Lesotho has been elected Chair of the African Risk Capacity (ARC) for the year 2024-2025, announced at the 14th Conference of the Parties (CoP-14) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The ARC is a specialized agency of the African Union dedicated to helping member states prepare for and respond to natural disasters and disease outbreaks. As Chair, Lesotho will play a critical role in guiding the organization’s work over the next year.
“This added responsibility will hopefully complement Lesotho’s efforts in addressing risk,” said Lesotho’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Ntsiuoa Sekete. He highlighted a 2020 agreement between Lesotho and the ARC to strengthen national disaster risk management.
Lesotho also aims to use its chairmanship to encourage other member states to fully embrace the ARC’s mission. Minister Limpho Tau emphasized the importance of treaty ratification, a key factor in expanding the ARC’s reach and impact across Africa.
Currently, 38 African Union member states have signed the ARC Treaty, but only 13 have ratified it. Ratification is crucial as the ARC seeks to scale up its operations in the face of growing climate challenges and disease outbreaks.
The CoP-14 conference also addressed other important matters, including the ARC’s 2024 work plan and budget, governance reforms, and the status of treaty signatures and ratifications.