UN, AU sign deal to enhance partnership on conflict prevention

Heads of the United Nations and the African Union on Wednesday signed here a joint framework to enhance partnership to better prevent conflict and sustain peace in Africa.

According to the deal, the two organizations will work together to exchange information on root causes of conflict and identify how to address them.

The document also asks the two sides to share early warning information of potential hotspots and prepare options to respond.

In addition, the two sides will consider options to enhance sustainable and flexible financing of AU-led peace support operations under the authorization of UN Security Council.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters here that a common vision and an enhanced cooperation between the two organizations are required under current circumstances to sustain peace, promote inclusive development and protect human rights.

He said the new framework will allow a lot of new forms of cooperation in these areas.

Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of African Union Commission said the moment has come to make a critical evaluation of weaknesses and strengths in peacekeeping operations on the African continent.

"The most important is to get together, to work, to discuss and to report together. I believe this a new page in cooperation between the United Nations and the African Union," he said. Enditem