Highlights
At a Glance
Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
Aspiration 3: Aspires towards a “An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law”
Aspiration 4: Aspires towards a “peaceful and secure Africa.”
The Directorate has three main divisions with a focus on:
- Democracy, Elections, Constitutionalism and Transitional Justice;
- Governance and Human Rights;
- Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Security Sector Reforms and anti-terrorism as part of the Common African Defense and Security Policy.
- 1. Democratic Governance
- 2. Public Sector Governance
- 3. Decentralized Governance
- 4. Corporate Governance
- 5. Traditional governance
- 6. Socio-economic governance
- 7. Security sector governance
PAPS Commissioner: Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Nigeria (elected in February 2021) Governance and Conflict Prevention - Director: Patience Zanelie Chiradza, Zimbabwe CMD - Director: Dr. Sarjoh Bah @AUC_PAPS Hashtags: #AUPSC @AGA_Platform #DGTrends #democracy #governance-&-human #rights #GovernanceRoadshow #APSA-AGA #theAfricaWeWant
"Our most significant source of optimism, however, is that notwithstanding the myriad issues confronting the continent, our people have made clear their preference for democratic governance above other forms of government. Throughout the continent, there are demands for accountability, transparency, the rule of law and meaningful participation, among others. Our people are our strength, and we can harness that strength to turn the tide of insecurity in Africa. ” Amb. Bankole
GCPD Five Goals :
The GCPD will deliver its mandate in the next five years based on five goals with corresponding expected outcomes:
with Expected Outcome as, enabled processes and frameworks for effective governance, democratic values and rule of law.
with EXPECTED OUTCOME as enhanced promotion and protection of Human and Peoples' Rights, and provision of healing and justice for affected communities.
with EXPECTED OUTCOME as Member States effectively supported to implement the Common African Defense and Security Policy in the areas of Security Governance, Disarmament Affairs, Stabilization, Maritime, Aviation, Cybersecurity and emerging threats.
with EXPECTED OUTCOME as strengthening and coordination of interventions in the entire conflict cycle continuum including prevention, mitigation, management and resolution of conflicts to effectively deliver on Aspirations 3 and 4 of Agenda 2063.
with the EXPECTED OUTCOME as enhanced capacity of the Directorate with adequate human and financial resources to enable efficient and effective implementation of the mandate.
About
Background Collaborative Actions Towards Peace, Security And Stability In Africa
- a. Contested electoral processes and disputed election outcomes often marred by allegations of intimidation, vote rigging, arbitrary arrests of opposition leaders, kidnapping, and restrictions on opposition parties.
- b. Weakening of institutions supporting democracy such as election management bodies, judiciary, public service institutions, political parties and the legislature.
- c. Corruption and lack of transparency and accountability.
- d. Disregard of term of limits eroding democratic transitions.
- e. Shrinking democratic spaces.
- f. Unconstitutional changes of government: Since 2020 there have been 13 coup attempts and 8 of them have been successful in seizing power.
- g. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- h. Civil unrest as a result of perceived anti-people policies
Because of the lessons learnt, Africa will continue to prioritize strong and responsive public institutions, with particular emphasis on entities that are tasked with oversight functions – such as the Auditor General’s Office, the Office of the Ombudsman, the Electoral Commission, Human Rights Commission, and the Anti-Corruption Institutions. The catalytic interventions identified include the following among others:
- Respect for the rule of law
- Nurturing transformative leadership
- Responsive democratic institutions
- All citizens have full access to information from national oversight institutions.
- At least 60% of people perceive the judiciary and other oversight institutions to be independent.
- All AU Member States have oversight institutions capable of delivering their mandate.
- Free and fair elections are conducted regularly in all Member States.
- At least 50% of Member States conduct governance assessment reviews and bi-annual progress reporting.
- Fully operationalisation of regional frameworks on governance
- All local development programmes in the AU Member States are designed through a participatory and inclusive approach.
- Public Administration in every Member States delivers efficient and effective services to the citizenry.
