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Director
Ms Patience Chiradza

Governance & Human Rights Division Democracy@Work

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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.”

Responsible for the following thematic areas:

  • Public Service & Administration
  • Decentralization and Local Development
  • Housing & Urban Development
  • Human Rights
Goal 2:
  • An Africa that respects the Human and Peoples’ Rights
Outcome:
  • Enhanced Promotion and Protection of Human and Peoples Rights, and provision of healing and justice for affected communities
Thematic Goals
  • Promotion and Protection of Human and Peoples’ Rights in Africa
  • Facilitate healing, reconciliation, accountability and justice in post-conflict, post-authoritarian societies, as well as societies grappling with other developmental challenges.

PAPS Commissioner: Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Nigeria (elected in February 2021)
Governance and Conflict Prevention - Director: Patience Zanelie Chiradza, Zimbabwe

@AUC_PAPS Hashtags: #AGA #APSA #ACDEG #HumanRights #AUPSC #AGA #ACDEG #COHA #silencingtheguns #NeTT4Peace

" This year, our work also emphasises mainstreaming human rights and peace education into our education curricula and one of our projects is integrating the African Charter on Democracy Governance and Human Rights into school curricula. The pilot project was launched in Abidjan to be initially rolled by Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea Bissau." Amb. Bankole

Mandate

The interconnected nature of good governance, human rights, and peace and security is the cornerstone of Africa's progress. However, the continent grapples with a pressing issue: widespread human rights violations, which have far-reaching consequences for good governance, regional peace and security, and public service delivery. Recognizing the urgency of addressing this challenge, African nations require a resilient public service capable of delivering on its developmental mandate.

The AUC, in collaboration with several key partners, has embarked on a series of strategic initiatives to promote good governance, human rights, peace, security, and sustainable development across the continent.

The following are core areas of its interventions on Governance and Human Rights:

  • Strengthening Public Service and Administration System with focus on combatting corruption to ensure transparent and accountable governance and Effective Service Delivery to all Citizens on the Continent
  • Support AU Member States in their Decentralization, Local Governance and Local Development processes
  • Support jointly with AU-ABC , in the Popularization the (CAPAR) and providing them technical assistance to Member States in its implementation

  • Coordination of the Secretariat of the African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Public Service, Local Governments, and Decentralization (STC no 8) which is an AU Policy Organ composed with Sub committees as follow:
    • a) Sub Committee on Public Service and Administration
    • b) Sub Committee on Decentralization and Local Governance
    The work focus on

    • Promotion of Human Rights protection in Member States
    • Operationalization of the AU Human Rights Memorial (AUHRM)
    • Human Rights Observation
    • Human Rights Dialogues: The High-Level dialogue provides a space for policy discussions to happen annually on issues of democratic governance, human rights and peace among different stakeholders within and outside of the African Union.
    • AU-EU Human Rights Dialogue


    Core Areas

    The African Charter on Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration (Public Service Charter)
    Background and objectives of the Charter

    1. African Heads of State and Government have adopted the African Charter on Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration (hereinafter referred to as the Charter) that affirms their political commitment to strengthening professionalism and ethics in public service in Africa; that maintains legitimacy of the service and adapts it to evolving needs on the continent; that strives towards the modernization, improvement and entrenchment of new values of governance in public service; and that consolidates public service with a view to promoting integration and sustainable development on the continent. The Charter was adopted by the Sixteenth Ordinary Session of the Assembly, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 31st January 2011 and entered into force on July 23, 2016.

    The Charter contributes to the achievement of the aspirations expressed in the Africa Agenda 2063 for a concerted effort to revitalize, professionalise and strengthen the capacity of the public service and administration in consolidating the democratic gains that Member States have achieved through enhanced public service delivery and socio-economic development. It also serves to improve public service delivery, combat corruption, protect the rights of citizens as users of public services as well as to promote good governance and sustainable development.

    So far, of the 55 member states of the AU, only 19 have ratified the Charter .

