The Government is to hold a mini-summit with African ambassadors based in Ireland to discuss current concerns about conflicts across the continent.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin said he wants to discuss issues such as the crisis in Zimbabwe where Irish Aid funds humanitarian projects and hostilities in Chad where more than 400 Defence Forces troops are stationed.
Mr Martin said: “I intend to have a formal meeting with all seven African ambassadors resident in Ireland. This will provide us with an opportunity to discuss key current African political issues.
“The agenda is under discussion but I am sure that Irish priorities, such as the situations in Sudan, Chad and Zimbabwe, will be among the topics to be discussed.”
African ambassadors based in Ireland represent countries such as South Africa, Nigeria, Ethiopia, Morocco and Lesotho.
A re-run of democratic elections in Zimbabwe is due to take place next week between political parties fronted by Robert Mugabe and opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai.
The Irish ambassador to Zimbabwe, who is based in South Africa, will travel to the country to observe the polling. In April, the Dail passed an all-party motion calling for democratic stability in Zimbabwe.
At least 50 people have been killed in the country since March and violence has resulted in thousands being displaced.
In Chad, Irish troops are protecting 450,000 refugees and internally displaced people who have fled the violent conflict in Darfur. They are living in refugee camps along the border with Sudan.