Wetang’ula urges strong AU-UN ties

An “undesirable trend” has emerged in relations between the United Nations and the African Union whereby the UN “either ignores or partially considers” AU positions on some issues, Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetang’ula has told the Security Council.

At the same time, efforts by both sides to improve the relationship are “gaining momentum” and must be further encouraged, Mr Wetang’ula said in a 20-minute address to the UN’s top organ.

He spoke on Thursday in his capacity as chair of the AU’s Peace and Security Council.

Responded favourably

The minister emphasised that progress toward peace in Somalia “depends almost entirely” on the extent to which the UN and AU strengthen their strategic and operational relationship in regard to Kenya’s unstable neighbour.

The Security Council had responded favourably but cautiously on Wednesday to Mr Wetang’ula’s call for incorporation into the AU’s Somalia mission the Kenyan forces now fighting in Somalia. (READ: UN approves Kenya’s bid to join African force in Somalia)

The council said it wanted to refine issues of command and control over the Kenyan troops as well as to resolve weapons and funding matters before giving its formal approval.

UN chief Ban Ki-moon praised the growing coordination between the two bodies, noting that the differences were only “natural.”

US envoy to the UN Susan Rice said the Security Council often felt that the AU had not given consistent views and had been slow to act on urgent matters.