The President of the Republic: Repositioning the African evaluation mechanism in accordance with the Union’s priorities – Algerian Al-Hiwar newspaper

The President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, confirmed that Algeria worked during its presidency of the Forum of Heads of State and Government of the African Peer Evaluation Mechanism (2024-2026) to reposition the mechanism as a credible and effective strategic tool, in line with the priorities of the African Union and the 2063 Agenda.

This came in a speech delivered on his behalf by Prime Minister Sefi Gharib, during the 35th session of the forum held in Addis Ababa, where he explained that this summit represents an important institutional milestone for presenting the outcome of the Algerian presidency and handing over the torch to the Republic of Uganda in accordance with the internal rules of the mechanism and the relevant African Union decisions.

The President of the Republic indicated that Algeria’s commitment, as a founding member of the African Peer Evaluation Mechanism (MAEP), falls within its active participation in continental mechanisms, and is based on respecting the sovereignty of member states and enhancing multilateral governmental cooperation, in line with the traditions of Algerian diplomacy based on promoting dialogue and African solutions to continental challenges.

He explained that Algeria assumed the presidency of the forum in February 2024 in a regional context characterized by increasing challenges in the areas of governance, peace and security and sustainable development, as it adopted a clear approach to reposition the mechanism and enhance its effectiveness, in line with African governance, peace and security structures.

In this context, the President recorded Algeria’s keenness to expand the membership of the mechanism, which was translated into the accession of the Central African Republic at the beginning of the Algerian presidency, and then the Republic of Somalia recently, bringing the number of members to 45 countries, in an indicator that reflects growing confidence in the role of the mechanism and its importance in improving governance on the continent.

In terms of the outcome, the President of the Republic highlighted a number of achievements, including the adoption and implementation of the strategic plan for the period 2025-2028, and the strengthening of national and targeted evaluation mechanisms in a way that contributes to improving public policies and exchanging best practices among member states.

E-governance has also been integrated into the mechanism’s priorities, in a step to support the modernization of African administrations and keep pace with technological transformations, in addition to upgrading the mechanism’s contribution to conflict prevention by strengthening institutional dialogue with the Peace and Security Council of the African Union.

The President also touched on the progress made in the project to establish the African Credit Rating Agency, as a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing the economic and financial flexibility of the continent, taking into account the peculiarities of the African reality.

In terms of financial support, the President of the Republic recalled the voluntary contribution made by Algeria in the amount of one million US dollars, confirming its confidence in the pivotal role of the mechanism in improving governance on the continent.

The President of the Republic concluded his speech by announcing the handover of the presidency of the Forum to the President of the Republic of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, expressing his confidence in the ability of the new presidency to continue strengthening the role of the mechanism within the African Union, and stressing Algeria’s readiness to share its experience in support of the joint African course of action.