, managing, and resolving conflicts. She highlighted the challenges posed by terrorism, violent extremism, and unconstitutional changes of governments (UCGs) in the region, noting that four out of six AU member states suspended due to coups are from West Africa.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the councils to brainstorm effective means of addressing these challenges and finding alternative options to promote peace, security, and stability. Ambassador Jagne underscored the need for stronger cooperation to counter the proliferation of terrorist groups and enhance efforts to address security challenges.

The joint consultation also focused on mobilizing resources to fund the peace agenda, with discussions on the use of the Peace Fund and exploring joint fundraising between the AU and ECOWAS. Ambassador Jagne expressed the urgent need to regularize such engagements and enhance coordination and synergies between the councils.

In conclusion, Ambassador Jagne urged the meeting to re-energize efforts on preventive diplomacy, strategize joint actions for countries in the West African region, and enhance coordination and regular engagements. The meeting set a precedent for future collaboration between the AU and ECOWAS in promoting peace and security in Africa.