Addis Ababa: The African Union Commission Chairperson, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, emphasized the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in advancing peace, security, and governance during the 1267th Peace and Security Council (PSC) ministerial meeting.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Chairperson Youssouf urged for proactive measures to harness AI’s benefits for Africa. He highlighted AI’s promise in addressing development challenges, such as enhancing agriculture, healthcare, and education. Youssouf also pointed out AI’s potential in revolutionizing conflict prevention, counterterrorism, and governance.
In his address, Youssouf explained how AI-powered early-warning systems analyze data to detect signs of instability, contributing to conflict prevention and peace sustainability. He noted AI’s role in peacekeeping by mapping conflict parties’ interests to aid mediators in finding effective solutions.
On counterterrorism, Youssouf described AI’s impact on tracking terrorist movements, analyzing financial transactions, and identifying radicalization patterns. He stressed AI’s importance in financial intelligence by detecting illicit cash flows to disrupt terrorist financing.
Youssouf also underscored AI’s role in governance by tracking public spending, detecting fraud, and reducing corruption. He mentioned AI’s capacity to strengthen democracy by detecting electoral fraud and analyzing voting patterns.
He commended the PSC for addressing AI-related issues and establishing the African Union AI Advisory Group. Youssouf called for strong AI regulations, enhanced counterterrorism capabilities, regional cooperation, capacity building, and monitoring AI’s societal impact.
The Chairperson expressed optimism about AI’s transformative potential, urging Africa to embrace AI for peace and prosperity. His statement reflects the AU’s commitment to leveraging AI for development, while ensuring governance aligns with Africa’s needs and aspirations.