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Youth for Peace (Y4P) Africa Programme

Collective efforts to increase youth agency in peacebuilding




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Youth
Agenda 2030

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

Agenda 2063

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 Youth for Peace (Y4P) Africa Programme was launched in September 2018 in Lagos, Nigeria, as part of efforts to implement Article 17 of the AU Youth Charter, 665th Communiqué of the Peace and Security Council (PSC), UNSCR 2250 and 2419, the Peace and Security Department in collaboration with the Youth Division and African Governance Architecture of the Department for Political Affairs. In order to facilitate effective coordination, the PSD established an Inter-Departmental Task Force on Youth Peace and Security with all relevant departments of the Commission.

The Y4P Africa program seeks to effectively engage, involve, and collaborate with young women and men as well as organized youth groups in the promotion of peace and security on the continent. This will contribute towards changing the negative perception of youth as harbingers of violence or problems to be solved to partners for peace.

The PAPS Department is optimistic that optimal harnessing of youth leadership will help to build and sustain peace, constructive dialogue, active response to early warning, impactful mediation, promoting reconciliation and social cohesion, and advocating and defending human rights especially the right to development, justice and equity.

PAPS Commissioner: Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Nigeria (elected in February 2021)
MDD - Head: Mr. Akok

@AUC_PAPS
Hashtags: #AUPSC #PanelofTheWise #au_ayaps #Youth4PeaceAfrica #Y4PAfrica #AGA #APSA #silencingtheguns #NeTT4Peace

"With Africa's teeming young people being active agents for effective governance and peace dividends, the PAPS Department has continued to invest in youth leadership and development to impact the priority pillars of conflict prevention and resolution, as well as the promotion of cross-regional learning to enhance their role in political and democratic governance." Amb. Bankole

About

Y4P

Background Youth Agency

Africa faces challenges of state and human security caused by armed conflict, political crisis, democracy, governance deficits, and currently the spread of violent extremism. These conflicts have negatively impacted the life of the population in general, as well as the life of young people in particular. .... youth in Africa stats to do -----

The reality is that armed conflicts, political tensions, governance deficits, ethnic divisions, inequality, poverty, and unemployment as well as other emerging threats to peace and security such as climate change, terrorism, transnational crimes, and violent extremism have a destructive impact on a country’s development. The demographic argument is one of the most compelling reasons for recognizing the role of youth in building peace. Africa’s population is comprised mainly of youth (with the median age at approximately 19.7) (3) and there is a burgeoning need within the continent to engage young people in the peacebuilding agenda given their immense potential and agency to support and move the peace and security agenda forward. Furthermore, and perhaps more compelling is the fact that young people experiencing conflicts are in the best position to share experiences and perspectives, and engage in conversations around resolving them using contemporary societal tools including technology. The fact that youth have a longer expected life expectancy also makes them primary stakeholders not only understanding conflict dynamics but also engaging actively in designing and implementing mitigating initiatives as they are undoubtedly the “torchbearers” going forward in sustaining peaceful societies within the continent.

The evolving Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) agenda recognizes the roles and responsibilities of young people in the peace and security arena while promoting their active participation and protection. In particular, the African Youth Charter (which defines the youth as between ages 15 and 35 years) in Article 17, coupled with the African Union Continental Framework on Youth, Peace and Security (CFYPS) (4), as well as the United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 2250 (2015), 2419 (2018) and 2535 (2020) (with the youth defined as between 15-24)(5) underpin the significant roles the youth play in peacebuilding and calls for their increased participation in decision-making processes as well as their meaningful engagement in negotiating and implementing peace agreements in conflict or transition settings.

Many young people have been working individually or collectively to enhance, facilitate and promote peace in their communities through peacebuilding and conflict resolution mechanisms . The Youth Café, highlight different approaches, tools, and interventions that young people use to contribute to peacebuilding in their communities such as: strengthening community cohesion and reconciliation through intercommunal, religious and ethnic dialogues and events (e.g. exhibitions, plays, sports, concerts); building civic awareness through debates and public campaigns (e.g. peace walks, rallies and social media movements); engaging in community entrepreneurship and livelihoods programs through capacity building and training; advocating for the participation and inclusion of youth in decision-making by participating in conferences, producing policy papers, organizing forums; establishing partnerships, alliances, networks, councils and clubs to connect young peacebuilders, build their capacity and leadership, and promote their participation in peacebuilding frameworks.

Notably, the Peace and Security Council (PSC) consistently underlines the importance of robust and sustained synergy, coordination, partnership, and collaboration between all relevant stakeholders, including the AU and its Member States, RECs/RMs, UN, and development partners to advance the YPS agenda and avoid duplication of efforts. This was further reiterated in the communique of the 1067th meeting of the PSC held on 3rd March 2022.

In addition, the Continental Dialogue on YPS , organized under the auspices of the AU Champion on Youth, Peace and Security , H.E. Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi, in April 2022, followed by the formulation and adoption of the Bujumbura declaration on YPS in Africa , also marked a critical milestone for the YPS agenda in Africa . The declaration captures the recommendations that emerged from the discussions with youth from all parts of the continent and provides a continental framework that fosters the development of National Action Plans, the promotion of inclusive tools, and the participation of young people in governance and peacebuilding mechanisms at all levels .(6) It is within this context that this conference seeks to make specific contributions to the advancement of YPS in North Africa.

Collective efforts to increase youth agency in peacebuilding:

Over the last seventeen years, there have been tremendous and deliberate efforts across Africa toward including and recognizing the positive roles of young people as peacebuilders. This has taken both political goodwill as well as a series of legal and policy developments including:

The African Youth Charter (AYC). It highlights the importance of youth participation in Article 11 and emphasizes the role of youth in peace and security in Article 17.

Three significant UN Security Council Resolutions 2250 (2015), 2419 (2018), and 2535 (2020) emphasize the importance of youth as agents of change in the maintenance and promotion of peace and security. The resolutions are a positive move towards changing the narrative of youth being portrayed as either perpetrators or victims and elevating their roles and responsibilities as peacebuilders.

The Continental Framework on YPS (CFYPS) affirms the roles and responsibilities that the youth play in pre-conflict, conflict, and post-conflict settings. The highlights the major and specific objectives which it seeks to achieve; identifies gaps and challenges confronting youth involvement in peace and security; enumerates the cardinal priorities as well as proposes criteria for effective programming on youth, peace, and security It is expected that the framework will guide the development of continental and regional strategic plans and most importantly the development and implementation of NAPs on YPS.

The Bujumbura declaration on YPS, adopted by the AU Peace and Security Council in April 2022.

Varied global, regional, and national campaigns/ initiatives and youth programs to promote the youth, peace, and security agenda including the Silencing the Guns and the I million Next level initiative, development of Early Warning Systems by different RECs and the mainstreaming of youth in regional strategies, policies, e.g. by UMA/ECOWAS/ IGAD/ EAC/ECCAS/ COMESA/ SADC, etc.

Despite these efforts, the contributions of the young people in Africa in peacebuilding remain mostly unseen, understated and undocumented, and marred with challenges including lack of representation/limited participation in decision-making processes, inequalities and marginalization, negative social and public attitudes, inadequate resources and finances, limited awareness on legal and policy frameworks, ineffective accountability mechanisms, as well as lack of coordination (7).

Additionally, an existing wide distrust gap between policymakers, governments, and young peacebuilders in-country contexts remains a huge obstacle to the YPS agenda.(8)

In order to effectively include and increase the participation of young people in decision- making processes particularly relating to peace and security, there has to be conscientious efforts to include them in all policies and strategies that speak not only to their diverse needs (as the youth are not a homogeneous group) but also afford them the opportunity and spaces to actively take roles and responsibilities in contributing and advancing the peace agenda.

Given the wide mistrust between governments, policymakers, and young people particularly on governance, peace, and security issues, as well as new and emerging threats to peace and security across the African continent, it is important to rethink the structural, situational, and individual barriers that limit the capacities of the youth and innovatively build forward together for and with the young people.



1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youth_in_Africa
2 https://[www.un.org/esa/socdev/documents/youth/fact-sheets/YouthPOP.pdf](http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/documents/youth/fact-sheets/YouthPOP.pdf)
3 Africa Population-https://[www.worldometers.info/world-population/africa-population/](http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/africa-population/)
4 https://au.int/en/documents/20200821/continental-framework-youth-peace-and-security
5 Youth definition by United Nations General Assembly, The World Programme of Action for Youth in the Year 2000 and Beyond, A/RES/50/81
6 Resolution 2535- https://www.interpeace.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/200805-Brief-Assessment-of-UNSC- Resolution- 2535-Final-version-clean-version-R8699.pdf
7.
8 UNSCR 2535: unpacking the latest UN Security Council Resolution on YPS https://[www.conducivespace.org/unscr-2535- unpacking-the-latest-un-security-council-resolution-on-yps/](http://www.conducivespace.org/unscr-2535-unpacking-the-latest-un-security-council-resolution-on-yps/)

Youth for Peace (Africa) Program (Y4P)

As part of the efforts to advance the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda of the African Union (AU), the former Peace and Security Department (now the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department, PAPS), launched the Youth for Peace (Africa) Program (Y4P) in September 2018, with the primary objective of facilitating the meaningful participation of African youth in the entire spectrum of peace and security, and dissuading their participation in violence. To enhance youth participation in the peace and security agenda on the continent, the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) during its 807th meeting requested the AU Commission to appoint five regional African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP) to work with the AU Youth Envoy in championing the promotion of peace and security on the continent. The AYAPs, working under the direct supervision of the leadership of the PAPS Department of the AUC, shall champion the promotion and advocacy of youth participation in peace and security issues at the regional level and across Africa. Specifically, the AYAPs will promote the actualization of the five priorities of the Continental Framework on Youth, Peace and Security (CFYPS), which are guided by Article 17 of the AU Youth Charter (2006) and the United Nations Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) 2250 (2015), 2419 (2018) and 2535 (2020).

