UN Legitimacy Mechanisms: Veto Initiative and AU Peacekeeping

Resolution 76/262 (2022) introduces a veto initiative within the UN framework aimed at strengthening input legitimacy. This mechanism requires countries that exercise a veto to publicly justify their decisions, serving as a control against potentially problematic or 'deviant' behavior.

Resolution 2719 (2023) focuses on output legitimacy by re-delegating peacekeeping authority from the Security Council to the African Union (AU). This move is rooted in Chapters VII and VIII of the UN Charter and seeks to bolster the Security Council's role and efficiency in global peace governance.

Despite the intention, the AU's enhanced leadership role faces complications due to differing opinions among Security Council members. Furthermore, the resolution lacks clear guidelines on which types of peace support operations are eligible for UN funding, leading to uncertainties regarding operational authority, financial burden-sharing, and optimizing complementary advantages between the UN and AU.