Luanda – The permanent representative of Angola to the African Union (AU), Miguel Bembe, stated today, Wednesday, in Addis Ababa, that the professionalization of the armed forces, combined with reforms in the security sector, is a key element to improve civil-military relations on the African continent.
Speaking at the 1232nd ordinary meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC), held virtually, under the theme “Civil-Military Relations and Conflict Management in Africa”, the diplomat shared Angola’s experience, which has demonstrated to the world a balanced relationship between civilians and the military, having contributed to the construction of sustainable peace.
He added that the successful transition from a long internal conflict allowed for the achievement of national reconciliation and reconstruction of the country, clearly showing that the armed forces can be transformed into vectors of stabilization, as long as they are harmoniously integrated into society.
In this regard, he stressed the need for all Member States to invest in ongoing training programmes for military forces, with an emphasis on respect for human rights, democratic governance and conflict management standards, using possible international partnerships.
Ambassador Miguel Bembe recommended strengthening the institutional capacities of Member States through the implementation of African Union programmes to promote the professionalisation of armed forces and their subordination to political, civilian and democratic power.
He called for the establishment of regional platforms for military and civilian cooperation, using the structures of the African Union and Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms to promote the sharing of good practices in relation to respect for democratic principles and constitutional legality.
He encouraged the creation of National Security Councils in Member States, where civilians and military personnel can collaborate in the development of joint security strategies, with a view to protecting citizens, social well-being and the stability of countries.
Today's session of the PSC, chaired by the Permanent Representative of the Republic of Cameroon to the African Union, Ambassador Churchill Ewumbue-Monono, who assumes the presidency of the body this September, was attended by the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the continental organization, Bankole Adeoye, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General to the AU, Parfait Onanga Anyanga, and the Director of the United Nations Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament in Africa, Nahmtante Yabouri. ART/TED
