The Annual Retreat of the African members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council Plus (A3 Plus) was held in Georgetown, Guyana from 25 to 28 February 2025. Convened by the African Union Permanent Observer Mission to the United Nations (AUPOM) in partnership with the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.

Participants included the current members of the A3 Plus namely: Algeria, Sierra Leone, Somalia, and Guyana, former members known as the "Friends of A3+” including Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

Welcome remarks were delivered by H.E. Mr. Hugh Todd, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Guyana, and H.E Amb. Fatima Kyari Mohammed, Permanent Representative of the Africa Union (AU) Observer Mission to the United Nations. They welcomed the participants and expressed their hopes for productive discussions.

In the opening session, H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, and H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett, Coordinator of the A3 Plus and Guyana’s Permanent Representative to the UN, highlighted the importance of diplomatic engagement among nations, the need to sustain global peace and stability, and the value of collective efforts in achieving common goals.

The retreat, a key platform for stocktaking on achievements and the impact of A3 Plus engagements, was aimed at exploring ways in promoting and defending common and unified continental positions, in synergy with Caribbean region, in a consistent manner at the UN Security Council. It also aimed to strengthen strategic engagements, to enhance and sustain the authoritative voice of Africa and Caribbean Region in promoting their interests at the UN Security Council.

Discussions at the retreat centered on A3 Plus modalities and priorities, with the guidance provided by the AU Assembly and the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC), including the recommendations of the Annual High-Level Seminar on Peace and Security in Africa, referred to as the Oran Process.

In addition to the sessions of the retreat, the participants paid a courtesy call on the President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Mohamed Ali. They also met with the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Dr. Carla Natalie Barnett and her team.

For further information, please contact: Oumou Daou Koumoue Email: Koumoueo@africa-union.org