"The Members of the PSC expressed deep appreciation and gratitude to the King of Morocco, His Majesty Mohammed VI, to the Government and the people of the Kingdom of Morocco for having generously hosted the Retreat, as well as the warm and fraternal welcome and the excellent conditions of work that have been availed to PSC members and those of the AU Commission," says a statement of the African Union released at the end of the PSC 12th Retreat in Skhirat.

The Retreat took place in the framework of the periodic review by the PSC of its efforts with regards to the promotion of peace, security and stability in Africa, the statement points out.

The Retreat, which recognized the achievement by the PSC in fulfilling its mandate and identified the challenges facing the continent towards Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020, was also an opportunity for the PSC to review its Working Methods and practices.

In this regard, the Retreat adopted the Manual on the working methods of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, that will guide the PSC in its meetings and other activities, the source says.

The Retreat was held on the Theme: “Strengthening the work of the Peace and Security Council on Conflict Prevention and Peace consolidation in Africa”.

The Retreat, chaired by Ambassador Dr. Brima Patrick Kapuwa of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Chair of the PSC for the month of June 2019, was officially opened by Morocco's Minister Delegate to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Kingdom of Morocco, in charge of African Cooperation, Mohcine Jazouli.