    The objectives of the Charter are laid down in Article II and they include, among others, to:

    • Ensure quality and innovative service delivery that meets the requirements of all users;
    • Encourage the efforts of Member States in modernising administration and strengthening capacity for the improvement of public service;
    • Encourage citizens and users of public services to actively and effectively participate in public administration processes;
    • Promote the moral values inherent in the activities of Public Service Agents with a view to ensuring transparent service delivery;/li>
    • Encourage the harmonisation of policies and procedures related to public service and administration among Member States with the aim of promoting regional and continental integration; and
    • Promote equality between men and women as well as equality within public service and administration structures.


    The full Charter document is divided into seven chapters and 34 articles which are outlined below:

    • i. Chapter I: Definitions, objectives and principles: There are three articles covering the definitions, objectives and principles of the Charter.
    • ii. Chapter II: Duties of the public service and administration: The chapter has five articles that lay down the key tenets of public service and administration including: respect for human rights and legality; access to public services; access to information; and commitment to modernisation of public service and administration.
    • iii. Chapter III: Code of conduct for public service agents: This chapter has five articles that specify the expected conduct of public service agents and they include: professionalism; ethical behaviour; avoidance of conflict of interest; and preventing and combating corruption.
    • iv. Chapter IV: Rights of public service agents: The chapter lays down the rights of public service agents in five articles that cover: equality of public service agents; freedom of expression and association; working conditions, remuneration; and social rights.
    • v. Chapter V: Management and development of human resources: The chapter covers the management of public service administration in four articles that cover: recruitment; performance management, capacity development and mobility.
    • vi. Chapter VI: Mechanism for application: The chapter deals with implementation of the Charter and has three articles that detail mechanisms for application at state party and continental levels; the reporting and follow-up mechanisms; and the recognition and award system to motivate performance.
    • vii. Chapter VII: Final clauses: There are nine articles in this final chapter and they cover all legal, regulatory and incidental aspects including interpretation; settlement of disputes; signature, ratification and accession; entry into force; and registration of the Charter.
    Guidelines

    Under Article 24.1 (Chapter VI) of the Charter, State Parties are required to provide biennial reports to the AUC on the legislative or other relevant measures taken with a view to giving effect to the principles and commitments of the Charter. The biennial reports are to be submitted to the African Union Commission (AUC) which will prepare a synthesis report for submission to the Assembly through the Executive Council and the Conference of State Parties. These reporting Guidelines provide a framework for State Parties to prepare and submit reports as envisaged under Article 24.1 of the Charter including the structure, scope and methodology for preparation, submission, review and follow up of implementation, and any measures taken to implement the provisions of the Charter in the national laws of State Parties.

    AU-STC No.8

    The AU-STC No.8 serves as a vital platform for member states to collaborate enhancing public service delivery, advancing local governance, and promoting sustainable urban development.

    The African Charter on the Values and Principles of Decentralization, Local Governance and Local Development.

    In June 2014, the Heads of State and Government meeting at their Summit in Malabo, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, adopted the African Charter on the Values and Principles of Decentralization, Local Governance and Local Development. By placing local government at the core of service delivery and local development, the Charter addresses significant issues tied to centralized governance in Africa, such as inadequate service delivery and a lack of accountability in governance. The provisions of the Charter are therefore resolutely consistent with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and are framed in such a way to ensure that the policies defined at continental level have a concrete impact on the populations at the level of cities and territories.

    Implementation

    The African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Public Service, Local Government, Urban Development and Decentralization, also known as STC8 The Specialized Technical Committees (STCs) were established as important technical bodies of the African Union (AU) under Article 25 of the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community (or Abuja Treaty). Following the transformation of the Organization of African Unity into the African Union, the Constitutive Act of the African Union provided for the creation of the Specialized Technical Committees, in accordance with Articles 14, 15 and 16. Each of the Specialized Technical Committees, within the scope of its competence, is mandated to make informed contributions to facilitate the mission of the Executive Council. They are also responsible for ensuring the development and monitoring of the implementation of AU and REC programs on behalf of the Executive Council.

