The Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union (AU), Jean Ping, has welcomed the entry into force of the African Union Non-Aggression and Common Defence Pact.
The Pact was adopted by the 4th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government held in Abuja, Nigeria, on 31 January 2005.
“This positive development comes as a new and significant contribution to the strengthening of AU Peace and Security doctrine and architecture. It is an eloquent testimony to the ever growing commitment of the AU member states to enhancing their continental security at the dawn of “the Year of Peace and Security in Africa” which coincides with the year 2010,” said Ping in a statement.
Article 19 of the Pact stipulates that it shall enter into force 30 days following the deposit of instruments of ratification by 15 member states.
Burkina Faso was the 15th member state to ratify the Pact on 3 September 2009, and deposited its instrument of ratification with the African Union Commission on 18 November 2009.
Consequently, the Pact entered into force on 18 December 2009.
“The Commission will now initiate the necessary steps to implement the provisions of this important instrument,” added Ping.
He said that the Pact aims at promoting cooperation among member states in the areas of non-aggression and common defence ; promoting peaceful co-existence in Africa ; preventing conflicts of inter-state or intra-state nature ; and ensuring that disputes are peacefully resolved.
Source African Press Agency
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