- The continent’s score on the corruption perception index (CPI) is improved to at least 60%.
- Fully operationalise continental frameworks on public services.
Vision
- Respect for diversity and teamwork
- Think Africa above all
- Transparency and accountability
- Integrity and impartiality
- Efficiency and professionalism
- Information and knowledge sharing
- Innovation
- Africans solutions for African problems - It is a Pan African idea that Africa should learn to solve its problems The notion is that Africa needs to develop sustainable solutions in areas of governance, peace and security, conflict resolution and human rights. African solutions lie in regional and national political and economic institutions like the AU organs and institutions including but not limited to RECs, and RMs.
- Silencing Guns in Africa is one of the flagship projects identified as a key driver and accelerator to economic growth and development. The project aspires to end wars and conflict in Africa in order to bring about development through peace, prosperity, democracy and equality and security.
- Gender equality and inclusivity Africa believes that one of the key drivers to economic and political development is equality of the sexes. The development school emphasizes equality of sexes in decision making and access to resources and opportunities in both public and private life. The notion also identifies age related inequality and thus calls for the inclusion of young people.
- Continental prosperity and development is at the centre of a multi-pronged approach to deal with Africa’s ills including poverty, inequality, underdevelopment
The aspirations of the Governance and Conflict Prevention Directorate (GCPD) are based on the seven aspirational areas of “the Africa We Want by 2063” which play a key role in the selection of the priority areas. The prioritized areas include inclusive growth and sustainable development which is people driven with special focus on women and youths, a politically united continent based on the ideals of Pan Africanism and the vision of Africa's Renaissance , as well as an Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice . The aspirations are based on an Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, values and ethics. These aspirations will deliver Africa as a strong, united and influential global player and partner.
The Directorate of GCP is guided by the broader vision of the AU enshrined in Agenda 2063 highlighting the centrality of citizen engagement particularly women and youths in bringing about an inclusive continent, economically developed and enjoying sustainable peace. In addition, the five key priorities set by the Commissioner for Political Affairs Peace and Security (PAPS) in 2021 are instructive to the work of the Directorate.
Following the mandate allocated to this department, which is to generally contribute to the efforts of Member States and Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs) towards the prevention, resolution and management of conflict and disruptive crises as stated above, the Governance and Conflict Prevention Directorate has been working on promoting peace and stability, good governance, democracy and human rights as a foundation for inclusion, security and the development of the continent and its people.
More specifically, the Directorate's mandate includes:
- To promote democracy, governance, human rights, constitutionalism an rule of law
- To contribute to the emergence of a political environment with and among African countries as well as at the international level that is conducive to bringing about sustainable development and accelerated economic growth
- Promote AU values towards the attainment of Agenda 2063
- Coordinate the implementation of the African Governance Architecture and its platforms
- Coordinate AU Election Observation and Monitoring Missions
- Provide Technical Support to Member States' Election Management Bodies
- Serve as the Secretariat for the Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on the UN Security Council Forum
- Serve as the Secretariat for the Ministerial Committee on African Candidature within the international system of promoting AU shared values.
- 1. Democratic Governance
At its core, democratic governance embodies principles of participation, accountability, and respect for human rights (Dahl, 1971). In democratic societies, citizens are empowered to engage in decision-making processes, hold their leaders accountable, and peacefully resolve conflicts through inclusive dialogue and negotiation. As we craft strategies for conflict prevention, democratic governance serves as a cornerstone, providing avenues for citizen engagement, transparent decision-making, and the protection of fundamental freedoms.
- 2. Public Sector Governance
The concept of good governance offers a normative framework for promoting effective, accountable, and inclusive governance practices. Rooted in principles such as transparency, rule of law, and responsiveness to citizens' needs (UNDP, 1997), good public sector governance serves as a guiding light in our efforts to prevent and manage conflicts. By strengthening institutions, enhancing transparency, and fostering civic engagement, we can build resilient societies capable of addressing grievances and resolving disputes through peaceful means.
