We applaud the outcome of the Oslo Conference on the Lake Chad region on February 23rd/24th, encourage further contributions to relieve the dire humanitarian situation and the establishment of a consultative group on preventive actions and stabilization measures for the region. AFRICA We support joint efforts and partnership with African nations to advance democratic governance, security, stability, trade, and development on the continent. The African Union and regional organizations on the continent are our equal partners, and together we will seek inclusive coordination through mutual dialogue and harmonization of policies. We welcome African Union-led initiatives to strengthen African voices in international affairs and to promote the long-term fiscal health and partnerships of the organization, including with respect to peace operations. We support Africa’s stability and development, we recognize its ownership and, consequently, we support its empowerment based on equal partnership. Our cooperation with Africa will be consistent with the universal framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda and with the values of the African Union’s 2063 Agenda (“The Africa We Want”). In this regard, we welcome the recent efforts by UN Secretary General Guterres to further cooperation with the African Union. We acknowledge that peace and security are fundamental preconditions for successful and sustainable development outcomes and that they still represent primary concerns in some African countries. A holistic and integrated approach is required to address complex threats while ensuring peace support operations are financially and otherwise sustainable. This also means encouraging political dialogue and enhancing preventive diplomacy as important tools for reliable and peaceful political transitions. In this light, UN and African Union’s mediation efforts are critical to improve peace and stability. Terrorism - namely the threats posed by groups such as Al Shabaab, Boko Haram, Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and ISIL/Da’esh - , and violent extremism remain a cause for concern in parts of Africa. Delivering good governance and protecting the rule of law are fundamental to address the drivers of conflicts. Elections represent a significant aspect of democracy and it is important that they are held in regular, free, fair, and transparent conditions, and in line with respective countries’ constitutions. We encourage African partners to continue efforts for political inclusivity and stability by mitigating Joint Communiqué | G7 FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING 13