Hard News on committee session #4

WORLD

Differences in the Union : Challenges on The Reformation of Peace Support Operation in Africa

(February 27, 2021, African Union Meeting)

By Huspidiatul Anwar Gemadiyah. February 28, 2021

AFRICAN UNION – On February 28^th, 2021, the 2^nd day of African Union continues on the agenda related to Peace Support Operation (PSO). The delegates are still debating among all of the differences as for the fruition of a better PSO of the African Union (AU). Few of the differences still lie within the form of the Code of Conduct of the PSO.

A group of delegates led by Egypt, on their proposal, could be considered on having a “hard-way” as they are still emphasizing on the potential form of action as in accordance with Article 23, of the Constitute Act of the AU. A form of removal of status and revocation of voting rights are still perceived by the related delegates to ensure the compliance, contribution and the independence of the region. Moreover, a form of measure such as the establishment of a fact-finding mission is also included to resolve the problem of sexual harassment and abuse within the peacekeeping personnel in African region.

The ideas from the other bloc, proposed by Niger, Chad, and their allies, are emphasizing that punishment should not be one of the resort to ensure the compliance of the member states. Instead, to ensure the sustainability of the region in regards of conflict-management, they do encourages for direct finance both a broader range of African-led peace support operations and coalitions with as well as direct training, whilst also encourages of in-kind contribution as part of the alternative to increase member states contribution towards the PSO.

Despite the debate, several of the delegates are suggesting for a merger to happen for the sake of the region. Nevertheless, it might still be a further time to determine whether both of the differences could be put aside and the African Union could be united to reform the PSO.

WORLD

The Uncertainty on Tackling Sexual Harassment and Abuse in the African Union Peace Support Operation

(February 28, 2021, African Union Meeting)

By Huspidiatul Anwar Gemadiyah. February 28, 2021

AFRICAN UNION – A press conference was conducted to the representative of African Union on their 2^nd day of meeting. However, the statements made by all of the representatives are still being questioned on several things that may be doubted to be ineffective.

The proposal of what is still being considered as the Working Paper 1.1, has a notion of establishing a fact-finding mission in which encompasses AU Representative, UN Representative, Rapporteur to the UN, and Local Representative. However, during the Press Conference it is still doubted how the delegates could ensure that the related countries want to accept or give the permission on the investigation to be done within their country that easily. Moreover, a further explanation might still be needed in regards on how the perpetrator country/actor could be brought to justice, considering that the misconduct was not being done only by the AU personnel, but also other personnel from the other non-AU troops contributing countries.

Although the hybrid court was being discussed, it still became a concern on the compliance of the troops contributing countries if there is any potential on their troops having a misconduct, to be put on the court where it is still being questioned about their credibility. Lastly, the council should have put more emphasis on the potential of an alleged countries to be protecting the perpetrator of the sexual harassment, and not putting them into justice accordingly.