- 3. Decentralized Governance
Decentralized governance provides an opportunity to empower local communities and enhance their capacity to manage conflicts at the grassroots level. By devolving decision-making authority and resources to subnational entities (Smoke, 2003), decentralization promotes local ownership, participation, and accountability. Leveraging decentralized governance structures, we can foster dialogue, build social cohesion, and address the root causes of conflicts in a manner that is responsive to the unique needs and aspirations of diverse communities.
- 4. Corporate Governance
While corporate governance may seem distant from traditional notions of conflict prevention, its principles of transparency, accountability, and ethical behavior are equally relevant in the pursuit of peace and stability. By promoting integrity, responsible business practices, and respect for human rights within corporations, we can mitigate the risk of conflicts arising from economic disparities, resource exploitation, and social inequalities.
- 5. Traditional governance
relates to administration of public processes based on customary laws and traditional norms and values.
- 6. Socio-economic governance
is the continental, national and local measures taken to manage economic activities and to foster social wellbeing.
- 7. Security sector governance
(SSG) encompasses the structures, processes, and mechanisms through which states manage and oversee their security institutions, including the military, police, intelligence agencies, and other relevant bodies. It is a critical component of overall governance, as the security sector plays a fundamental role in ensuring the safety, stability, and well-being of societies. Effective security sector governance is essential for upholding the rule of law, protecting human rights, and promoting peace and security within and across borders.
Democracy and good governance are conflict prevention tools . However, the past two years have witnessed heightened challenges in the governance landscape on the continent . A rise in nationalism and the resort to sovereignty as a shield can sometimes undermine democracy and governance. In the past two years, the Department has engaged Member States to appreciate and accept governance as sovereignty-enhancing and a conflict-prevention tool. To ensure that all Member States at least subscribe to the Union's normative frameworks and values on governance and democracy, we have embarked on a robust advocacy drive to encourage the ratification and domestication of the continent's governance frameworks. Stronger home-centred advocacy for human rights and fundamental freedoms The ability to promote good governance and uphold the tenets of democracy depend on the quality of national institutions, the knowledge and confidence of citizens and the political will of duty-bearers. We have therefore intensified our efforts at partnering with national institutions, including civil society organisations, and women and youth-led organisations. This should help popularise the continental normative frameworks on governance and help develop the needed capacities to promote the rule of law, meaningful participation and accountability at national and sub-national levels. As part of efforts at enhancing the knowledge of African citizens on Africa's governance norms and frameworks, the Constitutionalism and Rule of Law Unit is working with experts and national institutions towards mainstreaming the African Charter on Democracy and Elections into school curricula. The Human Rights and Transitional Justice Unit supports institutions in building and strengthening national human rights architectures to promote and protect human rights in Member States. The Democracy and Elections Unit supports member state election management bodies, political parties and civil society organisations in developing relevant capacities for enhancing the integrity of polls throughout the full spectrum of the electoral cycle.
WE have intensified our efforts at partnering with_national institutions, including civil society organisations, and women and youth-led organisationsThrough the systematic implementation of the 10-year strategy on Youth, Peace and Security , the Youth for Peace programme and the AGA Secretariat work towards enhancing our young people's capacities to participate in governance and democracy meaningfully. In the past two years, the AGA Secretariat designed the Youth Innovation Challenge on Democracy and Governance in Africa and Silencing the Guns to encourage young people to make meaningful contributions to promoting democracy in their countries. Five winners received grants, training and coaching to implement various programmes aimed at tackling hate speech, addressing corruption, preventing conflict-related sexual violence, promoting civil-military relations and citizen engagement in public service provision.
Institutionalise the nexus between AGA and APSA Enhancing synergies between the APSA and AGA offers immeasurable opportunities to mainstream governance into conflict prevention and peacemaking. As part of our efforts to de-escalate election-related tensions and reduce violence, mediation and dialogue functions have been incorporated into the Department's elections management system. This has already proven to work well. It allows for the provision of a standby team of experts from the Mediation and Dialogue Unit to be readily available to help with conflict analysis, develop scenarios for de- escalation of rising challenges and mobilise resources for dialogue and mediation to timeously address rising tensions.
