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The PSC became operational in early 2004, following the adoption of the Protocol relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the AU in July 2002, in Durban, South Africa and entered into force in December 2003. The Council started its activities on 16 March 2004 and held its official launch on 25 May 2004, which is also African Union Day.
The PSC replaced the Organization of African Unity's (OAU) Central Organ for Conflict Prevention and Management, and it was designed to be a more robust and proactive mechanism for addressing the continent's peace and security challenges. The PSC's establishment marked a significant step in Africa's efforts to enhance its capacity for conflict prevention, management, and resolution.
The PSC has 15 members with equal voting powers. All members are elected by the AU Executive Council and endorsed by the AU Assembly during its ordinary sessions. For continuity, five members are elected for three-year terms and 10 for two-year terms. While there are no permanent members, the PSC Protocol does not prevent any Member States from seeking immediate re-election.
On 25 May 2014, at its 437th meeting the PSC commemorated its 10th anniversary. The council stressed the need to enhance its use of all available preventive diplomacy tools with the objective of anticipating crises and preventing them from escalating into full-blown conflict. It also emphasized the importance of strengthening the linkages between early warning and early response, which requires that the relevant AU policy organs operate with urgency and act effectively, in concert, on the information provided to them on potential crises and conflicts.
Furthermore, on 25 June 2014, at its 444th meeting, the PSC celebrated its 10th anniversary at the Heads of State and Government level, adopting a Declaration which, among others, emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation with other stakeholders in conflict prevention, management, and resolution and called for greater coordination and consultation between the Council and regional economic communities and mechanisms (RECs/RMs) on their interventions in conflict and crisis situations in Africa.
This event will therefore raise awareness ahead of the 25 May 2024 20th anniversary celebration of the establishment of the PSC.
The press conference will be conducted in the English language.
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