Head PSC Secretariat Ms. Neema Chusi
AU PSC Standing Decision-making organ
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 “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 Peace and Security Council (PSC) is the standing organ of the AU for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts. It was established to be a collective security and ‘early warning’ arrangement with the ability to facilitate timely and efficient responses to conflict and crisis situations. The PSC's core functions are to conduct early warning and preventive diplomacy, facilitate peace-making, establish peace support operations and, in certain circumstances, recommend intervention in Member States to promote peace, security and stability.
AU PAPS Commissioner: Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Nigeria (elected in February 2021)
Conflict Management - Director: Alhadji Sarjoh Bah, Sierra Leone
AU PSC - Head: Ms Neema Chusi
PAPS Repository
@AUC_PAPS
Hashtags: #AGA #APSA #DGTrends #GovernanceRoadshow #theAfricaWeWant
"Peace dividends can be achieved only through efficient governance." Amb. Bankole
About
The Peace and Security Council (PSC) is the main pillar of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), which is the framework for promoting peace, security and stability in Africa. It was established as a standing decision-making organ of the African Union (AU) for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts. It is also a collective security and early warning arrangement intended to facilitate timely and efficient responses to conflict and crisis situations in Africa. The PSC was established pursuant to article 5(2) of the AU Constitutive Act (2000) and is specifically provided for under article 20 (bis) as inserted by article 9 of the Protocol on Amendments to the Constitutive Act (2003). The Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council (PSC Protocol) was adopted on 9 July 2002 in Durban, South Africa, and entered into force in December 2003. The PSC became fully operational in early 2004. The PSC Protocol, together with the PSC Rules of Procedure, the AU Constitutive Act and the conclusions of various PSC retreats, provides operational guidance to PSC activities. Under article 7 of the PSC Protocol, the powers of the PSC include to:
- Anticipate and prevent disputes and conflicts, as well as policies, that may lead to genocide and crimes against humanity
- Undertake peace-making and peace-building functions to resolve conflicts where they have occurred
- Authorise the mounting and deployment of peace support missions, and lay down general guidelines for the conduct of such missions, including the mandate
- Recommend to the Assembly, pursuant to article 4(h) of the AU Constitutive Act, intervention on behalf of the Union in a Member State, in respect of grave circumstances, namely war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity, as defined in relevant international instruments
- Institute sanctions whenever an unconstitutional change of government takes place in a Member State
- Implement the AU’s common defence policy
- Ensure implementation of key conventions and instruments to combat international terrorism
- Promote harmonisation and coordination of efforts between the Regional Mechanisms (RMs) and the AU in the promotion of peace, security and stability in Africa
- Follow up promotion of democratic practices, good governance, the rule of law, protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and respect for the sanctity of human life and international humanitarian law
- Promote and encourage the implementation of conventions and treaties on arms control and disarmament
- Examine and take action in situations where the national independence and sovereignty of a Member State are threatened by acts of aggression, including by mercenaries
- Support and facilitate humanitarian action in situations of armed conflict or major natural disasters.
The PSC has 15 members with equal voting powers . All members are elected by the AU Executive Council and endorsed by the AU Assembly during its ordinary sessions. Ten members are elected to serve for two-year terms and five members are elected to serve for three-year terms, in order to ensure continuity. While there are no permanent members, the PSC Protocol does not prevent any member from seeking immediate re-election. In electing PSC members, the principle of equitable regional representation and rotation is applied as follows:
- Central Region: three seats
- Eastern Region: three seats
- Northern Region: two seats
- Southern Region: three seats
- Western Region: four seats.