Our best efforts at strengthening democracy and good governance remain constrained by political imperativesIncremental progress is being made to create systematic and structured processes for synergy between the APSA and AGA . Progress has been slow as both architectures have functioned independently over the years. Notwithstanding, the measures put in place for joint analysis and agenda-setting will encourage joint responses. Team building, creating avenues for intra-directorate knowledge exchange , and providing strategic opportunities for interaction between the various divisions in the two departments are all critical to identifying pragmatic ways to foster synergy between the two architectures. Our best efforts at strengthening democracy and good governance, however, remain constrained by political imperatives. While robust institutions are needed to promote and protect good governance and democracy, institutions' ability to deliver on their mandates depends on an enabling environment that allows institutions to discharge their mandates without fear or favour. But the political space is increasingly shrinking in several countries. In these cases, the opposition is being prised out of politics by manipulating legal loopholes, leaving citizens with limited or no choice. The decline of governance in several Member States is an early warning indicator that should not be ignored. We must pool all technical, financial and political resources to address its structural causes to safeguard the progress made and minimise the possible consequences.
The initiatives undertaken by the Commission in this area show a direct and purposeful connection to the overarching goal of conflict prevention on the continent. In democratic governance, strategic emphasis is placed on enhancing coordination among member states, as facilitated through mechanisms like the African Governance Platform . This collaborative approach aims to build consensus and promote dialogue among diverse stakeholders, mitigating potential sources of conflict that may arise from political volatility and electoral processes. Notably, initiatives like the High-Level Dialogue on Democracy serve as proactive measures to foster discourse, reducing the likelihood of disputes and contributing to the maintenance of stability. Simultaneously, endeavors in democratic and public sector governance can contribute to conflict prevention by advocating novel methodologies and promoting good governance practices. Processes such as election observation and monitoring , technical assistance to member states , and events such as Africa Public Service Day align with Agenda 2063 objectives, emphasizing the importance of effective governance in reducing socio-political tensions. The prioritization of human rights through initiatives like the African Union Business and Human Rights Policy and the Africa Regional Consultation on the Right to Development ensures that fundamental principles are integrated into corporate settings, contributing to a more equitable and just socio-economic landscape. This, in turn, addresses potential sources of social unrest and conflict.
Furthermore, the support to member states in transitional justice programs and the initiative for African Women for Transitional Justice reflects a commitment to addressing historical grievances and fostering national cohesion, critical elements in conflict prevention. Within security sector governance , the AU's comprehensive initiatives, including disarmament, small arms control, and post-conflict reconstruction, directly contribute to preventing the emergence or resurgence of conflicts by addressing key factors that fuel violence. Therefore, the analytical coherence of these initiatives not only underscores the AU's dedication to conflict prevention but also emphasizes the need for nuanced, multi-faceted approaches to tackle the continent's complex challenges. By addressing root causes, promoting dialogue, and establishing frameworks for justice and good governance, the Commission's initiatives actively create conditions that deter the escalation of tensions and contribute to sustained peace and stability across the African continent.
GCPD Structure and areas of focus
Responsible for the following thematic areas: Constitutionalism and Rule of Law, Democracy and Elections, Transitional Justice.
MoreResponsible for the following thematic areas: Public Service & Administration, Decentralization and Local Development, and Housing & Urban Development and Human Rights.
Responsible for the following thematic areas: DDR, SSR and anti-terrorism as part of the Common African Defense and Security Policy.