Criteria

Application is open to all African Youth with demonstrated commitment and significant contribution to the promotion of sustainable peace and security on the continent. Applications from eligible youth, including young women, displaced persons and persons with disabilities who meet the following criteria are particularly encouraged: Be between the ages of 15 to 35 in tandem with the AU Youth age Possess university degree in international relations, peace and conflict, political science, law and related areas; a master’s degree would be an added advantage; or, have at least 2 years’ experience in peace and security with demonstrated ability for advocacy on youth, peace and security issues as well as resource mobilization Have experience in promoting and supporting peace processes, especially in initiating and facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues and mediation efforts Have a strong track record with the local community/area where he/she works Possess strong communication and advocacy skills English, French, Arabic, Portuguese, Swahili and Spanish are the working languages of the AU. Fluency in any AU working language is required; knowledge of another AU language would be an asset Benefits

The AYAPs shall: Advocate for the promotion of the rights of young people in his/her region Advocate and raise awareness on the AU Continental Framework on Youth Peace and Security (CFYPS) and its 10-Year Implementation Plan in their region Encourage and support AU Member States in the region with the coordination of the Y4P program to enhance the development of National Action Plans and its implementation in their region Implement regional youth activities covering the five (5) priority areas of the CFYPS On request, represent the AU PAPS in meetings, trainings and workshops

Youth for Peace (Africa) Program (Y4P)

The protection of children in situations of conflict (CiSC) programme is centred on four main pillars which are the promotion of voice and visibility, accountability, capacity and coordination.

Our Youth Ambassadors

The process of election of African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAPs) is a statutory activity of the African Union to implement the Decision of the 33rd Ordinary Session of Heads of State and Government (February 2020) which endorsed the Peace and Security Council’s appointment of five (5) regional African Youth Ambassadors for Peace. The AYAPs are mandated to promote meaningful youth participation at all levels of peacebuilding across Africa for two years non-renewable. The mandate of AYAPs is in line with Article 17 of the AU Youth Charter (2006) and the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2250 (2015).
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Fourth Cohort Central African Region

Amina Bello

Amina Bello

AYAP, Central African region

Amina Bello is a young peacebuilder, women's rights advocate, and community leader from the Central African Republic. Widely recognized for her commitment to peace, youth leadership, and women's empowerment, she represents a new generation of African leaders dedicated to building a more peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous continent.

Currently serving as the African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace (AYAP) for Central Africa (2026–2028), Amina has spent more than five years promoting peacebuilding, conflict prevention, social cohesion, and civic engagement among young people and women in her country.

As the Coordinator of Horizon Féminin pour la Paix et le Progrès (HFPP), she leads a network of over 300 young members and volunteers actively engaged in advancing peace, leadership, and community development across the Central African Republic.

Amina holds a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing Sciences and serves as a Nursing Supervisor, combining her expertise in public health with her passion for peace and sustainable development. She has designed and facilitated numerous trainings, awareness campaigns, and community initiatives in schools, universities, and local communities on leadership, mediation, conflict prevention, civic engagement, women's empowerment, primary health care, and the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) Agenda.

She has participated in several national, regional, and international training programmes on peace and security, mediation, conflict management, governance, and leadership, including programmes held in Tanzania, Kenya, France, and other continental platforms.

Amina is also a YALI Dakar Regional Leadership Center Alumna and serves as the Central African Republic Focal Point for the ICGLR Youth Forum. Throughout her journey, she has trained and mentored numerous young leaders, peace ambassadors, and community mediators who are now implementing transformative initiatives within their communities.

A recipient of several national and international recognitions, Amina Bello continues to inspire young women and youth across Africa to become agents of peace, positive change, and sustainable development.



Third Cohort Central African Region

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Julien Vikemba

AYAP, Central African region

Julien Vikemba is the new African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace (AYAP) for the Central African region. The 26-year-old Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) national holds a master’s in human rights and democratization in Africa and a bachelor’s degree in public law.

Since 2021, he has been the Executive Director of SOTE PAMOJA DRC, a civil society organization based in Goma, eastern DRC, that mobilizes youth to promote peace, justice, and good governance in the country and the Great Lakes region. Fluent in French, English, and Kiswahili, Julien has significantly contributed to peace initiatives in the region, including through a broad network of youth organizations in Central Africa and the Great Lakes region, for the effective implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2250 and various African Union decisions, policies, and instruments on youth, peace, and security.

During his two-year mandate, he looks forward to engaging with various stakeholders to develop and implement national action plans (NAPs) on youth, peace, and security, promoting youth agency in conflict prevention, economic empowerment programs for youth in conflict areas, strengthening youth advocacy, training, knowledge, and experience-sharing, promoting youth political participation, and initiatives to combat disinformation and hate speech online.



Second Cohort Central African Region

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Achaleke Christian Leke

AYAP, Central African region

Area of Expertise: International development, Peace building, violent extremism, conflict prevention, children and youth development

Achaleke Christian Leke is an international development, peacebuilding and violent extremism expert with 15 years of experience working as a practitioner, researcher and academic from Cameroon. He holds an MSc in Conflict Security and Development from the University of Birmingham.

His work has been influenced by his childhood experience of growing up in a violent community. He currently serves as the Executive Director of Local Youth Corner Cameroon, a leading youth-led peace building organization in Cameroon.

In his 15 years of work, Christian has executed over 600 youth development and peace building project in Cameroon and across the world impacting over 2 million people.

His work around facilitating community dialogues for peace and youth-led Mediators’ Network has amplified efforts of peace and security in Cameroon. His engagement in supporting former violent and violent extremist offenders in prisons and children affected by Boko Haram insurgency remains among his key milestone. As of 2014 Achaleke became a key stakeholder in Cameroon and globally towards the development and implementation of UNSCR 2250, 2419 and 2535.

He is currently the initiator of the Youth Peace and Security Coalition in Cameroon and is leading processes of localizing the Continental Framework on Youth Peace and Security and the development of a National Action Plan in Cameroon. Achaleke’s work has been grazed with several recognitions including; featuring in 2021, 2020, 2017 & 2016 Africa’s List of 100 Most Influential Young Africans.

In 2020 he was featured as a UNESCO Real-Life Hero. In 2018 he was awarded the Luxembourg Peace as an Outstanding Young Peace Maker. He was named by the Commonwealth Secretary-General as Commonwealth Youth Champion in 2016 and was recognized as the Commonwealth Young Person of the Year 2016.



First Cohort Central African Region

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AlHafiz Hassan Ahamat

AYAP, Central African region

Alhafiz Hassan Ahamat is a Chadian youth volunteer and member of several civil associations. He is one of the founding members and the current Secretary-General of “Action Pour la Solidarité et le Soutien aux Couches Vulnérables” (Action for Solidarity and Support for Vulnerable groups), an association that works to assist those who are morally, physically and technically deprived of guidance.

He is also Country Director of Global Peace Chain in Chad. He was awarded the best Country Director of the Global Peace Chain in Johannesburg, South Africa, during its Global Peace Summit from 24 to 25 April 2019.

Alhafiz is also the Coordinator of the global youth program within the Youth Section of the United Nation Association in Chad, which promotes the values of the UN. During his time at the University of N’Djaména, Alhafiz Hassan was the Coordinator of the national union of Chadian students within the Faculty of Law and Political Sciences, as well as a member of the Faculty’s Disciplinary Council.

He is currently pursuing his Master’s Degree in Basic Public Law and working in the General Direction of Chadian National Company of Mines and Geology. Mr Alhafiz Hassan Ahamat is actively engaged in awareness raising, conference debates, phililantrophy and capacity building of young people on leadership and personal development.

He has attended several conferences and trainings on the continent, including the Central Africa regional consultation on the roles and contributions of Youth on peace and security in Africa organized in Libreville, Gabon, by the Peace and Security Department of the African Union; the Forum of African Youth on Peace in Muhammedia, Morocco, organized by YOUYA Foundation; the training (Phase 1 and Phase 2) of the Afresist Youth Leadership Program organized in Nairoba, Kenya, by the Special Youth Envoy of the African Union, Miss AYA Chebbi; the 2nd edition of YouthConnekt Africa Program organized by the government of Rwanda in Kigali ; and, the 7th All African Students Union in Kigali in Rwanda.

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Fourth Cohort North African Region

4th Cohort North Hassnaa Tamam

Hassnaa Tamam

AYAP, North African region

Hassnaa Tamam is the African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace – North Africa (AYAP-NA). She is also a Programme Associate Officer for Peacebuilding at the Cairo International Center for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping and Peacebuilding (CCCPA), leading the peacebuilding portfolio. Through that role, she has engaged actively in peacebuilding-related initiatives and processes.

