Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Lesotho emerged as a key player in continental security discussions at the recent 16th Ordinary Meeting of the Specialized Technical Committee on Defence, Safety and Security (STCDSS). Led by Minister Limpho Tau and Lieutenant General Mojalefa Letsoela, the Lesotho delegation actively participated in shaping strategic recommendations for enhanced African security and cooperation.
The high-level meeting, held at the African Union Headquarters, brought together representatives from 40 AU member states alongside regional blocs like the East African Standby Force (EASF) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
A crucial agenda item centered on a comprehensive review of the African Standby Force (ASF) – a multinational force designed for rapid deployment in peace support operations. The meeting endorsed a roadmap for the review, with outcomes expected at the next STCDSS gathering. Additionally, key policies for ASF operationalization were adopted, including the AU Training Policy for Peace Support Operations and the AU Strategic Lift Concept.
H.E. Hanana Ould Sidi, Defence Minister of Mauritania, chaired the discussions, while H.E. Adeoye Bankole, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, opened the session. The Committee’s report will be presented at the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union in February 2025.
.){kind=link}