Morocco has been elected to a two-year term on the African Union’s Peace and Security Council (AU-PSC) following a first-round vote held on Wednesday in Addis Ababa. The election took place during an African Union meeting at its headquarters in the Ethiopian capital. The kingdom secured the required majority in the initial round of voting, confirming its return to one of the AU’s most influential decision-making bodies.
The Peace and Security Council is the African Union’s standing body responsible for the prevention, management, and resolution of conflicts across the continent. It plays a central role in peacekeeping operations, conflict prevention initiatives, and post-conflict reconstruction efforts. The council also supports democracy, good governance, and the rule of law in AU member states.
Morocco’s election grants it a two-year mandate on the 15-member council. Members of the PSC are chosen based on regional representation, with seats allocated among Africa’s five geographic regions. The election process is conducted by member states through a vote during AU sessions.
The vote in Addis Ababa saw Morocco secure sufficient backing from fellow African nations in the first round. First-round victories are often viewed as a sign of broad diplomatic support among member states. The outcome reflects Morocco’s ongoing engagement within the African Union framework.
Morocco rejoined the African Union in 2017 after a 33-year absence. Since then, Rabat has sought to expand its diplomatic presence and strengthen partnerships across the continent. Its election to the Peace and Security Council is seen as part of its broader strategy to play a more active role in African multilateral institutions.
The AU-PSC is tasked with addressing some of the continent’s most pressing security challenges. These include armed conflicts, terrorism, unconstitutional changes of government, and humanitarian crises. The council can authorize peace support missions and recommend sanctions in cases of serious violations.
Morocco’s membership on the council will allow it to participate directly in discussions and decisions related to these issues. As a PSC member, the country will contribute to shaping collective responses to emerging conflicts and security threats. The role also involves close coordination with regional economic communities and international partners.
In recent years, Africa has faced multiple security concerns, including political instability in parts of West Africa and the Sahel, ongoing conflicts in the Horn of Africa, and extremist violence in several regions. The Peace and Security Council remains central to the African Union’s efforts to address these developments. Morocco’s term comes at a time when coordinated continental responses are considered particularly critical.
Moroccan officials have consistently emphasized the importance of African-led solutions to African problems. The country has also highlighted its involvement in mediation efforts and peacekeeping initiatives on the continent. Its election to the PSC provides a formal platform to advance these priorities within the AU structure.
The composition of the Peace and Security Council reflects a balance among regions and aims to ensure representation across the continent. Members are expected to demonstrate commitment to constitutional governance, respect for human rights, and the capacity to contribute to peace efforts. Elections are competitive, and candidates often campaign diplomatically ahead of the vote.
Morocco’s successful bid underscores its continued diplomatic outreach within Africa. Over recent years, the kingdom has expanded economic ties, investment projects, and bilateral agreements with numerous African countries. These relationships have strengthened its position within AU institutions.
The two-year term will see Morocco participating in regular PSC meetings, consultations, and potential emergency sessions. Council decisions are binding on AU member states and carry significant political weight. The body also works closely with the United Nations and other international organizations in coordinating peace operations.
Morocco’s election marks another step in its reintegration and active engagement within continental governance structures. As it assumes its seat, attention will turn to how it contributes to ongoing peace and security discussions. The coming term is expected to test the council’s capacity to address evolving security challenges across Africa.
With its election secured in the first round, Morocco begins its mandate at a pivotal moment for the African Union. The Peace and Security Council remains a central pillar of the AU’s institutional framework. Morocco’s participation will shape its role in continental diplomacy over the next two years.
