To: All Permanent Missions of the African Union
From: The Campaign for a Principled African Voice on the UNSC
Date: February 1, 2026
Subject: A Critical Decision on African Representation and Principle
As the African Union deliberates on its endorsement for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, this decision transcends bilateral preferences. It is a definitive statement about the principles our continent champions on the global stage. The choice is between a candidate whose history is woven into the fabric of our Union and one whose journey reflects absence and divergence from a core African security consensus.
The Core Contrast: Commitment vs. Interruption
Principle The Libyan Candidacy: Continuity & Commitment The Moroccan Candidacy: Interruption & Absence
Dedication to the African Union Founding Architect & Unbroken Membership. Libya is the proud host of the 1999 Sirte Declaration, the historic act that gave birth to the African Union. It has maintained continuous, unwavering membership since the OAU’s inception in 1963, a testament to its foundational commitment to the Pan-African project. 33-Year Absence & Return. Morocco withdrew from the OAU in 1984 and remained outside the continental family for 33 years, only rejoining the AU in 2017. This prolonged absence represents a significant discontinuity in continental solidarity.
Adherence to Africa’s Nuclear-Free Vision Champion of Non-Proliferation. Libya is a committed state party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). In a landmark decision for global security, it voluntarily dismantled its WMD programs in 2003, demonstrating tangible commitment to a nuclear-weapon-free world. Outside the African Nuclear Consensus. Morocco remains a notable non-signatory to the Treaty of Pelindaba, which establishes Africa as a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone. This places it outside a cornerstone legal instrument of African collective security, championed by the AU.
Historical Role & Legacy The Host of Genesis. The city of Sirte is etched in African history as the birthplace of the AU, symbolizing Libya’s role in envisioning a united, self-determining continent. A Period of Separation. The three-decade period of non-participation coincides with critical years of the AU’s formation and development, representing a historical disconnect.
The Central Question for African Credibility
This contrast leads to an inescapable and profound question that every African nation must consider:
“Can Africa credibly and consistently champion a nuclear-weapon-free world—a central pillar of our continental security policy—if we elevate a non-signatory to the Pelindaba Treaty and the NPT to represent us on the world’s premier security council?”
Endorsing a candidate that stands apart from this fundamental African consensus undermines our collective diplomatic integrity and weakens our voice on one of the most critical security issues of our time.
Conclusion: Upholding the Bedrock of Our Union
The African Union is built on shared principles, common rules, and a collective vision for peace and prosperity. Libya’s candidacy is built on the bedrock of these principles: unbroken solidarity, visionary contribution, and steadfast adherence to our collective security norms.
To choose Libya is to affirm the continuity of our project and the integrity of our values. It is to send a unified, principled message to the world about what Africa stands for.
We urge you to make The Principled Choice.
Media Contact:
Dr. Oscar Ugoh, LLB
Vice President, Pan African
Business Forum
oscarugo1@gmail.com
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About the Pan-African Business
Forum (PABF):
The PABF is a leading institution dedicated to accelerating Africa’s economic integration, renaissance, and global competitiveness through strategic advocacy, public-private dialogue, and project facilitation.