Among her key contributions is her role in supporting the preparation and implementation of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development since its fourth edition, mainly on the sessions related to peacebuilding and peacemaking. She also worked on supporting the Center’s engagement in the review of the Peacebuilding Architecture Review (PBAR) 2025 during the informal phase, the commemoration of Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) Week, and the review of the African Solidarity Initiative. Her work also includes leading and supporting capacity-building programmes, policy dialogues, and multi-stakeholder convenings on peacebuilding, peacemaking, peace process , and post-conflict recovery for both Arab and African practitioners.

Hassnaa has a great passion for research, as she is currently a member of the Editorial Board of the African Union Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) Journal. Prior to joining CCCPA, she served as a Senior Researcher and Coordinator of the African Studies Unit at the SHAF Center for Future Studies, where she led a team of researchers and contributed to launching several periodic publications on peace and conflict in Africa. She also worked for two years as a Researcher at Maat for Peace and Development.

She has published extensively with several think tanks and research centers, including Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC), Qiraat Africa, and the Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies.

In addition to her institutional roles, Hassnaa founded the initiative “Peace Studies & Conflict Management”, which aims to build a community of Arabic-speaking professionals in the field of peace and conflict studies through an African studies lens.

She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Political Science at the Faculty of African Postgraduate Studies, Cairo University. She also holds a Professional Diploma in Conflict and Crisis Management from the same faculty, a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Beni Suef University, and is undertaking a Professional Diploma in Translation at the American University in Cairo (AUC), specializing in UN and legal translation.



Third Cohort North African Region

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Arif Abdeljalil Moussa

AYAP, North African region

Arif Abdeljalil is the new African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace (AYAP) for North Africa. A 31-year-old Algerian national, Arif is a graduate of the National School of Administration.

He is fluent in Arabic, English, and French and holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in international relations and strategic studies. Since 2013, he has actively contributed to youth, peace, and security initiatives. He founded capacity-building programs across North Africa, the Middle East (MENA), and Europe, collaborating with young people, youth organizations, multilateral institutions, and governments.

Arif is dedicated to fostering meaningful youth inclusion in peacebuilding processes across North Africa during his two-year tenure. He plans to actively engage with young people, governments, and public, private, and nonprofit stakeholders to advance the AU Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) Agenda. His focus includes developing and implementing national action plans (NAPs) on YPS to ensure sustainable progress towards peace and stability in the region.




Second Cohort North African Region

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Khouloud Baghouri

AYAP, North African region

Area of Expertise: Gender Development, GBV, Peace & Security, Post Conflict Response, DRR, PVE, Advocacy

Khouloud Baghouri Is a young female activist passionate about gender development & Women's rights. She works largely to promote sustainable development and stand up for the rights of children and young women. She is an Alumna of the MEPI program - on expanding Youth understanding of participatory governance, leadership, and Civic Engagement.

She has worked with many INGOs and facilitated many sessions on both the national and international levels. Khouloud 4 was chosen in the first cohort of the UN Women Regional Office of the Arab States Program 'Young Women Peacebuilders' where she shifted her knowledge and gained more insights about Women in Peace and Security.

She has been invited as a speaker at several events and she recently won the Global Sustainability Award. Khouloud studied Conflict Resolution at California State University, Chico, and aims at having more academic expertise in this field. In continuity with her learning journey she is working on strengthening her expertise in the Post Conflict Response (PCR), Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), Crime and Violence Prevention.



First Cohort North African Region

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Mohammed Edabbar

AYAP, North African region

Mohammed is a passionate creative social activist, and works widely to promote sustainable development and youth development. He is a Regional Focal Point for Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at the United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth (UNMGCY). Mohamed has worked on domestication of UNSCR 2250 at the national and regional levels. He is an Alumnus of North-South Centre (NSC) of the Council of Europe (CoE) on Strengthening of youth capacities on Peace and Security, as well as the 20th University on Youth and Development at area (Youth and Justice), Mollina/Spain. He has worked on many projects, launched initiatives and collaborated to organize/facilitate several conferences, forums at different levels that include a wide spectrum of national, regional, continental and international stakeholders. Mohamed has been selected as one of 75 youth champions at the first ever Committee of Disarmament, Peace and Security - coinciding with the UN74 General Assembly which co-organized by Peace Boat and the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) under the initiative “Youth4disarmament”

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Fourth Cohort East African Region

4th Cohort Eastern Patrick Kumi

Patrick Kumi

AYAP, East African region

Patrick Kumi is a South Sudanese and human rights advocate who fled conflict in 2016 and rebuilt his life in Uganda. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Rights, Peace, and Humanitarian Intervention, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a specialization in Marketing. He is the Founder and Team leader of Similar Ground, an organization that creates safe and inclusive spaces for refugee and host community children and youth to play, learn, and meaningfully participate in decisions that affect their lives. His work strongly advances child and youth participation, protection, and social inclusion in displacement contexts.

Patrick serves as a Youth Advisory Member of the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security, contributing to global efforts on the protection and meaningful engagement of children and youth affected by armed conflict. He has also collaborated with international and local NGOs on refugee policy advocacy and has represented young refugees in local, national, regional, and global platforms, including the United Nations.

In addition to his advocacy, Patrick is a skilled freelancer in data analytics, graphic design, and web development, supporting organizations and businesses with digital and data-driven solutions.

He remains committed to advancing inclusive governance, youth leadership, and the rights of displaced communities across Africa.



Third Cohort East African Region

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Nashiba Nakabira

AYAP, East African region

Nashiba Nakabira is the new African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace (AYAP) for the East African region. The 32-year-old Ugandan national holds a master’s in peace and conflict studies and a bachelor’s in social sciences.

She co-founded the Sisters for Peace Initiative (SPI). This women-led non-profit peacebuilding organisation builds women and girls' capacity to prevent and respond to violent extremism through sports, exchange learning, knowledge mobilisation, dialogues, economic development, advocacy, rehabilitation, civic engagement and training.

Nashiba is a Senior Program Specialist at the African Youth Development Link (AYDL). She has eight years of experience working with youth from marginalised communities in advocacy, governance, leadership, gender mainstreaming, peacebuilding, project planning, and management. She has led the implementation of several projects geared toward community development, youth, and women's empowerment.

During her mandate, she looks forward to working closely with member states and other stakeholders to develop and implement national action plans (NAPs) on youth peace and security and to promote youth involvement at all levels of peacebuilding.




Second Cohort East African Region

Diana Chando

Diana Chando

AYAP, Eastern African region

Area of Expertise: The political climate and its effects on security in Africa, Communication and Diplomacy.

Ms. Diana Chando is a young Tanzanian, zealous for human rights, education, peace, and security. She is a lawyer and a Sustainable Development Goal Champion. Her dedication to the peace agenda began after she received her training at the UN Headquarters in Geneva, where she was certified as a UN delegate.

During which she represented the youth in various forums that involved peace issues such as the UN Women Forum in London on Ending “violence against women” where she was a speaker in the UK Parliament. She also attended the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation event on honouring the late Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan in London. She also attended the Commonwealth Summit as a representative from Tanzania also in London. In 2020 she was the only young Tanzanian in an online panel with WHO, OHCHR & UN.

The discussions included the measures and containment on how the pandemic has affected Africa’s security socially and economically. She graduated her Bachelor’s Degree in LLB Law with international relations from Middlesex University in London England. Her Master’s Degree in Science of Climate Change and Sustainable Development at the University of Dar es salaam, Tanzania is her current endeavour.

Her international presence has been noted by social and local media that led to interviews and features in articles. She believes that as an advocate social media is a great tool to educate, promote and challenge communities to do better. Diana’s vision for Africa as a continent is of peace, security, stability at all levels, with unity at the forefront of this perspective




First Cohort East African Region

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Emma Ng’ang’a

AYAP, East African region

Emma Ng’ang’a is a young African woman who is passionate about promoting gender equality, peace and security. Her passion for peace and security began while she was an intern/volunteer at the National Steering Committee on Peacebuilding and Conflict Management in Kenya, where she was exposed to the nexus between gender and peace and security.

In line with her interest in this tripartite sphere, she has done courses in conflict prevention, Multi – dimensional peace support operations, child protection, sexual and gender-based violence and women leadership for peace and security, at the International Peace Support Training Centre, Kenya and the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Ghana.

She is passionate about the socio–economic development of vulnerable populations, specifically street children and conflict related sexual violence.
Emma contributes her skills and knowledge through volunteerism in socio-economic development and peacebuilding. She is currently engaged in crime prevention and recidivism focusing on drugs and substance abuse, sexual and gender-based violence, rehabilitation and economic empowerment of offenders as a Probation Officer at the Ministry of Interior and Coordination of National Government in Kenya.

Her background experience has exposed her to the vulnerability element of youth in situations of poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, drugs and substance abuse and the threat they pose to peace and security; where she strives to provide sustainable avenues for socio-economic empowerment.

Emma holds an M.A in Gender and Development from Kenyatta University and a B.A in Sociology & Anthropology from Catholic University of Eastern Africa. She envisions Africa as a continent with positive peace and economic prosperity.

