AU expresses appreciation to Cameroon

Ambassador Smail Chergui, Peace and Security Commissioner of the AU, was received in audience on Monday at the Unity Palace.

"This audience allows me to convey a message of consideration and gratitude to Cameroon for its role in maintaining peace and security in the subregion," the ambassador declared yesterday to the press at the end of an audience by Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, Minister, Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic, on behalf of the Head of State.

The ambassador was in Cameroon for the signing of the headquarters agreement for the continental logistics base of the African Standby Force (Faa) between the Cameroonian government and the AU Commission. He was accompanied by the Ambassador of Cameroon to the AU, Jacques Alfred Ndoumbe Eboule.

Commenting on the signing of the headquarters agreement that took place yesterday, Ambassador Smail Chergui stressed that it was something concrete and an essential element in the architecture of peace and security in Africa. In his opinion, the signing demonstrates the commitment of Cameroon to support the AU.

The FAA headquarters is located in Douala. In the coming days, a team will be dispatched to the economic capital to see the premises assigned to the Force, Ambassador Smail Chergui promised.

Equipment for rapid intervention in emergency cases will be deposited later, said the Peace and Security Commissioner of the AU.

The African Standby Force is a holding unit of the continental multidisciplinary peace comprised of military contingents, police and civilians acting under the direction of the AU. It aims to prevent, on the continent, wars and crises including genocide and crimes against humanity.

Built on the model of the UN Security Council, the Council for Peace and Security of the AU is an AU body responsible for enforcing the decisions of the Union.