President Tebboune Calls for Stronger African Union Field Presence to Combat Terrorism, Organized Crime
Luanda, The Gulf Observer: Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has called for a stronger and more active presence of the African Union (AU) on the ground to combat terrorist groups and organized crime networks and provide vital humanitarian assistance across the continent.
Tebboune made the remarks in a speech delivered at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union in Luanda, Angola, focused on strengthening mechanisms for conflict prevention and resolution in Africa.
The speech was read on his behalf by Speaker of Algeria’s Council of the Nation, Azouz Nasri, who presented a series of practical recommendations reaffirming Algeria’s commitment to addressing African challenges.
Tebboune urged the AU to strengthen preventive action without creating additional structures that could place further institutional and financial burdens on the organization. He called instead for greater coordination and synergy among existing mechanisms.
He proposed making better use of the UN Peacebuilding Commission to strengthen early-warning systems, fully utilizing the Continental Risk Assessment Tool and reinforcing the advisory and diplomatic role of the AU’s Panel of the Wise.
The Algerian president also stressed the urgent need to fully activate the African Union Peace Fund to ensure predictable and sustainable financing for preventive initiatives and proactive diplomacy.
Tebboune emphasized that strengthening the AU’s operational and field capabilities was essential to effectively address conflicts and security threats. He called for the concrete deployment of AU organs, particularly the Special Representatives of the Chairperson of the Commission, the full operationalization of the African Standby Force and its regional brigades, and increased field missions by the Panel of the Wise.
He further advocated renewed reliance on the AU’s foundational mechanisms and good offices, stressing that the direct mediation efforts of African heads of state and government remain among the continent’s most effective tools for resolving crises.
Tebboune called on the AU Assembly to prioritize crisis resolution during its ordinary sessions and urged African leaders to personally lead mediation efforts with their counterparts in a spirit of fraternity and solidarity.
Addressing the relationship between peace, development and humanitarian assistance, the Algerian president said lasting peace and security could not be achieved without development, while sustainable stability required addressing humanitarian crises.
He called for a unified continental effort to mobilize Africa’s collective resources and capabilities to address these interconnected challenges.
Tebboune also highlighted the severe humanitarian conditions affecting millions of people across Africa, describing them as a shared responsibility requiring immediate and coordinated action by the African Union and its international partners.
He urged that AU resources be directed toward concrete projects aimed at improving the daily lives of African citizens, while empowering women and young people, whom he described as central to Africa’s present and future.