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Fourth Cohort Southern African Region

4th Cohort Southern Ruth Kay Kangwa

Ruth Kay Kangwa

AYAP, Southern African region

Ruth Kay Kangwa is a Zambian lawyer, governance and policy specialist, peacebuilder, and advocate for youth and women’s political participation. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and a Master of Arts in Human Rights, Democracy, Governance and Human Development. With over ten years of experience, she has advanced democratic governance, human rights, constitutionalism, civic engagement, and peacebuilding across Africa.

Ruth is the African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace (AYAP) for Southern Africa. Her work bridges grassroots mobilization with high-level policy advocacy, creating opportunities for young people and women to influence decision-making, strengthen democratic participation, and contribute to sustainable peace.

In October 2025, under the Seventh Administration of the Republic of Zambia, Ruth was sworn in as the youngest member of the Presidential Technical Committee on Constitutional Reform. As a representative of youth voices, she contributed to a historic reform process that informed Act No. 13 of 2025, marking the Republic of Zambia's transition from the First-Past-the-Post electoral system after 61 years of independence to a Mixed-Member Proportional Representation system. The reforms also guarantee youth representation in Parliament and Local Government, advancing inclusive governance and strengthening the participation of young people in public decision-making.

Ruth is trained by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Political Advisory and Diplomacy in Peace Support Operations and is a COMESA-trained peacebuilder. Her expertise spans preventive diplomacy, peacebuilding, electoral processes, electoral dispute resolution, governance reform, civic and voter education, mediation, and youth policy advocacy, with a particular focus on strengthening democratic participation, conflict prevention, and inclusive governance.

She is the Founder of Girls Gone Political (GGP), and the author of ‘She Votes, She Leads’, a civic engagement and education handbook empowering young women and girls to participate meaningfully in democratic processes.



Third Cohort Southern African Region

Mpule Kgetsi

Mpule Kgetsi

AYAP, Southern African region

Mpule Kgetsi is the new African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace (AYAP) for the Southern African region. The 32-year-old Botswana national holds a master's in international relations and diplomacy and a Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB). Mpule is the Founder and Executive Director of Women Lead Africa, a youth and women-led NGO that promotes leadership and skills development. With over eight years of experience in women's and youth issues, she has contributed to initiatives promoting women’s rights, gender equality and mainstreaming, peace, and security. She continues to empower women and promote young people’s participation in politics through training and mentoring programmes. She is fluent in English and Setswana. During her tenure, she looks forward to engaging with member states and all stakeholders in promoting the development of national action plans (NAPs) on youth, peace and security, intersectional approaches to peace, and youth ownership in building a culture of peace and non-violence.

She is invested in mainstreaming youth into national and regional peace infrastructures, strengthening youth capacities in election and governance processes, and fostering youth-led partnerships for peace to develop a jointly owned regional strategy on youth, peace and security in Southern Africa.



Second Cohort Southern African Region

ayap-julien

Cynthia Chigwenya

AYAP, Southern African region

Area of Expertise: Post-Conflict Peacebuilding, Sustainable Development and Green Finance

Cynthia currently is the African Youth Ambassador for Peace (AYAP) for Southern Africa. She is a Political Researcher who has conducted extensive studies on post-conflict peacebuilding and development in Africa.

These studies include reconstruction in post-genocide Rwanda, conflict mediation in South Sudan, comparative analyses of Zimbabwe’s legal framework on reconciliation; the transferability of traditional justice mechanisms and administration of reparation grants. Cynthia’s academic background is in Criminology, Criminal Justice and International Studies.

She holds a Master of Arts in Development Studies from Witwatersrand University and is an MPhil in Social Policy and Development. Cynthia has previously held research positions in the South African Parliament and at the National Commission for the Fight against Genocide in Rwanda, where she contributed to the United Nations’ report on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

Thus far, Cynthia has worked with several organisations promoting and advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goals in Africa.



First Cohort Southern African Region

ayap-julien

Karabo Mokgonyana

AYAP, Southern African region

Karabo Mokgonyana is a young South African woman who has committed her career to advancing social justice and socio-economic freedom through groundwork, research, advisory and high-level project coordination.

She was raised in a rural village in South Africa that exposed her to the realities of insecurity, poverty, inequality and social ills - which ultimately led to her interest in Peace and Security.
She is a graduate of Bachelor of Commerce in Law and Marketing from the University of Witwatersr and and final year Bachelor of Laws student with the same institution. Karabo has had the opportunity to work with organizations such as UNESCO, the British Council, Mandela Institute of Development Studies and Transparency International in social development work.

She contributed to the development of the UN Security Council’s Independent Progress Study report on Youth, Peace and Security. Karabo is currently serving as a Youth Advisory Panelist for UNFPA and is one of 25 Cosmopolitan Magazine’s Next Generation Voices in Africa. Her peacebuilding journey began with her service as a community worker, educator, mobiliser and mentor through Civil Society engagements- in which she delivered on activities relating to poverty, education, sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) and corruption. She continues to steer youth empowerment through her work with Shaping New Minds, gender equity with Sesi Fellowship and Skill Hub and independent research on social justice issues.

First Cohort
Second Cohort
Third Cohort
Fourth Cohort

Fourth Cohort West African Region

4th Cohort West Bakary Sonko

Bakary D. Sonko

AYAP, West African region

Bakary D. Sonko is the African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace (AYAP) representing the West Africa region, with a strong commitment to advancing the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda, youth inclusion, conflict prevention, and sustainable peacebuilding across the continent.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Development Studies, a Diploma in Peace and Conflict Studies, and a Higher Teachers’ Certificate. His academic background reflects his passion for understanding the intersection between development, governance, education, conflict prevention, and social cohesion.

Bakary is a trained mediator and peacebuilding practitioner with experience in youth engagement, community peacebuilding, dialogue facilitation, and promoting inclusive approaches to conflict prevention. His work has focused on strengthening the participation of young people and women in peace and security processes, supporting social cohesion initiatives, and advancing locally driven solutions to challenges affecting communities.

Prior to his appointment as an African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace, Bakary has contributed to youth-led peacebuilding initiatives and supported efforts aimed at strengthening meaningful youth participation in the implementation of the Youth, Peace and Security agenda. He has engaged with national, regional, and continental stakeholders on issues related to peace, security, governance, digital resilience, and youth development.

As an AYAP representing West Africa, Bakary continues to advocate for the meaningful inclusion of young people in decision-making spaces and supports efforts to bridge the gap between policy commitments and practical implementation. He believes that sustainable peace requires strong partnerships between governments, regional institutions, civil society, communities, women leaders, and young people.

Through his engagements at national, regional, and continental levels, Bakary remains committed to amplifying the voices and aspirations of young people while contributing to Africa’s vision of a peaceful, integrated, and prosperous continent.



Third Cohort West African Region

AYAP West 3rd Cohort Simone Mbode

Simone Mbode Diouf

AYAP, West African region

Simone Mbode Diouf is the new African Union Youth Ambassador for Peace for West Africa. The 27-year-old Senegalese national holds master’s degrees in peace studies, international security and defense and development economics and a bachelor’s degree in history and geography.

She is currently a Program Officer for Africa within the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP), an international organisation that promotes global policies on the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) and Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agendas and ensures their effective implementation on the ground through the localization strategy.

Simone is the co-founder and vice president of the Association for the Promotion of Young Women's and Girls’ Leadership in Senegal. She has supported initiatives to advance young people’s political participation, prevent violent extremism in West Africa, and campaign for children’s quality education and equitable vaccine access in Africa.

Fluent in French, Wolof, Serer, and English, she looks forward to promoting youth agency in peacebuilding and supporting YPS coalition building during her tenure. She will also work closely with all stakeholders to develop and implement YPS national action plans (NAPs) and promote local and national initiatives on youth participation in elections and democratization across West Africa.



Second Cohort West African Region

AYAP West 2nd Cohort Mohamed Kunta

Mohamed Kunta

AYAP, West African region

Area of Expertise: Peace building conflict analysis and mitigation

Mohamed Kunta is a strong feminist and youth Ambassador, who has embarked on national and international advocacy campaigns and research on education, health, youth empowerment, peace building, conflict analysis and mitigation.

With over 8 years of experience working with different institutions in several capacities. Proven track record on deadline driven, strong ability to multi-task and successfully coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, ability to manage large complex program and project as needed dictate proven ability to build relationship and influence key partners and the ability to get result through collaboration.

Currently serving as the Learning and development advisor for Youth in Partnership for peace and development, is a civil society youth led advocacy organization that focus on peace building conflict analysis and mitigation in Sierra Leone. In 2014, Mohamed Kunta was appointed by the former president as young people commissioner at the national commission for children, to advice the government on the best interest of young people, and monitors the implement of the African chart and the convention on the right of the child.

Since 2012, Mohamed kunta have led several training sessions and facilitate programs on youth leadership, Communication Skills, conduct research on SRHR and SGBV. He holds a Bachelor Degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, from Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone and a Diploma Certificate in Social Work.



