Hard News on Committee Session #1

Addressing PSO Funding: Egypt Calls for Further Sanctions for African Union Member States

by Farras Rizqy Hafizh

Several member states of the African Union have called for various sanctions against African Union (AU) member states currently not contributing to peacekeeping operations funding. Egypt and the Central African Republic were among the member states calling for further action during the AU session aimed to address Peace Support Operations on February 27^th, 2021.

Funding for Peace Support Operations (PSO) has been one of the AU’s main concerns in the past few years. Without proper funding, it would be difficult to achieve sustainable peace and security in the region via peacekeeping operations.

Egypt pointed out that several member states are still not paying their fair contribution to the AU budget for peacekeeping. “We are not talking about poor countries, but countries that actually have funds but do not contribute,” stated Egypt in their speech. The Central African Republic shared a similar stance in their speech, even calling countries who have not contributed as ‘shameful’.

Furthermore, Egypt proposes a 4-stage sanctions which included the removal of AU membership for member states who do not contribute their share in the budget. Egypt’s proposal will build on the existing 3-stage sanction system within the AU system.

In line with Egypt’s proposal, the Central African Republic further elaborated for the removal of voting rights for these countries. This sanction system is similar to the one currently implemented in the United Nations.

Several delegates have pointed out that it would be incredibly challenging for African Union member states to fund peace and security operations on their own, owing to difficult economic situations. South Sudan and Rwanda are among those raising this concern, thus proposing for more collaboration with external parties.

Image source: https://www.foreignbrief.com/daily-news/1000-african-union-troops-to-begin-withdrawal-from-somalia/