Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) 14 January 2026 (SPS) — The Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) has officially submitted its candidature for membership of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) for the 2026–2028 term, entering a competitive race for the Northern Africa seat alongside the Kingdom of Morocco and the State of Libya.

In a diplomatic communication circulated to the African Union Commission and to Member States, the Sahrawi Republic stated that its candidature is based on its long-standing engagement with the continental organization and its commitment to the principles of Pan-Africanism, peace, security, and justice based on mutual respect.

The election is scheduled to take place in February 2026 during the Ordinary Session of the African Union Executive Council that will be held this coming 11 and 12 February in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. SADR is a member of the Organization of African Unity since 1982, a Founding Member of its successor the African Union, and participated in the establishment of the Peace and Security Council as well as all other institutions and bodies of the AU.

The Peace and Security Council is one of the African Union’s principal organs, responsible for conflict prevention, management, and resolution, as well as for advancing the Union’s peace and security agenda.

The Sahrawi Republic highlighted its experience in governance under protracted conflict conditions, including displacement and the administration of services in fragile environments, as relevant to the work of the AUPSC.

It also expressed readiness to contribute to preventive diplomacy, conflict management, and post-conflict reconstruction efforts, in line with the African Union’s Peace and Security Architecture.

Morocco and Libya have also declared their candidatures for the Northern Africa seat. Under AU rules, members of the Peace and Security Council are elected by the Executive Council, taking into account equitable regional representation and contributions to peace and security on the continent.

The outcome of the election will determine which state will represent Northern Africa on the Peace and Security Council for the 2026–2028 term, while Algeria had already secured a seat in the PSC during last year’s Summit, in which it won the elections against Morocco.

It is worth noting that a number of member states from the other four regions of the African Union have also submitted their candidatures for the Council seats allocated to their respective regions. (SPS)