The Kingdom of Lesotho Reaffirms Commitment to African Peace and Security at AU PSC Session on African Standby Force

The Kingdom of Lesotho has reaffirmed its strong commitment to strengthening Africa’s peace and security architecture during the 1346th Session of the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC), focused on the operationalisation of the African Standby Force (ASF). The high level meeting took place on 15 May 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, bringing together member states to assess progress and challenges in building a rapid response security mechanism for the continent. Lesotho used the platform to restate its support for collective African solutions to conflict prevention and crisis response. The discussions focused on improving coordination, financing, and readiness of the ASF to respond to emerging threats. The session reflected growing urgency to enhance Africa’s own security capabilities under the African Union framework.

Representing Ambassador Ntsiuoa Sekete, Brigadier General Ketseletso Mofoka delivered Lesotho’s official statement to the council. He emphasized the need for a more coordinated, well financed, and rapidly deployable African Standby Force capable of responding effectively to security challenges across the continent. His statement highlighted that delays in response mechanisms weaken peace operations and increase instability risks in affected regions. Lesotho called for stronger alignment between national, regional, and continental security structures. The address reinforced the importance of readiness and operational efficiency in Africa’s peacekeeping framework.

Lesotho welcomed recent institutional progress made by the African Union in advancing the African Standby Force framework. This included the adoption of the Memorandum of Understanding between the African Union and Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms, which strengthens cooperation across different security bodies. The country also acknowledged the completion of the ASF Strategic Review, which was endorsed by the AU Assembly in February 2026. These developments were seen as important steps toward improving coordination and clarity in Africa’s security response system. Lesotho noted that sustained implementation will be essential for achieving real operational capacity.

The Kingdom further emphasized that the effectiveness of the African Standby Force depends on several critical factors that must be addressed collectively. These include stronger political coordination between the African Union and regional bodies, which ensures unified decision making during crises. Lesotho also stressed the need for sustainable financing, particularly through strengthened contributions to the AU Peace Fund, to guarantee operational independence and stability. Improved readiness, interoperability, and rapid deployment capability were also identified as essential requirements. The statement underscored that without these elements, the ASF will struggle to meet its intended objectives.

Lesotho also expressed support for ongoing efforts to strengthen the maritime component of the African Standby Force, recognizing its strategic importance. Maritime security plays a key role in protecting regional trade routes, supporting economic security, and enabling the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The country highlighted that secure sea lanes are essential for sustaining economic growth and regional integration. Strengthening maritime capabilities was presented as a necessary step in addressing both security and economic challenges. The discussion reflected the growing link between peace, security, and economic development in Africa.

Reaffirming its commitment to the African Union Agenda 2063 vision of “Silencing the Guns,” Lesotho emphasized the importance of African led solutions to African challenges. The statement reinforced the value of collective security, regional solidarity, and coordinated action in achieving long term stability across the continent. Lesotho stressed that lasting peace depends on shared responsibility among member states and strong institutional frameworks. The meeting concluded with renewed commitment from participating countries to accelerate progress on the African Standby Force. It reflected a shared understanding that sustainable peace in Africa requires cooperation, readiness, and unified political will.