    2. The Specialized Technical Committee on Public Service, Local Government, Urban Development, and Decentralization (STC8) is one of the key organs of the African Union, mandated to ensure effective governance, public service delivery, and sustainable urban development across Member States. The STC8 has consistently provided a platform for dialogue and collaboration, fostering the development of policies and strategies that promote decentralization, good governance, and sustainable urbanization in Africa.

    3. In 2009, the Conference of Heads of State and Government adopted in Sirte, in Libya, the Decision to transform the African Ministerial Conferences into Specialized Technical Committees (STC). Consequently, the former Ministerial Conference of the Civil Service (CAMPS), the former Ministerial Conference on Decentralization and Local Development (CADDEL) and the former Conference on Habitat and Urban Development (AMCHUD) were merged and became the African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Public Service, Local Government, Urban Development and Decentralization, also known as STC8.

    The AU-STC No. 8 serves as a vital platform for member states to collaborate on enhancing public service delivery, advancing local governance, and promoting sustainable urban development.

    The 4th Ordinary Session of the STC8, held from 29-31 August 2022 in Cairo, Egypt, successfully deliberated on crucial issues such as the election of the Bureau Chairperson, adoption of the Workplan for the different sub committees and the call for more signature and ratification of the two charters under its mandate. Notably, the session elected the members of the Fourth Bureau, with Uganda temporarily assuming the chair until a member state from the North Africa region is elected as the substantive Chair. The session also decided that the Vice Chairs of the AU-STC No. 8 Bureau would concurrently chair the Sub-Committees on Public Service, Urban Development, and Decentralization.

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    Major Milestones

    Footprint of Success.

    The interconnected nature of good governance, human rights, and peace and security is the cornerstone of Africa's progress. However, the continent grapples with a pressing issue: widespread human rights violations, which have far-reaching consequences for good governance, regional peace and security, and public service delivery. Recognizing the urgency of addressing this challenge, African nations require a resilient public service capable of delivering on its developmental mandate. The AUC, in collaboration with several key partners, has embarked on a series of strategic initiatives to promote good governance, human rights, peace, security, and sustainable development across the continent.
    2010s and 2020

    2016

    • Common African Position on Habitat III (CAPH3)

    2018

    • Guidelines for Reporting on the Implementation of the African Charter on Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration

    2020

    • African Union Member States adopted unified position on the Recovery of illicit assets
    2021
    • The 10th High-Level Dialogue on Democracy, Human Rights and Governance in Africa: Trends, Challenges And Prospects; and its pre forums on Youth and Gender
    • The Second Conference of State Parties to the African Charter on the Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration (COSP II) was held on 29 April 2021. The main objective of the COSP II is to consolidate progress made since the first COSP and to foster cooperation and solidarity among State Parties in the implementation of the Charter.
    • Successful celebration of the 8th Edition of the African Public Service Day (APSD) on 21 - 23 June 2021 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The Victoria Falls APSD 2021 Declaration is the main outcome of this event where it recommended for State Parties to implement the Charter at national levels.
    • In June 2021, the AU Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) adopted the Action Plan for the Human and Peoples’ Rights Strategy for Africa (2021–2031). This is intended to deepen respect for, as well as accelerate progress towards, the protection of African citizens’ human rights. Member States will take the lead in implementing the strategy, with the support of national human rights institutions (NHRIs) and CSOs.
    • In the context of urbanisation and human settlement , the department – in collaboration with UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and UN-Habitat – launched a virtual series on the Harmonised Implementation Framework for the New Urban Agenda in Africa .
    2022
    • 11th High-Level Dialogue on Democracy, Governance and Human Rights uder the theme ‘Breaking the Cycle of Unconstitutional Changes of Government through Strengthening Democratic Governance systems in Africa’ and its pre forums on Youth and Gender Cotonou, Benin
    • To contribute to the realization of African Union's Agenda 2063 which envisages an Africa, where solid institutions are at the service of the people to ensure their full participation in development, and for better political and economic governance, under the Public Sector Governance program three capacity building engagements on the implementation and reporting on the African Charter on Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration were convened in Tanzania, South Africa and Namibia in 2022.
    • The AU-STC. No.8 held its Fourth Ordinary Session from 29 to 31 August 2022 in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt. The meeting renewed the AU-STC. No.8 bureau for a period of (2022 - 2024) composed with Uganda (1st Vice-Chair), Congo (2nd Vice-Chair), Ghana (3rd Vice-Chair), Lesotho ( Rapporteur) and decided that Uganda will assume the chair of the AU-STC No 8 Committee until the North Africa Region consults and elect a Member State from the region to take over as the substantive Chair while the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Vice Chairs of the AU-STC.No.8 Bureau will be the Chairs of the Public Service and Urban Development and Decentralization Sub- Committees respectively.
    • The meeting adopted a Declaration, in which among others, requested the AUC to expedite the operationalization of the High Council of Local Authorities (HCLA) through the implementation of Executive Council decision 993 of January 2018 and report to the Executive Council Session in June 2023; and called on Member States to commemorate African Habitat Day starting from the year 2023.
    2023
    Public Sector Governance
    • i. Public Service
      • The 9th Biennial Continental Africa Public Service Day, held in June 2023 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, brought together African Union Member States to analyse the crucial role of a capable African public administration in successfully implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
      • This high-profile conference promoted the exchange of groundbreaking public service practices, acknowledged the dedicated work of public servants, and created an opportunity for the exchange of ideas in the African public sector.
      • The conference recommendations emphasised the importance of effective governance for successfully implementing AfCFTA. It highlighted the need to eliminate trade barriers and facilitate the movement of entrepreneurial capabilities. The conference also stressed the importance of streamlining production processes to ensure affordable local products.
      • Additionally, it underscored the necessity for robust collaborations among countries to combat cross-border crime, which can threaten trade and investments. The successful implementation of these recommendations is of utmost importance for the AfCFTA's success, which is expected to impact Africa's socioeconomic transformation significantly. This transformation is crucial for promoting regional peace and security in line with AU Agenda 2063.
    • ii. Joint AU - UN-Habitat Session
      • A joint session was held between the African Union and UN-Habitat in Nairobi, Kenya, in June 2023 to help address Africa's urbanization challenges.
      • The Africa Urban Forum is envisioned as an essential platform that will harmonize African countries' efforts to address the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, especially in addressing governance deficiencies that impact regional peace and security.
      • 12th High-Level Dialogue On Democracy, Human Rights, And Governance In Africa: Trends, Challenges, And Prospects unde the Theme: Delivering Peace Dividends Through The AFCFTA Implementation
    2024

    (iii) AU-UN Human Rights Framework Implementation



    • Engagement with OHCHR took place during the first quarter to attend the 55th Session of the UN Human Rights Council during its High-Level Segment, which was chaired by the Kingdom of Morocco, as an African country and President of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. The AU Commission also attended the side event under the theme: “The right to Development” in February 2024. The mission enhanced the relationship between the AU and the UN Human Rights Council, strengthened the role of the Africa Group of Ambassadors in Geneva in promoting the rights to development and their impact on global human rights policies pertaining to Africa, and raised support for the effective implementation of the AU-UN Human Rights Framework.
    • Meeting with the UN Special Envoy for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms while Countering Terrorism was held during the second quarter. A comprehensive discussion was held on common interests, including the role of regional and sub-regional organizations in countering terrorism and identifying shared challenges and opportunities within the mandate. Valuable insights were drawn that were used as input for the General Assembly Report and the Special Rapporteur’s first report to the UN General Assembly in October 2024. It also strengthened collaboration and coordination mechanisms among various regional and sub-regional organizations to enhance their counter-terrorism initiatives. One of the recommendations communicated was the development of clear, actionable recommendations to improve the effectiveness of regional and sub-regional organizations in countering terrorism while ensuring the protection of human rights.
    • As part of the Commemoration of Human Rights Event, the 10th Global Conference on the Commemoration of the International Day to End Impunity of Crimes against Journalists (IDEI) was successfully held in November 2024 and brought together around 400 participants who recommitted to protecting and ensuring the safety of Journalists in Crisis and emergencies.
    Human Rights Dialogues
    • The 19th AU-EU Human Rights Dialogue was organized in January 2024 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with the objective of promoting peace through the Right to Education, addressing topical human rights challenges, strengthening partnerships, and fostering dialogue and exchange. The Session was able to enhance understanding and cooperation between the AU and EU on key human rights issues, particularly the Right to Peace and Education. The meeting also recommended the development of joint initiatives, and strategies, and adopted action plans to implement and monitor shared human rights initiatives, norms, and standards in relation to the Rights to Peace and Education.
    • The AU-China Human Rights Dialogue was held on 22 April 2024, in Addis Ababa during the second quarter with the objective of exchanging best practices, experiences, and strategies for promoting and protecting human rights, with a focus on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights (ESCR). A joint Outcomes Statement adopted on 22 April 2024 has reaffirmed the AU and China's commitment to collaborate on agreed-upon strategy and programs for implementing and monitoring topical human rights discussions.

