Ethiopia, presiding over the African Union Peace and Security Council, today underscored its steadfast commitment to advancing peace, security, and regional cooperation across the continent.

Speaking at the traditional flag hoisting ceremony for newly elected Council members, Ethiopia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hadera Abera highlighted the Council’s central role in preventing, managing, and resolving conflicts, and emphasized Ethiopia’s dedication to facilitating the Council’s work with transparency, inclusivity, and cooperation.

He reaffirmed the nation’s resolve to uphold “African solutions to African problems,” stressing solidarity, dialogue, and proactive measures as pillars for lasting peace.

The ceremony also honored the memory of late Ethiopian diplomat, Ambassador Kongist Sienegiorgis, celebrated for her decades of service to the Union.

The state minister further congratulated both newly elected and re-elected Council members. “Today’s ceremony is not merely symbolic.  It is a demonstration of our collective resolve to advance peace and security across our continent. It also reflects on our shared commitment to the responsibility entrusted to us and our unwavering dedication to the ideals of the Council.”

As presiding Chair, Ethiopia remains committed to guiding the Council with dedication and collective action, Ambassador Hadera said, invoking a powerful Ethiopian proverb: “When a spiderweb is bundled, it shall win a lion,” highlighting the strength of unity in achieving peace.

“I would also like to remind us all; we stand tall leaning on the shoulders of our fore-bearers that have laid down the principles of conflict prevention mechanisms. These are still relevant principles that we need to upheld in our endeavors to prevent peace and security problems before they become a compounded challenge to our society.”

The newly elected Members are the Republics of Benin, Gabon, Lesotho, Morocco, Somalia, & South Africa, alongside the re-elected members that include Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, & Uganda, Somalia assumes its seat on the Council for the first time.

The Peace and Security Council, established 21 years ago, continues to serve as the AU’s decision-making organ for conflict prevention, management, and resolution, supporting the broader goals of Agenda 2063 toward a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated Africa.