STORY: Peace, security improving in Africa: AU commissioner
SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 20, 2024
DATELINE: Nov. 22, 2024
LENGTH: 00:02:25
LOCATION: Addis Ababa
CATEGORY: POLITICS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the meeting
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): BANKOLE ADEOYE, African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security
3. various of the meeting
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): BANKOLE ADEOYE, African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security
5. various of the meeting
6. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): BANKOLE ADEOYE, African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security

STORYLINE:

Africa's peace and security situation is improving, with democratic elections and smooth transitions of power having taken roots in different parts of the continent, African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Bankole Adeoye has said.
   
Adeoye made the remark Wednesday at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, as the AU commemorated the fourth awareness week on post-conflict reconstruction and development.
   
"Africa is witnessing an increasing number of peaceful elections and smooth political transition," said Adeoye, citing the recent parliamentary and presidential elections in Senegal and Botswana.
   
He said most elections that took place across 15 countries of the continent this year were peaceful and democratic, indicating that the consolidation of rule of law is gaining ground in the continent.
   
SOUNDBITE 1 (English): BANKOLE ADEOYE, African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security
"The situation on our continent in terms of governance, peace and security is what I call a 'mixed grill.' We have good stories. Elections have been held timely. Political transitions have been smooth in Senegal because of strong institutions, in Botswana because of strong institutions."

He said peace, governance and security in Africa are also improving as political dialogue is becoming the only option to deal with security issues in Africa and the AU Peace and Security Council is trying to resolve conflicts in a more sustainable and innovative way.
   
The AU commission, along with the United Nations and other stakeholders, is dealing with the conflict in Sudan by implementing a comprehensive, unconditional, inclusive and permanent ceasefire, the commissioner said.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): BANKOLE ADEOYE, African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security
"We are making strenuous efforts, pushing the parties, the belligerent forces both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces and their supporters in whatever form because the situation is dire. The situation needs immediate resolution of the conflict. We are working on Sudan with all stakeholders."

The commissioner said African countries must stand firmly that the success stories can be replicated in other countries that are still going through difficult situations.
   
Adeoye said there remains a huge security challenge in the Sahel region and Lake Chad Basin area, requiring the AU commission to work hard and defeat terrorist groups and realize peace in those parts of the continent.

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): BANKOLE ADEOYE, African Union (AU) Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security
"The Sahel, as you know very well, remains a huge challenge in terms of the impact of climate change, in terms of the impact from terrorist groups and extremism groups. Of course, the African Union is working and encouraging these member states, three of them, Mali, Burkina Faso and the Republic of Niger to work out a credible political transition to constitutional democratic order."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Addis Ababa.
(XHTV)