First Cohort West African Region

AYAP West 1st Cohort

Moctar KANE

AYAP, West African region

Moctar KANE is a young Malian citizen with an extensive living and working experience in West Africa and the Sahel region. Passionate about conflict prevention, stabilisation, development, good governance, and youth engagement issues, he spent the past 8 years in programme and project management, coordination, advisory, and research; focusing on helping governments and other public and private institutions translate their vision into meaningful solutions.

He currently serves as Mali Adviser for the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund, after spending three years within the United Kingdom’s Conflict, Security, and Stability Fund (CSSF), where he managed the stabilisation portfolio for the Sahel region.

Moctar is multilingual with fluency in spoken and written French, English, and Russian. He holds an M.Phil in Development Studies from the University of Oxford.

Footprint of Success

The African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAPs) contributed to the evolution of peace and security policy in several African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) sessions on the Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) agenda. The AYAPs implemented region-specific projects and capacity-building activities for young peacebuilders.
The AU, particularly through the PSC, has consistently recognised and promoted the YPS agenda. To succeed, this initiative requires greater commitment, investment and support from all YPS stakeholders, including youth and their networks. The role of the ambassadors in mainstreaming youth in peace and security must be recognised.
The AYAPs capitalised on the new ‘virtual norm’ resulting from COVID-19 to overcome barriers to youth participation such as the small number of young people able to attend physical meetings due to cost and logistical challenges.
Through their participation in conversations and platforms, the AYAPs boosted youth participation in decision making, policy formulation and the implementation and monitoring of peace agreements. These engagements strengthened the growing appreciation of young people’s value to peacebuilding.
2018-2020

2018

African Youth Charter
  • Article 17 of the African Youth Charter (2006) urges an active engagement and collaboration with youth on peace and security.
  • In this regard, the Commission convened in Lagos in November 2018, a Maiden Consultative Meeting with youth organizations working on peace and security. The objective was to define modalities and implementation strategies for the engagement of youth organizations in conflict prevention to feed into the overall AUC Framework for Youth in Peacebuilding.
  • On its part, the Peace and Security Council convened an open session on youth, peace and security in Africa and agreed to hold this session each year as one of the ways involve youth in peace efforts.
  • In November 2018, AU’s first Special Envoy on Youth was appointed with the mandate to serve as a representative of and advocate for the voices and interests of African youth to the relevant AU decisionmaking bodies. The Office of the Youth Envoy (OYE), with its Youth Advisory Council, youth volunteers and networks, has become a Pan-African collaborative mechanism for African youth to engage with and influence the work of the AU and global actors. This includes briefings to both the UNSC and the AU PSC on youth contributions to silencing the guns and outlining recommendations for national plans on youth, peace and security. Member States were mobilised to recommit to the full and accelerated implementation of the African Youth Charter through African Youth Charter Hustlers that are supporting continental monitoring and reporting. The initiative trengthens youth-led accountability for policies that affect their lives.

2019

  • In collaboration with relevant departments within the AU Commission and RECs/RMs, the Y4P Africa Program has advanced efforts to implement communique [PSC/PR/COMM. (DCCCVII)] adopted by the PSC at its 807th meeting held on 8 November 2018, dedicated to Youth, Peace and Security (YPS). These include finalizing a continental framework on YPS; conducting the continental study on the roles and contributions of youth to peace and security and the selection of five (5) regional African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAP).
  • During the 895th meeting of the PSC held on 15 November 2019, on youth, peace and security, the Y4P Africa program presented the five selected AYAP to Council for its Assembly/AU/5(XXXIII) endorsement. The Y4P program also presented progress reports on the draft continental framework on youth, peace and security and the study on the roles and contributions of youth to peace and security, which were reviewed by the Committee of Experts of the PSC from 17 to 19 December 2019 in Nairobi, Kenya. The Documents will be then presented to the PSC for consideration.
  • Furthermore, as part of efforts to effectively implement the program, a five-year (2020 – 2024) continental strategic plan with clear milestones is being developed in tandem with the draft continental framework and its implementation plan. In summary, the Y4P programme has renewed the new impetus on the involvement of youth in peace and security issues in the Continent and this progress need to be encouraged.
  • Moreover, as part of the support to the Government of Ethiopia to empower the youth to play a constructive role in the peace and security efforts of the country as well as to foster national unity, cohesion, peace and stability, the AU Y4P Africa program in collaboration with the Ministry of Peace organized a workshop to facilitate the promotion of intra and cross-regional inclusive youth dialogue and experience sharing of best practices in the area of nation building, governance and peacebuilding.

2020

The Youth for Peace (Y4P) Africa Program achieved significant progress over the past three years.
Following the adoption of the Continental Framework on Youth Peace and Security (CFYPS) and its 10-year implementation plan by the PSC in June 2020, the Y4P Program mainly focused on the advocacy and domestication of the CFYPS.
Similarly, in line with the Assembly decision to enhance the capacities of youth on peace and security, the Program has provided policy guidance to young women and men in the development of key projects and resource mobilization strategies; as well as provided trainings on peace and security.
Progress and Achievements are, inter alia:

  • (i) Developed and implemented a campaign against Hate Speech titled “No Room for Hate Speech” in collaboration with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOHCHR), which facilitated a youth-led and focused online campaign to counter hate speech and promote human rights advocacy in Africa;
  • (ii) Enhanced technical capacities of African youth especially those in higher education institutions and non-formal setting for conflict prevention and peacebuilding interventions. In collaboration with UNESCO’s IICBA, series of trainings for youth were conducted to enhance African member states' capacities to use education to prevent violent extremism and its resurgence amid the COVID-19 pandemic, aligned with the spirit of TICAD 7 and NAPSA.;
  • (iii) Amplified engagements, advocacy and sensitization at Member States on the Continental Framework on Youth, Peace and Security as well as on the AU Theme of the Year - Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building an Africa We Want and its intersections with youth, technology, peace and security.; (iv) Facilitated and promoted Inter-Generational Dialogues (IGDs) on the participation and contributions of youth to peace and security anchored on the 5 priority pillars of the Continental Framework on YPS (Participation, Prevention, Protection, Partnership and Coordination and Disarmament and Reintegration).
  • (v) Finalized the selection of the second cohort of the African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAPs), one from each of Africa’s five regions for consideration of the PSC and subsequent appointment by the Assembly in February 2022.
  • Expectations of the Program have grown tremendously with increasing requests for support on various YPS issues from youth, Member States, regional institutions and other partners. This has also opened opportunities to grow partnerships and collaborations to deliver on the mandate in accordance with the priorities of the AU Continental Framework on YPS.
2021

2021

  • The Youth for Peace (Y4P) Africa Program continued to advance the youth, peace and security (YPS) agenda through different activities and initiatives.
  • In this regard, the program promoted series of Inter-Generational Dialogues (IGD) to raise awareness on the AU Continental Framework on Youth Peace and Security (CFYPS) and its 10-Year Implementation Plan as well as co-organized a High-Level Ministerial Conference on YPS for the countries in the Horn of Africa.
  • The Y4P programme also supported the activities of African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAPs) in Nigeria, Liberia, Uganda, Cameroon and Zimbabwe as part of efforts to actualize the Silencing the Guns agenda .

2021

  • In commemoration of the AU Theme of the Year (Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building an Africa We Want) , the programme supported the activities of visual artists to explore the nexus, roles and contributions of arts, culture and heritage to Silencing the Guns.
  • Further, based on a training manual co-developed by the Y4P programme and UNESCO-IICBA in collaboration with youth peacebuilders from across the Continent, the programme organized some capacity-building activities to strengthen the capacities of youth leaders to contribute to peacebuilding on the continent.
  • In line with the 807th communique of the PSC, the programme in collaboration with the RECs/RMs finalized the selection process of the second group of AYAPs for the consideration of the PSC and subsequent submission to the Assembly for endorsement.
2022

2022

  • The Youth for Peace (Y4P) Africa Program continued to advance the youth, peace and security (YPS) agenda through different activities and initiatives while mainstreaming youth perspectives and voices in policy-making spaces.
  • In this regard, the program facilitated the attendance of the Africa Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAPs) in several policy-making decision spaces to share perspectives from African youth including the AU Peace and Security Council Open Sessions on YPS, The US- Africa Leaders' Summit, Tana High-Level Forum on Security in Africa, The Aswan Forum, and COP27, amongst others.
  • The program also implemented the Continental Dialogue on Youth Peace and Security held in Bujumbura and hosted by the Government of Burundi, which was co-facilitated by the Youth Envoy and the five AYAPs. The outcome document -- The Bujumbura Declaration -- was adopted by the PSC during its 1080th meeting.
  • The Program also promoted a series of Inter- Generational Dialogues (IGD); collaborated with regional institutions and NGOs to implement the inter-ministerial consultation on YPS for the Southern Africa region and supported youth-led activities to raise awareness on the AU Continental Framework on Youth Peace and Security (CFYPS) and its 10-Year Implementation Plan; and supported the development of National Action Plans (NAPs) on YPS in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

