Mr Madeira (left) and VP Michel at State House Friday

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that Seychelles is considering the ratification of the African Union Peace and Security Council protocol signed during the re-structuring of the organisation.

The ministry made this announcement following a short visit by Mr Francisco Caetano Madeira, the minister in the Presidency for Parliamentary and Diplomatic Affairs of Mozambique to Seychelles.

Mr Madeira, who was on a working mission, called on Vice-President James Michel at State House Friday December 12  with a message from the chairman of the African Union, Mr Joachim Chissano and the chairman of the African Union Commission, Mr Omar Konaré, inviting Seychelles to join with other African nations to enforce the Peace and Security Council. Mr Chissano is also the president of Mozambique.

The Peace and Security Council protocol makes provision for the creation of a collective decision-making organ for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts and crisis situations in Africa.

The Peace and Security Council, Mr Madeira said, would be a modest replica of the Security Council of the United Nations and will be mandated to maintain peace and security on the continent and carry out the necessary actions to reduce and solve conflicts. Mr Madeira said the Council would come into force once a majority of 27 countries have ratified the protocol. 21 countries, he said, have already given the green light for the setting up of the Council.

Once the structure is put into place, member countries will be required to send security forces to take part in peace keeping efforts whenever necessary on the continent.

Mr Madeira described VP Michel's reaction to the initiative as very positive and according to him, the vice-president has shown that he was clearly attached to the goals of the African Union.

Mr Madeira also delivered another message from President Chissano which he said highlighted the need for Seychelles and Mozambique to come closer in cooperation and to rediscover and strengthen the bond of friendship and brotherhood that existed between the two countries.

Mr Madeira leaves Seychelles Saturday December 13.

LINKS