Coordinate the implementation of post-conflict stabilization efforts, implementation of the Africa Solidarity Initiative, and partnerships with Continental and International Organizations for reconstruction and development efforts in identified contexts. AGA/APSA Synergy
AGA was created primarily to coordinate efforts and ensure synergy between various initiatives aimed at deepening a culture of democratic governance, respect of human rights and effective humanitarian assistance. In this regard, AGA works through members of its platform consisting of AU organs and RECs with a mandate on governance, democracy, human rights and humanitarian affairs and harmonize shared values instruments. The AGA has a formal mandate to coordinate evaluation and reporting on implementation and compliance of AU norms on governance and democracy. A state reporting process, including guidelines were developed to guide reporting on the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) as per its Articles 44, 45 and 49. So far, one state report (Togo) has been received.
AGA-APSA Synergy: The African Governance Architecture (AGA) complements its sister architecture, the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) - for without a situation of peace, much of the efforts to establish democratic governance are moot - and vice versa. AGA thus seeks to facilitate joint engagement and deepen its coordination with APSA. Particular areas of convergence include the areas of preventive diplomacy, conflict prevention and post-conflict as well as reconstruction and development. source: https://au.int/en/aga/what-we-do
AU Instruments
The African Union plays a significant role in entrenching constitutionalism, state legitimacy and reversing UCG by creating normative continent-wide norms for acceptable political conduct, the rule of law, and maintenance of law and order. The drive for constitutionalism and state legitimacy is based on 23 normative frameworks and visions derived from standards, principles and practices enshrined in the various AU Shared Values instruments that the AU member states have committed. These are:
- The Constitutive Act of the African Union establishes the AU and defines its objectives, and in particular, commits to promote democratic principles and institutions, popular participation and good governance.
- The African Charter of Democracy, Elections and Governance commits member states to adhere to universal values and principles of democracy and respect for human rights. It seeks to promote the rule of law, free and fair elections, and the rejection of UCG.
- The African Charter of Human and People’s Rights recognises the rights, duties and freedoms that accrue to all Africans and commits member states to undertake to adopt legislative or other measures to give effect to those rights.
- The African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child recognises freedom from discrimination, inherent rights, and the need to protect children on the continent.
- The OAU Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa defines the term ‘refugee’ and ensures that asylum seekers will be protected.
- The Protocol to the African Charter establishing the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights provides for the Court’s functions, responsibilities and jurisdiction, along with the process for submitting to the Court.
- The Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa requires State Parties to combat all forms of discrimination against women through appropriate legislative, institutional and other measures.It also commits State Parties to modify the social and cultural patterns of conduct of women and men to eliminate harmful cultural and traditional practices and all other practices based on the idea of the inferiority or superiority of either sex or stereotyped roles of women and men.
- The African Charter on Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration aims to ensure quality and innovative service delivery that meets the requirements of all users while encouraging the efforts of member states to modernise administration and strengthen capacity for improving public service.
- The African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa establishes a legal framework for preventing internal displacement and protecting and assisting internally displaced persons in Africa while providing durable solutions to displacement.
- The Protocol on the Statute of the African Court of Justice and Human Rights aims to merge the African Court on Human and People’s Rights and the Court of Justice of the African Union. It establishes the Court and defines its organisation, jurisdiction, and procedures.
- The Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union is a standing decision-making organ for the continent’s prevention, management and resolution of conflicts.
- The African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption acknowledges the damaging effects of corruption on the continent. It promotes the development of mechanisms required to prevent, detect, punish and eradicate corruption and related offences in the public and private sectors.
- The Africa Youth Charter protects African young people from discrimination and ensures freedom of movement, speech, association, religion, owning property and other human rights while committing to promoting youth participation throughout society.
- The Algiers Declaration on Unconstitutional Changes addresses the importance of strengthening the capacity of the AU to deal with the scourge of unconstitutional changes of government.
- The Lóme Declaration on Unconstitutional Changes of Government affirms and updates the Algiers Declaration, committing to the AU’s rejection of unconstitutional changes in government.
- The Conference on Stability, Security, Development and Democracy (CSSDCA) Memorandum of Understanding reaffirms the fundamental link between stability, human security, development and cooperation in a manner that reinforces each other.
- The OAU/AU Declaration on Principles Governing Democratic Elections provides for democratic elections as a basis of the authority of any representative government and states the principles for such elections, including guidance for observers and monitors.