2022

  • Major initiatives to promote youth roles and contributions to peace and security were also launched. This included the 'Serious Games' -- Mission 55: Conflict in Anaka developed in collaboration with GIZ and youth across the continent including the AYAPs, to raise awareness, educate and inform non-state development actors, including civil society organizations (CSOs) and youth, on the work of the AU, specifically in governance, peace and security.
  • The second iteration of the "No Room for Hate Speech" campaign was launched in collaboration with UN-OHCHR.
  • This online campaign, developed alongside the AYAPs and young Social Media Influencers, whilst highlighting the dangers of intolerance and hate speech, is a call to action by young people to combat negative communication.
  • A deliberate campaign to mainstream a broad subgroup of young people including refugees, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and IDPs was initiated with a consultation and Training of Trainers held in Uganda in collaboration with UN-OHCHR, AVSI Foundation and support from the UNHCR.
2023

2023

  • The AU has demonstrated its commitment to youth involvement in peacebuilding efforts through the operationalization of the WiseYouth Network , initiated during a technical consultative meeting in Burundi from 31 August to 01 September 2023.
  • This meeting established the Network's operational modalities, terms of reference, and membership criteria, followed by a call for nominations from regional bodies.
  • To demonstrate the importance that accorded to youth living with disabilities, H.E. Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi and the AU Champion for Youth, Peace and Security, engaged with youth with disabilities in August 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

2023

  • Complementing these efforts, the AU commemorated Youth, Peace, and Security (YPS) Month in November 2023. The PSC's annual open session on YPS was a crucial platform for evaluating the implementation of the YPS agenda across Africa and making critical decisions, including the appointment of the African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAPs).
  • As the 2nd Cohort of AYAPs, appointed in February 2022, approaches the end of its term in February 2024, the AU Commission launched a call for applications for the 3rd Cohort, resulting in over 2000 applicants.
  • Following the outcome of the selection committee, African Youth Ambassadors have been selected from the five Regions of the AU.

2023

  • In parallel, the Bujumbura Consultative Meeting outcomes indicated that the WiseYouth Network will consist of twenty-six youth representatives from the RECs/RMs, the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), and the AYAPs, all committed to mediation, dialogue, and peace initiatives.

2023

  • Further highlighting its focus on youth participation, the Government of Burundi and the AU Commission organized the Second Youth, Peace, and Security Continental Dialogue in Bujumbura, Burundi, from 14 to 17 December 2023, under the leadership of H.E. Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of Burundi and AU Champion of Youth, Peace and Security . This event, aligning with UN Security Council Resolutions 2250 (2015) and 2419 (2018) , addressed challenges such as unemployment and risky migration.
  • The dialogues included panel discussions, a youth product exhibition fair, and virtual and in-person activities, like the 2nd Edition of the Continental Dialogue on Youth, Peace, and Security, the ICGLR Youth Forum, and the Innovation Week Competition. These engagements enabled interaction between African and global youth leaders, facilitated assessment of the Youth, Peace, and Security Program, and built networks.
  • Key objectives included supporting the "Silencing the Guns in Africa" initiative , promoting inclusive financing, and encouraging political dialogue. The outcomes included a deeper understanding of the AU's Continental Framework on Youth, reinforced political commitment, development of a youth mentoring platform, showcasing youth innovations, and adopting resolutions for youth empowerment.
2024
  • 349. The Youth for Peace Africa program continued the implementation of the Continental Framework on Youth, Peace, and Security (CFYPS) and its 10-year implementation plan in 2024. The program capacitated youth in preventive diplomacy, governance, and elections at the national, regional, and continental levels, and further increased youth engagement in conflict prevention, management and resolution efforts. In 2024, the youth have been part of over 7 preventive diplomacy and Election observation missions at both general and presidential elections, across the continent.
  • 350. Through the African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAPs), the program continued to upscale its direct engagements with African Youth toward advancing their contributions to the continental Silencing the Guns Agenda, as well as in shaping global discourse on youth peace and security through the “African Youth Perspectives on the New Agenda for Peace” that was presented to both the AU PSC and UNSC. The program also established a Roster of Youth Experts to provide technical support to the implementation African YPS agenda.
  • 351. Under the auspices of the AU Champion for YPS, H.E Evariste Ndayishimiye, President of the Republic of Burundi, the 3rd Annual Continental Dialogue on Youth, Peace and Security was convened in Bujumbura in December 2024. The African youth recommitted to promoting the AU peace and good governance agenda, for stability and prosperity.
  • 352. The Youth for Peace Africa program has also continued to engage Member States and RECs/RMS in the development and implementation of National Action Plans (NAPs) on YPS. To this end, the program finalized the development of the Draft Continental Guideline for the Development and Implementation of NAPs on YPS, which is aimed at assisting Member States in their efforts to harmonize and accelerate their NAPs. Increased interest by Member States was witnessed in the design and development of NAPs. However, youth initiatives, coalitions, and councils still face numerous financial challenges in the implementation of these NAPs.
2025

c) Youth, Peace and Security



  • 294. In 2025, the African Union (AU), through the Youth for Peace Africa (Y4P) Programme, the African Youth Ambassadors for Peace (AYAPs), and the WiseYouth Network, recorded significant progress in advancing the Continental Framework on Youth, Peace and Security (CFYPS) and its 10-Year Implementation Plan. These efforts strengthened youth participation in preventive diplomacy, democratic governance, elections, mediation, and transitional justice.
  • 295. A major milestone was the expansion of National Action Plans (NAPs) on Youth, Peace and Security. In 2025, Burundi, Malawi, The Gambia, Liberia, and Cameroon launched their YPS NAPs, joining the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria and bringing the total to seven AU Member States, which is the highest number globally. In parallel, over twelve additional Member States initiated or advanced NAP development processes, reflecting growing political commitment to institutionalizing youth-centered peace and security frameworks.
  • 296. To support coherence and effectiveness, the AU reviewed and validated the Guidelines for the Development of YPS NAPs through the Peace and Security Council Committee of Experts. The Guidelines provide practical, non-prescriptive guidance on inclusive processes, sequencing, and results-based monitoring, strengthening national implementation capacity.
  • 297. Youth participation in democratic governance reached unprecedented levels. Approximately 30% of observers in AU Election Observation Missions were young people, including AYAPs, while WiseYouth Network members were systematically deployed to AU preventive diplomacy missions in electoral contexts. This contributed to conflict prevention, early warning, and the integration of youth perspectives into AU peace efforts.
  • 298. The WiseYouth Network was further operationalized through deployments to seven countries and the convening of the first Continental African Youth Consultation on Mediation and Preventive Diplomacy. The consultation mapped youth engagement in peace processes, facilitated peer learning, and produced a strategic roadmap to strengthen youth participation in mediation and peacebuilding.

c) Youth, Peace and Security continued



  • 299. AYAPs continued to expand youth-led advocacy and capacity-building initiatives, engaging young people across the continent, strengthening collaboration with RECs/RMs, and promoting cross-regional learning. Youth engagement was also enhanced in transitional justice and reconciliation through collaboration with the African Youth for Transitional Justice Network, including dialogues, webinars, and continental leadership training.
  • 300. Collaboration with RECs/RMs was deepened, notably with IGAD, SADC and COMESA, through high-level ministerial meetings and intergenerational dialogues addressing region-specific challenges such as ongoing conflicts, structural challenges, governance and democracy, maritime insecurity, climate change, and gender-based violence. The AU also facilitated the first Sudanese Youth Dialogue Forum, that was hosted by the Republic of Uganda in Kampala, in June 2025, ensuring youth perspectives informed the Inter-Sudanese political process. Digital advocacy was strengthened through engagement with young social media influencers across Africa to promote the YPS agenda and counter negative narratives online.
  • 301. Complementing these efforts, the AU Champion on Youth, Peace and Security, H.E. President Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi, convened key high-level engagements, including the 4th Continental Dialogue on YPS and a side event at the 38th Summit contributing to the Second Independent Progress Study on Youth, Peace and Security.

Data Story

Footprint of Success.

Conflict Situations

Conflicts Per Region

Conflict East

Conflict West

Conflict Central

Conflict North and South

Terrorism

IDPs


Refugees

Conflict Management

Implementations

PSC Responses


Related Contents





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PARTNERSHIP FOOTPRINT OF SUCCESS

No one institution is capable of meeting all the continent's governance, peace and security needs. The progress made so far has been possible through joint efforts between the Commission, the RECs and RMs, Member States, multilateral and bilateral Partners and international, continental and national civil society organisations. Our ability to effectively and efficiently deliver on our mandate is dependent on deepening our strategic partnerships, understanding the strengths and limitations of each Partner and maximising the opportunities each presents.
Smart partnership and cooperation to enhance global governance, peace and security organisations
In our new business model, co-creation is the hallmark of our partnerships. At the multilateral level, technocrats in the Department are working with their counterparts in other organisations, particularly the UN, in setting up joint task teams on critical elements in governance, peace and security. These joint task teams allow for collaborative analysis, horizon scanning and scenario development to guide decision makers in their organisations.

To harness the opportunities provided by the continental free trade regime to promote peace, security and stability, we collaborated with the Department of Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry and Mining, and other multilateral organisations, to organise a continental policy conference on Promoting the Peace, Security, and Development Nexus: The Promise of Regional Integration. The outcome of the policy conference offers concrete recommendations for promoting inclusive growth and development to minimise inequalities that could be mobilised to foment insecurity and proactively use the opportunities of Africa's free trade regime to promote peace and security.

