The African Union Peace and Security Council and the United Nations Security Council have set out a shared position on four major African security files, following their annual consultation in New York. Their communiqué addresses eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan, while also highlighting how future African Union peace-support operations could be financed.
The councils met at United Nations Headquarters on 23 October 2026. The consultation followed an informal joint seminar held from 21 to 22 October. The published communiqué records the councils’ agreed statements and calls; it does not establish that any party has complied with them or that the requested changes have occurred.
Eastern DRC and civilian protection
On eastern DRC, the councils expressed concern about insecurity, humanitarian conditions and reported violations of international law. They called for an immediate end to hostilities, protection for civilians and humanitarian personnel, and safe, unhindered humanitarian access. They urged all concerned parties to implement Security Council resolution 2773, including the unconditional withdrawal of Rwandan Defence Forces from Congolese territory and an end to support for M23. The communiqué also calls for an end to support by Congolese military forces to armed groups, particularly the FDLR.
These are positions in a joint diplomatic text, not an independent determination of responsibility. The councils also condemned the establishment of a parallel administration by M23 and called for it to be dismantled. They endorsed ongoing mediation efforts and stressed that commitments reached through peace processes must be implemented. Their text calls for coordination among the different initiatives, rather than competing tracks that could weaken the prospects for a political settlement.
Somalia and future mission support
For the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia, the councils welcomed security efforts by Somali forces and the mission, and paid tribute to troop- and police-contributing countries. They called for future resources and support mechanisms to be identified, while emphasising an orderly, coordinated and phased transition. The communiqué places primary responsibility for security with Somalia’s federal government and points to strengthening Somali security institutions and transferring responsibilities in an orderly way.
The financing discussion reaches beyond AUSSOM. The councils welcomed work on a joint roadmap for implementing Security Council resolution 2719, which provides a framework for possible United Nations support to African Union-led peace-support operations. They said any potential authorisation should, case by case, use financing that is adequate, predictable and sustainable. The text includes the possibility of United Nations assessed contributions, subject to the organisation’s financial rules and to oversight and accountability mechanisms. This is a stated principle for future decisions, not an announcement of a particular allocation or a guarantee of funding.
South Sudan and Sudan
On South Sudan, the councils called for an immediate ceasefire and restraint amid renewed hostilities and ceasefire violations. They said changes to the Revitalised Agreement should come through genuine dialogue among its parties. They urged the government to consider releasing political detainees, including Riek Machar, and called for an inclusive and transparent political dialogue. The communiqué also describes growing humanitarian needs, compounded by conflict, flooding and drought, and calls for civilian protection and unimpeded aid access.
For Sudan, the councils called for investigations into abuses and accountability for perpetrators, while urging all parties to protect humanitarian workers and allow aid to reach people safely. They expressed concern about worsening food insecurity and a growing risk of famine, particularly in parts of Greater Darfur and Greater Kordofan. The communiqué rejects a parallel governing authority in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces and reiterates Sudan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It says there can be no military solution and that lasting peace requires an inclusive political process led and owned by Sudanese people.
The four files differ, but the communiqué repeatedly links security outcomes to political dialogue, protection of civilians and humanitarian access. It also places emphasis on implementation: ceasefires, existing agreements, mission transitions and coordinated mediation all require follow-through by the parties concerned. As a record of council consensus, the document shows what the two bodies say they support. It does not itself deliver a ceasefire, resolve the conflicts or ensure that financial support will be approved.
