U.N. Security Council Backs Stronger Role in Conflict Prevention

Adopts Resolution 1625 with emphasis on African conflicts

The U.N. Security Council September 14 announced its adoption of Resolution 1625, a declaration on strengthening the effectiveness of the Security Council's role in conflict prevention, particularly in Africa.

The Security Council decided to improve its evaluations of conflict situations in the world, particularly in Africa, and to assist regional mediation initiatives, reinforce regional rapid-response capacity, and contribute to stopping arms trafficking.

The council also said it was determined to reinforce stable institutions to ensure peace and sustainable development and, in particular, to help African countries build independent and trustworthy national judicial institutions.

It encouraged all African states to join the African Union's Nonaggression and Common Defense Pact, signed in Abuja, Nigeria, during the Fourth African Union Summit in January, and also subregional pacts related to peace, democracy and good governance