ADDIS ABABA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The complex challenges affecting peace and security in Africa require stabilization efforts and inclusive political processes to advance durable peace, according to a statement issued by the African Union (AU) on Thursday.

The remarks were made by Joao Lourenco, Angolan president and chairperson of the African Union (AU), and Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, chairperson of the AU Commission, following the latter's recent official visit to Angola.

Highlighting Africa's current peace and security priorities, focusing on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), South Sudan, and Somalia, the two leaders acknowledged the complex challenges in some of these situations.

They stressed the importance of sustained AU engagement, alongside existing efforts on the ground, to support stabilization and inclusive political processes, aimed at advancing durable peace and strengthening national institutions.

Lourenco and Youssouf emphasized the need to strengthen the African Peace and Security Architecture, enhance the role of regional economic communities and regional mechanisms, and reinforce the AU Peace and Security Council to address emerging threats.

The two sides pledged to advance the AU's "Silencing the Guns" agenda as a central priority for sustainable peace and stability in Africa.

They also shared their vision for the 55-member continental organization, underscoring infrastructure development as critical to regional integration, economic transformation, and the realization of the AU's 50-year continental development blueprint, Agenda 2063.

They further reaffirmed the AU's continued commitment to working closely with international partners to advance the union's strategic objectives and collective strategic interests in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development across the continent. Enditem

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