"In our new business model, co-creation is the hallmark of our partnerships"

As part of our determination to use evidence­ based knowledge for policy development and implementation, we have instituted formal structures of engagement with African civil society organisations. The idea is to provide a platform to strategically interact and use civil society expertise to generate evidence­ based policy-oriented research to guide the Department's work, thereby ensuring use of the various studies being conducted.


2021

2021

United Nations


  • Significant progress has been recorded in the implementation of the Joint UN-AU Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security of April 2017 despite increasing threats to peace, security and good governance on the Continent amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes sustained policy dialogue, horizon scanning and clustered meeting, joint high-level missions, coordinated messaging including during electoral processes, and country-level coordinated action.
  • The 18th Joint Task Force in peace and security was held on 5 November 2021. The PAPS Commissioner and the UN Under Secretary Generals for the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs; Peace Operations as well as Operational Supports respectively (DPPA, DPO and DOS) discussed peace and security challenges on the Continent. Joint technical-level conflict prevention cluster meetings also held virtually with increased frequency in 2021 on country-specific situations, including in Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Sudan, Mozambique, eSwatini as well as on elections.
  • The Commissioner for PAPS and the UN USG-DPO undertook a joint mission to CAR in June 2021 , in collaboration with ECCAS and the EU. The AU and UN have also worked closely with regional organizations such as IGAD in Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia. They also worked with ECOWAS for unified messaging on the situations in Mali and Guinea and are closely engaging in the Libya peace process. The Commission and the OSE-WPS collaborated with the UN to organize the annual Africa Women's Leadership Network (AWLN) Third Women Leaders Forum.
  • Through the joint project between AUC and UNDP on enhancing AU's capacities on Conflict Prevention , several programmes were implemented in line with the Project Initiation Plan (PIP). This include the CSVRA/CSVMS processes in the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire, Zambia and Ghana, with ongoing efforts to ensure sustained support for the implementation of the mitigation strategies as well as operationalization of peace architectures in Member States; capacities of CSOs in Eastern and Southern African regions were also enhanced on early warning; as well as the conduct of a training of trainers course by the Youth4Peace programme on "Art, Culture and Heritage" for peace, leveraging the AU theme of the year 2021.
  • The Commission also collaborated with the UN to develop its strategic documents such as policy guidelines, monitoring and reporting and accountability mechanisms for the Maputo Five-Year Work plan to operationalize the ASF. In collaboration with the RECs/RMs, as well as the African Peacekeeping Training Centres of Excellence (TCEs), the AU and UN enhance capacities of RECs' planning and management of peace operations as well as supported the operationalisation of the Continental Logistics Concept and Continental Movements Control Centre.
  • Collaboration between both institutions also facilitated the development of the training curriculum on gender mainstreaming for PSOs, the revision and harmonisation of the gender training package for AU PSOs; and the production of "She Stands for Peace" Podcast series on different thematic issues of the WPS agenda. In addition, the two organisations have worked together in the implementation of the Gender, WPS agenda, implementation of the AU Compliance Framework on the Conduct and Discipline and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse; and the finalization of the AU Board of Inquiry policy for AMISOM.
  • Furthermore, the AUC Department of PAPS and the UN developed the AU Safety and Security Policy and Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) for AUC staff and installations in the field missions, as well as the AU policy on the management of recovered weapons in PSOs. Under the DOS Knowledge Experience Exchange Program (KEEP), the AU has been allocated licenses to access the Supply Chain schoolhouse, training facilities and opportunities. Medical support to AMISOM troops, including personal protective equipment and COVID-19 vaccines were enhanced.

2021

The European Union


  • The strategic partnership between the AU and EU continued to bolster and benefited from the guidance of the 2018 MoU on Peace, Security and Governance. Within the implementation of this MoU, key notable achievements were recorded. The political dialogue between the two institutions increased in frequency, scope and depth. In 2021, the Ministerial Meeting in Kigali among other things reaffirmed the need to reinforce the cooperation and work towards the effective delivery of the MoU. Furthermore, the Commissioner for PAPS engaged with EU counterparts on the strategic priorities to strengthen key partnership issues in the peace and security arena especially continuous EU support to AMISOM especially in the post-2021 period.
  • Despite the decade of flourishing engagement between the EU and the AU, concerns have been raised about the dissolution of the African Peace Facility (APF) and the creation of the European Peace Facility (EPF). The global nature of the EPF funding mechanism implies enhanced competition for resources which could potentially diminish support to the AU. Furthermore, the political role of the AU in disbursing funds from the APF to the RECs/RMs and Member States has been removed in the EPF structure; thereby allowing the EU to fund African Member States and RECs/RMs directly without consulting the AU.
  • These concerns were raised in Kigali and during the Commissioner's engagement with EU counterparts. The AU continues to call on the EU to reconsider the political nature of the EPF disbursement and to uphold the principle of responsive partnership. Looking ahead, the AU-EU Summit on 18 to 19 February 2022 is an opportunity to re-engage on these issues while strengthening the partnership.
2022

2022

Partnerships for Peace


  • Several activities were implemented to strengthen the AU's partnership with multilateral regional and subregional organisation on peace and security. Through sustained policy dialogue, joint high-level missions, coordinated messaging and country-level coordinated actions, for instance, significant progress was recorded in the implementation of the Joint UN-AU Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security. Further, in the context of AU-UN Partnership, there were regular engagements between the President of the UNSC and the Chair of the AUPSC between the AUPSC and UNSC on region-specific, as well as thematic issues.
  • Recognizing the challenge that political instability poses to sustainable development, the AU Commission was supported and joined by the UN and partners in organizing a Reflection Forum on Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa, in March 2022 in Accra, Ghana. The outcome of the Forum fed into the Malabo Declaration on Terrorism, and Unconstitutional Changes of Government adopted by the 16th Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly held on 28 May 2022, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea as well as the adoption of the Accra Declaration on Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa.

2022

Partnership for Peace


  • In partnership with the UNDP, the PAPS department established the African Facility to Support Inclusive Transitions (AFSIT) during the year under review. AFSIT will support countries going through complex political transitions to peacefully navigate their pathway back to more stable democratic development, with a specific focus on ensuring the inclusion of women, young people and other marginalized groups. AUC and UNDP worked to operationalize the AFSIT and, guided by the Accra Declaration and various PSC directives, articulate the specific scope, structure, programmatic interventions, and criteria for supporting transitions.
  • The AUC-PAPS and ETIM, in partnership with UNDP, UNECA, African Development Bank and Afrexim Bank, the convened the inaugural AUC Policy Conference on Promoting the Peace, Security and Development Nexus in Africa, from 25 to 27 October 2022 in Tangier, Kingdom of Morocco. The Policy Conference allowed the AUC and its partners to reflect on measures and strategies to promote development, regional integration, and peace and security. The Conference adopted the Tangier Declaration. The joint organization of the Policy Conference demonstrated strong partnership between the AUC and development partners.
2023

2023

Strengthening Partnerships for African Peace and Security


  • Milestones
    • The PSC and the European Union Political and Security Committee (EUPSC) held their 6th Informal Joint Seminar and the 14th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting (AJCM) and the from 2-3 May 2023, respectively, in Brussels, Belgium, to exchange views on their joint efforts to address the threats to peace and security in Africa. The Informal Joint Seminar discussed peace support operations in Africa and the global consequences of geopolitical development, while the Consultative meeting discussed the situations in the Horn of Africa, The Sahel and Lake Chad Basin and the Great Lakes Region. However, the PSC with the EUPSC did not reach commonly agreed conclusions for the second time.
    • Article 17 of the PSC Protocol provides for the PSC to cooperate and work closely with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and other relevant international organizations on the issues of governance, peace and security in Africa. In this context, the PSC and the UN Security Council convened their 8th Informal Joint Seminar and 17th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting (AJCM) on 5 and 6 October 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and adopted a Joint Communique. The Informal Joint Seminar discussed, among others, the issue of financing AU Peace Support Operations and the Consultative Meeting discussed the situations in Sudan, the Sahel region, the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Somalia, as well as the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). While underscoring the primary responsibility of the UN Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and security, the two Councils reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to working together to address the challenges in these theatres in a coordinated manner.
    • Underscoring the importance of post-conflict and reconstruction activities in Member States emerging from conflict, the PSC convened a consultative meeting with the UN Peacebuilding Commission (UN-PBC) on 13 November 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The session focused on enhancing collaboration between the two bodies and coordinating peacebuilding efforts on the continent.