    (iv) Public Sector Governance



    • The concept of good governance offers a normative framework for promoting effective, accountable, and inclusive governance practices. Good public sector governance serves as a guiding light in our efforts to prevent and manage conflicts. By strengthening institutions, enhancing transparency, and fostering civic engagement, we can build resilient societies capable of addressing grievances and resolving disputes through peaceful means. Decentralized governance provides an opportunity to empower local communities and enhance their capacity to manage conflicts at the grassroots level. By devolving decision-making authority and resources to subnational entities, decentralization promotes local ownership, participation, and accountability. Leveraging decentralized governance structures, we can foster dialogue, build social cohesion, and address the root causes of conflicts in a manner that is responsive to the unique needs and aspirations of diverse communities
    Local Governance and Decentralisation

    • The planning processes for the World Bank funded BIASHARA project took place in Morocco with World Bank representatives to promote public sector reforms in line with the decisions of the Specialised Technical Committee no 8 on Public Service, Local Government, Urban Development and Decentralization. The deliberations sought to ensure alignment in the implementation areas designed to promote good governance. The agreed areas of implementation include the organisation of the 5th Ordinary Session of the Specialised Technical Committee No. 8, the Bureau Meeting and the Conference of State Parties on the African Charter on the Values and Principles of Public Service. The work plan for implementing decisions of the various sub-committees of the STC was thoroughly reviewed and refined.
    Public Service and Decentralisation