- The African Union Post-Conflict and Reconstruction Policy Framework sets out an African agenda for post-conflict reconstruction, which aims to, among other things, address the nexus between the peace, security, humanitarian and development dimensions of post-conflict reconstruction and peacebuilding.
- The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Declaration on Democracy, Political, Economic & Corporate Governance commits to ensuring that Heads of States’ respective national constitutions reflect the democratic ethos and commit support to democracy and good political governance; economic and corporate governance; socio-economic development; and the African Peer Review Mechanism.
- The Memorandum of Understanding on the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) establishes partnerships with States that have signed on to the mechanism and commits to implementing the shared commitments as established in the Constitutive Act.
- The Kigali Declaration on Human Rights in Africa reaffirms that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and interrelated. It reaffirms member states’ commitments to upholding and protecting these rights.
- The Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in reaffirms the commitment to gender equality and agrees to accelerate the implementation of measures to combat discrimination and ensure women’s full and effective participation in peace processes.
- The Declaration on the Theme of the 2012 Summit, ‘Towards Greater Unity and Integration through Shared Values’ establishes AGA and commits the African Union to implement and affirm its Shared Values.
- The Malabo Decision adopted by the 16th Extraordinary Summit on Terrorism and Unconstitutional Changes of Government
- The Conclusions of the Peace and Security Council Retreat held in Ezulwini, Swaziland, from 17 to 19 December 2009 [Ezulwini Framework for the Enhancement of the Implementation of Measures of the African Union in Situations of Unconstitutional Changes of Government];
- The decision of the PSC’s 432nd session which called for expanding the definition of UCG vis-à-vis popular uprisings against oppressive systems of government;
- The communique [PSC/PR/COMM.1061(2022)] adopted at 1061st PSC meeting held on 27 January 2022 which called for the holding of a brainstorming Reflection Forum of the PSC and other relevant stakeholders on unconstitutional changes of government in Africa.
The African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG)
Adopted on 30 January 2007, the ACDEG encapsulates elements of the Constitutive
Act of the African Union, Agenda 2063 and is at the heart of the AU Shared Values
instruments . Touted as the most comprehensive African Document on democratic
governance, the ACDEG has a total of 38 ratifications out of 55 AU Member States.
The ACDEG has mandated the AUC to develop benchmarks for implementation of its principles and commitments, and to evaluate
compliance by Member States. To this end, the AUC has designed a State Reporting Questionnaire that it uses to assess Members States.
It also requires Member States to submit a bi-annual report to the AUC on the measures taken to implement its provisions.
GCP Data Story
Footprint of Success.
Attempted, successful and plots coups in Africa
IDPs
Implementations
PSC Sanctions
Major Milestones
Deliver as One.
Democary@Work
Constitutionalism and Rule of Law
Democracy and Elections
Transitional Justice
Human Rights
Public Service & Administration
Decentralization and Local Development
Housing & Urban Development and Human Rights
Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR)
Security Sector Reform (SSR).
Disarmament affairs
Maritime and Cyber Security
Revised AU Policy on Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development
Actionable Strategies
The Youth as the Masterpiece of Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention
Synergy and Coordination
Compliance of the State reporting of ACDEG
Citizens engagement
Knowledge Management
Elections
Elections 2021 Collaborative Actions Towards Peace, Security And Stability In Africa
- a. Election Management: Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Election Management Bodies (EMBs) showed commendable resilience and adaptability in adjusting voter registration and campaign schedules, establishing new campaign regulations, and instituting additional safety protocols to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 during voting. The Commission developed the AU Guidelines on Elections in Africa in the context of COVID-19 pandemic and other Public Health Emergencies. The PSC welcomed the guidelines and encouraged Member States to familiarize with the guidelines and develop appropriate policies to guide the organization of credible elections in the context of public health emergencies.