2023 (continued)

  • In December 2023, the PSC and the three elected African Members of the UNSC (A3) participated at the Tenth High-Level Seminar on Peace and Security in Africa: Assisting Incoming African Members of the United Nations Security Council (A3) in Preparing to Address Peace and Security Issues on the Continent, in Oran, Algeria, pursuant to communiqué [PSC/AHG/COMM/1.(CCCXCVII)], adopted by the PSC at its 397th meeting held at the level of Heads of State and Government on 23 September 2013. Key outcomes centred on enhancing PSC-A3 cooperation in advancing and promoting Africa's agenda and interests in the UNSC agenda.
  • The PSC and A3 commemorated its 10th Anniversary and considered the Manual on Modalities for Enhancing Coordination between the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and the African Members of the United Nations Security Council.
  • The Manual aims at providing guidance on how the PSC and A3 can promote and defend common African positions within the UNSC in accordance with the UN Charter, AU legal instruments and relevant decisions of the AU Policy Organs. The Conclusions of the 10th High Level Seminar on Peace and Security in Africa, the Oran Process, have been adopted by the PSC at its 1193rd meeting of 22 January 2024, and attached herewith as Annex III.
2024
Partnerships for Peace, Security and Governance
429. Inclusive, smart, and mutually beneficial partnerships continue to be the topmost priority for the PAPS Department. To this end, the Department pursues enhanced interconnectivity with all stakeholders and partners toward promoting good governance, peace, and security. Furthermore, the department seeks to continue to engage think tanks, do-tanks, the academia, and CSOs within and outside the continent, towards rethinking and proposing the pragmatic role of women and youth in peace and security as well as on other thematic areas, to make peace happen.
United Nations
  • 430. Significant progress has been recorded in the implementation of the Joint UN- AU Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security of April 2017 despite increasing threats to peace, security, and good governance on the continent. AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security and DPAPS senior staff held a strategic dialogue with UNOAU on 20 February 2024 which reflected on the experiences of the AU-UN partnership in peace and security in 2023 and the priorities for 2024.
  • 431. The 23rd Joint Task Force of USGs and CPAPS consulted at the UN Headquarters on 16 April 2024, comprising the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security and the UN Under Secretaries General for Political & Peace Building Affairs; Peace Operations and the Special Representative of the Secretary- General to the African Union; along with the Assistant Secretaries-General (Africa) and Operational Support.
  • 432. The consultative platform examined the peace and security developments in the CAR, DRC, Ethiopia, Libya, Mozambique, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan, as well as West Africa and the Sahel region. It also considered the way forward, following the adoption of UNSC Resolution 2719 (2023). A senior-level Joint Task Force was established to coordinate the efforts of the Secretariat and its engagement with the AU towards the implementation of UNSCR 2719.
  • 433. The Joint Working Group on PSOs and Ad-hoc Security Initiatives continued interaction and coordination throughout the year. The AUC and the UN Secretariat maintained technical-level contacts on regional, country-specific, and thematic files. As part of the revitalization of the AU climate security cluster and the UN climate security mechanism , the first interdepartmental retreat on climate, peace, and security convened on 11 May 2024; the Retreat built on the consultative process conducted as part of the African continental climate security risk assessment, as requested by the AU PSC, as well as collaboration towards the development of the common African position on climate, peace and security. This includes sustained policy dialogue, horizon scanning and clustered meetings, joint high-level missions, coordinated messaging including during electoral processes, and country-level coordinated action.
  • 434. The Commission also collaborated with the UN to develop strategic documents namely; policy guidelines, monitoring and reporting, and accountability mechanisms for the Maputo Five-Year Work plan to operationalize the ASF. In collaboration with the RECs/RMs, and the African Peacekeeping Training Centers of Excellence (TCEs), the AU and UN contributed to enhancing the capacities of RECs/RMs’ planning and management of peace operations and supported the operationalization of the Continental Logistics Concept and Continental Movements Control Centre.
  • 435. AU/UN Partnership also resulted in the development of the training curriculum on gender-mainstreaming for PSOs, the revision and harmonization of the gender training package for AU PSOs; and the production of “She Stands for Peace” Podcast series on different thematic issues of the WPS agenda.
  • 436. In addition, the two organizations worked together in the implementation of the Gender, WPS agenda , and implementation of the AU Compliance Framework on the Conduct and Discipline and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse ; and the finalization of the AU Board of Inquiry policy for ATMIS .
  • 437. The UN and AU continued to hold strategic dialogues , both at Headquarters and in the field, to assess conflict situations, complementarities, and coordination of actions, and explore areas for common messaging. In this regard, the Annual Conference also officially established the High-Level Strategic Dialogue on Sustainable Development, to be chaired by the Deputy Secretary-General and the Deputy Chairperson. The High-level Strategic Dialogue held its 3rd meeting on 29 May 2024, at which they reviewed implementation mechanisms for the operationalization of the five “college-to-college” formations as a new method of working between AU Commissioners and their United Nations counterparts in the context of AU Agenda 2063 and SDGs 2030.
  • 438. On 8 July 2024, the Military Staff Committee of the AUPSC and representatives of the Military Staff Committee of the UN engaged in their first informal consultations at the AU headquarters. This enabled the two Committees to better understand their respective mandates, working methods, and challenges while laying the foundation for more effective collaboration to provide timely and informed advice to the two Councils.
  • 439. On 15 October 2024, the Peacebuilding Commission and the AUPSC scheduled at the UN Headquarters, their seventh annual consultative meeting, which explored the opportunities for enhancing cooperation with a view to supporting the African Union’s PCRD and peace-building efforts.
  • 440. The 18th AUPSC / UNSC Annual Joint Consultation took place on 18 October, in New York, preceded by the 9th Informal Joint Seminar on 17 October 2024. The deliberations considered matters about financing AU-led Peace Support Operations (PSOs), Youth, Peace and Security, and the working methods of the joint meetings and other engagements; as well as the review of the conflict situations in the Sudan, Sahel, Somalia, and eastern DRC.
  • 441. The meetings of the two Councils were preceded by two-day consultations of the AUPSC Committee of Experts and the Security Council’s Ad-hoc Working Group on Peace and Security in Africa, which included comprehensive briefings by the AU Commission.
  • 442. The eighth Annual Conference between the Secretary-General and the AUC Chairperson took place on 21 October 2024. The Secretary-General and Chairperson reviewed progress in the implementation of the “UN-AU Joint Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security” and the “AU-UN Framework for the Implementation of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” and signed the AU-UN Joint Framework on Human Rights. Then discussions covered Unconstitutional changes of government and political transitions on the continent; the coordination of peace efforts in the Sahel, the Horn of Africa (Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan) and the Great Lakes region; the progress on Security Council negotiations on predictable financing of the AU-led peace support operations; Africa’s socio-economic recovery and the reform of the international financial architecture. The annual conference also endorsed the jointly developed roadmap for the implementation of UNSCR 2719 (2023) on the financing of AU-led PSOs.
European Union
  • 443. The strategic partnership between the AU and EU continued to bolster and benefit from the guidance of the 2018 MoU on Peace, Security, and Governance . The formulation of the combined EU support programme for the AGA and APSA is nearing completion. Set to begin in January 2026, the programme is designed to capitalize on the synergies between the AGA and APSA, with a planned duration of four years. Key areas of cooperation include early warning, mediation, climate and security, human rights, and the promotion of good governance and democracy. This integrated programme will enhance human rights adherence in AU-led Peace Support Operations and will place a strong emphasis on increasing citizen participation in governance, peace, and security. Additionally, EU support through the Early Response Mechanism will be redirected to support the initiatives under the Crisis Reserve Facility of the AU Peace Fund.
  • 444. The Joint Financing Arrangement (JFA) has evolved into a non-binding coordination framework, now referred to as the "Joint Framework Arrangement (JFA)." The JFA is designed to strengthen coordination among all stakeholders involved in managing and supporting AU Commission initiatives. This framework encompasses both partners contributing earmarked funding and those providing non-earmarked funding for the Commission 's activities, with the coordination platform now extended to include AUC Member States. The JFA is set to remain in place until December 2028, with Canada, Denmark, the EU, Germany, Ireland, Norway, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, already committed to it.
TICAD Ministerial

  • 445. In preparation for the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) scheduled for August 2025, the PAPS Department participated in the TICAD Ministerial session in Tokyo, Japan, from August 24-25, 2024. This strategic engagement aimed to enhance partnerships and advance Africa's peace and security agenda. The session allowed stakeholders to deepen cooperation, sharpening collective approaches toward ensuring human dignity and security in Africa. While underscoring the imperative for robust Global multilateralism to achieve global security and the Peace we want in Africa, the following key reflections were highlighted (i) the free will of African citizens to build innovative capacity in the advanced age of the knowledge economy and new technologies particularly the youth for assured human security; (ii) Political will to boost democratic leadership In Africa evident In constitutionalism, rule of law, and building of resilient Institutions; (iii) Collective will that Is anchored on smart partnerships to achieve global sustainable security for all.
  • 446. The ministerial presented a platform to reaffirm the importance of prioritizing prevention while working to ensure lasting solutions to pervasive security threats including lingering conflicts, terrorism, and violent extremism by tackling the root causes. Overall, it highlighted the need to strengthen African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and African Governance Architecture (AGA) including support to AU-led peace support operations through UNSC Resolution 2719 (2023), sustainable and predictable financing, and capacity building for public institutions, as appropriate.

Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)



  • 447. In September 2024, President Xi Jinping hosted 34 African leaders to the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing. The AUC Chairperson, ably supported by the CPAPS and other Commissioners were also in attendance. Chinese President Xi announced China's readiness to work with Africa to implement China 's 10 partnership actions carefully crafted to jointly advance modernization in the two (2) continents and the overall characterization of China-Africa relations to be elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. Within the ten (10) partnership actions for modernization to deepen China-Africa cooperation, the PAPS related areas reflecting China's confidence and sincerity in promoting modernization with Africa are mutual learning among civilizations in state governance; development cooperation; people-to-people exchanges; and common security.

Building an African

Narrative Towards

2063