    • The Commission conducted a capacity building workshop on Governance and Decentralization in the Sahel, in Nouakchott in October 2024, which brought together participants from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Mauritania, alongside experts from regional institutions and development partners, to address critical governance challenges in the region. These challenges include misappropriation of public resources, weak anti- corruption mechanisms, insufficient public service delivery, inadequate resource transfers to local authorities, and political instability. Key recommendations for AU Member States included strengthening political will, accelerating digitalization of public services, enhancing resource transfers to local authorities, aligning anti-corruption strategies with sociological realities, and involving civil society and youth. For the African Union Commission (AUC), recommendations emphasized implementing the AU Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, supporting asset recovery, developing capacity-building mechanisms, and promoting the African Charter on Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration and the African Charter on Values and Principles of Decentralization and Local Governance and Development. The workshop provided a collaborative platform to address structural governance issues and set a roadmap for improved decentralization and public service delivery in the Sahel.
    Anti-Corruption Initiatives
    • During the period under review, the Commission deepened engagement with the African Union Board on Anti-Corruption for renewed collaboration and joint initiatives especially on the domestication of the AU Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption, and the implementation of the Common African Position on Asset Recovery (CAPAR). The key outcomes from this engagement include agreement on collaborative anti-corruption initiatives, joint in-country assessment missions, integration of anti-corruption principles into public administration reporting guidelines, implementation of CAPAR strategies, development of CAPAR reporting guidelines, and strengthening institutional capacity within the AU Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC) and AUC. Additionally, tailored capacity-building programmes will be developed to support member states, and a joint work plan outlining collaboration area was developed.
    • Furthermore, the Commission participated in the ACWG meetings and contributed to the development of the G20 ACWG Action Plan 2025-2027, High-Level Principles on Incentives for the Private Sector to Adopt Integrity Measures, and a Ministerial Communique. There were comprehensive discussions on the impact of corruption on social inclusion, gender equality, climate change, financial markets, public procurement, public sector recruitment, and sustainable development, strengthening the overall framework for combating corruption globally. The G20 ACWG Action Plan 2025-2027 prioritizes strengthening anti-money laundering and beneficial ownership transparency measures, countering foreign bribery through enhanced enforcement and international cooperation, and improving asset recovery efforts with a focus on international legal assistance. It also emphasizes increasing public sector transparency, integrity, and accountability to foster trust in government and support sustainable development goals, particularly in public procurement. Additionally, the plan promotes collaboration with the private sector, including SMEs, to implement anti-corruption measures and build a culture of integrity, leveraging past G20 principles and incentives
    Establishment of Forum of African Asset Recovery Practitioners
    • In collaboration with the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption, and the GIZ Global Programme on Illicit Financial Flows, discussions were held on the establishment of an Asset Recovery Practitioners’ Forum for Africa and the implementation of the Common African Position on Asset Recovery (CAPAR) and combat Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) in May 2024, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The primary objective was to review the proposed framework for the Forum, including its mission, objectives, structure, governance, resource mobilization, and sustainability, and to sensitize stakeholders on the CAPAR's content and the Forum's role in its implementation. The key outcomes from this forum were the adoption of CAPAR as a policy instrument to guide asset recovery, repatriation, and management, enhancing efforts against illicit financial flows in Africa.
    • Recommendations emanating from the forum include, utilizing escrow accounts with the African Development Banks for asset tracing, leveraging global platforms for advocacy, preparing for the next COSP, registering as observers to advocate for inclusive strategies, mobilizing resources for CAPAR, and raising awareness on African Anti-Corruption Day. Additionally, the forum emphasized including institutions mandated with asset recovery, securing commitment from Member States and development partners for sustainability, ratifying the African Asset Recovery Practitioners Forum Charter, and electing an Interim Executive Council to ensure effective initiation of the Forum.
    2025

    (f) Public Sector Governance



    • 171. Efforts in Public Sector Governance saw increased AUC PAPS engagements with five (5) Member States, namely Kenya, Zambia, Lesotho, Benin, and Rwanda, States parties to the African Charter on Values and Principles of Public Service and Administration, through capacity-building programmes that enhanced their institutional capacity to implement and report on the Charter effectively. These trainings have contributed to strengthening their national system of governance, accountability and service delivery.
    • 172. A capacity-building programme was conducted for Zimbabwe on strengthening the implementation of the Common African Position on Asset Recovery (CAPAR), adopted by the AU Policy Organs in February 2020. The training aims to enhance cross-border cooperation, strengthen successful tracing, recovery, and transparency, reinforce public trust, and support evidence-based reporting, advocacy, and the repatriation of stolen assets, while engaging different stakeholders, including the media and civil society.

    (f) Public Sector Governance continued



    • 173. In 2025, the AU continued strategic engagements through the AUC PAPS and AUABC participation in the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group (ACWG) Meetings. AU positions were integrated into various documents, highlighting the priorities that the South African G20 Presidency was working on, which align with the priorities under CAPAR. A joint briefing was conducted for AU Member States on these priorities, which were also reflected in the Chair’s Statement during the G20 Ministerial Meeting. During the G20 Ministerial Meeting, the AU made a clarion call on all international partners and allies to agree on a transparent and efficient timetable for the recovery and return of stolen assets to Africa, with due respect for the sovereignty of States and their national interests.

    Data Story

    Footprint of Success


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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