- b. Electoral Financing: Increasingly, Member States are leading the financing of the entire or major aspects of their electoral processes. As was the case in 2020, the same trend was recorded in 2021, where national funds primarily financed elections in most Member States.
- c. Citizen Participation and Voter Turnout: On average, data on recent elections compared with previous polls show a reduction in voter turnout across Member states, perhaps an indication of voter apathy and or lack of trust in the electoral process or political parties.
- d. Participation of Women and Youth: The participation of women as polling staff, party agents and voters remain impressive in all Member States. However, the participation of women and youth as candidates still remains low in all regions of the continent.
- e. Opposition Boycott and Contested Outcomes:
2022
Elections
The DPAPS successfully established synergies and coordination between the African Governance Platform (AGP) and the PSC, through closer partnership with AGP Members. The AU also maintained its focus on elections as key to democratic consolidation, peacebuilding and political stability. Consequently, from January to October 2022, the AUC deployed short and long-term election observer missions to undertake an impartial assessment of the electoral process in eight (8) Member States, namely
- Somalia
- Gambia
- Republic of Congo
- Senegal
- Kenya
- Angola
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Lesotho
- Tunisia.
These elections, as observed by the AU, took place in a peaceful political and democratic environment, despite a broader continental political climate marked by the resurgence of Unconstitutional Changes of Government (UCGs). The DPAPS organized, with the Kingdom of Morocco, the first specialized training workshop for AU short term election observers, from 13 to 17 June 2022, in Rabat, Morocco, to augment AU's capacity to observe elections in Africa.
2023
Elections
Enhancing Electoral Processes Efforts to enhance democratic governance on the continent continue as most countries conduct regular elections. The African Union Commission contributed to the monitoring and evaluation of democratic processes by providing technical assistance to member states, particularly election management bodies, educating citizens about political participation and electoral processes, and deploying election observation missions. Technical and political pre-election assessment and preventive diplomacy missions integrated into election observation missions have helped address pre- election, electoral, and post-election issues. The Kingdom of Morocco hosted and financed the second edition of the training of election observers, which saw forty people from across the five regions of the continent trained. This commitment has significantly contributed to building the AUEOMs' capacities. The Commission hosted the 2023 edition of the 'Implementing Organizations of the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation' . This meeting gathered about 150 participants from fifty organizations worldwide at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa for the first time. The issues discussed during the three-day sessions include communication, youth participation, challenges faced by observers during missions, data protection and electoral integrity, and security considerations in complex environments. The event\'s highlight was an experience-sharing session by heads of missions from the EU, Carter Centre, NDI and the AU, which was represented by Dr Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe, the former Vice President of the Republic of Uganda. AU Elections Observation Missions Democracy at Work The African Union Commission deployed election observation missions to all the Member States that held general, presidential and legislative elections during the year 2023 namely, Djibouti, Nigeria, Mauritania, Guinea Bissau, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Liberia, Madagascar, Egypt and DRC. However, the AU could not deploy to the Republic of Benin, and the Republic of Gabon, due to internal technical/logistical challenges and non-invitation by the host government respectively. The deployment of election observation missions is broadly welcomed by the majority of the electorate across the continent as observers help mitigate the possibility of irregular practices during the electoral process. However, it should be noted that in some cases, the observation missions have been perceived as complicit when some citizens view the elections as not free and credible while some stakeholders would have expected the African Union to condemn such polls. Table: AU Elections Observation Missions
To make the best use of the Commission's resources, the Commission considered several factors in deciding on the size and composition of the African Union Election Observation Missions (AUEOM). Among the factors to examine are population, anticipated number of voting stations, and election type. The AUEOMs are made up of members of the Pan-African Parliament, PRC members, representatives of AU organisations and institutions, former ambassadors, members of election management bodies, civil society, and young people. Deliberate measures put in place have increased youth involvement and ensured equitable representation of men and women in missions. 555 observers from the Union's 55 member nations were dispatched for the 11 missions undertaken in 2023, with at least fifty-four percent (54% being women). Figure: AUEOM Gender Data
2024
Elections
