Strengthening Global Peacekeeping Initiatives
On the occasion of International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, celebrated annually on May 29, foreign and defense ministers convened in Morocco on May 20 for the second ministerial conference dedicated to peacekeeping in Francophone environments. This significant gathering resulted in the adoption of the Rabat Declaration, which reaffirmed their "unwavering commitment" to peacekeeping, regarded as one of the most effective tools at the disposal of the United Nations for promoting and preserving international peace and security.
Initiated by the Foreign Ministries of Morocco and France, in collaboration with the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) and the UN, this second ministerial conference gathered approximately sixty delegations, including twenty-three represented at the ministerial or vice-ministerial level. The event also saw the participation of high-ranking officials from the UN, the African Union, the League of Arab States, and the OIF, featuring contributions from the Secretary-General of the Francophonie, Louise Mushikiwabo.
Prioritizing Peacekeeper Safety and Multilingualism
Drafted by Morocco and France, the Rabat Declaration not only expresses support for UN peacekeeping operations but also honors the memory of peacekeepers, emphasizing that their safety is a top priority. The declaration reiterates the commitment to work collectively to transform the Francophone space into an area of peace and to promote multilingualism as a "key tool for effectiveness on the ground." The necessity of equipping peacekeeping missions with clear and realistic mandates, rooted in political primacy, is highlighted as essential for adapting to the evolving nature of conflicts.
Additionally, the commitment to the "Women, Peace, and Security" agenda is reiterated, along with the expectation of exemplary conduct from peacekeepers and the fundamental nature of training. In this regard, the Declaration encourages cooperation among training centers, including within the Francophone network for peace operations (REFFOP), whose training initiatives have received commendation. The document concludes with a pledge to maintain collective action and joint consultation within the UN, OIF, and relevant international bodies to enhance the effectiveness of peacekeeping, particularly through multilingualism to combat misinformation and hate speech.
During her opening remarks, the Secretary-General of the Francophonie urged support for UN peacekeeping operations and invited contributions to overcome the challenges they face. She also called for more flexible and robust peace operations that fully respect human rights, akin to African peace operations and the Gang Suppression Force in Haiti, which the OIF is working to strengthen.
On the sidelines of the ministerial conference, the OIF, the Boutros-Ghali Observatory for Peacekeeping, and the Royal Armed Forces of Morocco organized a workshop on May 22 to share experiences and best practices from REFFOP training centers, focusing on the "Women, Peace, and Security" agenda. The OIF also participated in a parallel event on peacekeeping reform, organized by the French Ministry of Armed Forces, the OBG, and the FAR.
As reported by francophonie.org.