| No. | Country Names | Region | Start of Mandate | Mandate (Years) | End of Mandate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burundi | Central | 1/4/2022 | 2 | 31/03/2024 |
| 2 | Cameroon | Central | 1/4/2022 | 3 | 31/03/2025 |
| 3 | Republic of Congo | Central | 1/4/2022 | 2 | 31/03/2024 |
| 4 | Djibouti | Eastern | 1/4/2022 | 3 | 31/03/2025 |
| 5 | The Gambia | Western | 1/4/2022 | 2 | 31/03/2024 |
| 6 | Ghana | Western | 1/4/2022 | 2 | 31/03/2024 |
| 7 | Morocco | Northern | 1/4/2022 | 3 | 31/03/2025 |
| 8 | Namibia | Southern | 1/4/2022 | 3 | 31/03/2025 |
| 9 | Nigeria | Western | 1/4/2022 | 3 | 31/03/2025 |
| 10 | Senegal | Western | 31/03/2022 | 2 | 31/03/2024 |
| 11 | South Africa | Southern | 31/03/2022 | 2 | 31/03/2024 |
| 12 | Tanzania | Eastern | 31/03/2022 | 2 | 31/03/2024 |
| 13 | Tunisia | Northern | 31/03/2022 | 2 | 31/03/2024 |
| 14 | Uganda | Eastern | 31/03/2022 | 2 | 31/03/2024 |
| 15 | Zimbabwe | Southern | 31/03/2022 | 2 | 31/03/2024 |
The PSC meets in continuous session . All members are required to keep a permanent presence at AU Headquarters. Meetings can be held at three levels: permanent representatives, ministers, or Heads of State and Government. Article 8(2) of the PSC Protocol requires permanent representatives to meet at least twice a month and ministers and Heads of State and Government at least once a year. PSC meetings include closed sessions, open meetings and informal consultations. PSC decisions are adopted using the principle of consensus . Where consensus is not possible, decisions on procedural matters are taken by a simple majority and on substantive matters by a two-thirds majority (PSC Protocol, article 8(13)). In line with article 8(9) of the PSC Protocol, any Member State that is party to a conflict or situation under consideration by the PSC may be invited to attend a PSC meeting but does not participate in the discussion and decision-making process relating to that particular conflict or situation. The PSC’s monthly provisional programme of work is determined by the chairperson of the month on the basis of proposals from the Chairperson of the AU Commission and PSC Members. Under article 10 of the PSC Protocol, the Chairperson of the Commission may bring to the attention of the PSC any matter that they feel deserves its attention. The inclusion of any item on the provisional agenda may not be opposed by any PSC member. Agenda
The PSC Chairperson is mandated to draft the provisional programme of work and agenda. The Chairperson may bring to the PSC’s attention any matter that may threaten peace, security and stability in the continent, and may request briefings from PSC committees and other AU organs and institutions. The agenda is based on proposals submitted by the Chairperson of the AU Commission and by Member States. The inclusion of any item on the provisional agenda may not be opposed by a Member State. PSC decisions are guided by the principle of consensus. Where consensus is not possible, decisions on procedural matters are taken by a simple majority and on substantive matters by a two-thirds majority (PSC Protocol, article 8(13)). A member that is party to a conflict or situation under consideration by the PSC may not participate in the discussion and decision-making process relating to that conflict or situation (PSC Protocol, article 8(9)). A3 With limited possibilities of transforming the UNSC formally, AU Member states use the A3 formation (the bloc of three elected African countries to the UNSC) as a platform to influence the debates within the UNSC. With improved coordination, the A3 are increasingly speaking with one voice and are often consulted on African matters on the UNSC agenda, reducing the P5’s direct opposition to PSC positions. The A3 presents an opportunity for enhanced synergy and solidarity amongst African members of the Council and a stronger position for negotiation on matters of mutual interest with other UNSC members. This includes debates on issues such as the nature, form and financing of PSOs on the Continent, and access to assessed contributions for UNSC mandated missions that ultimately enhance global security, with the higher cost unevenly borne by Africans.
PSC Subsidiary Bodies The PSC Protocol, article 8(5), empowers the PSC to establish subsidiary bodies as it deems necessary and seek such military, legal and other forms of expertise as it may require. The PSC Rules of Procedure, with the necessary modifications, apply to its subsidiary bodies. The following subsidiary bodies/sub-committees are operational. Committee of Experts The Committee of Experts was established under article 8(5) of the PSC Protocol. At the request of the PSC, it assists in elaborating draft PSC working documents, including the outcomes of PSC activities. The Committee is composed of 15 designated experts, each representing a PSC Member State. It is supported by officers from the PSC Secretariat. Military Staff Committee The Military Staff Committee was established in line with the provisions of article 13(8) of the PSC Protocol. It advises and assists the PSC in all questions relating to military and security requirements for the promotion and maintenance of peace and security in Africa. The Protocol provides for the Committee to comprise senior military representatives from the 15 PSC 76 Member States, chaired by the military/defence attaché of the Member State chairing the PSC in any given month. The Committee can invite any AU Member State to its meetings to assist with its work. Rules of Procedure for the Committee are yet to be adopted.
PSC Retreats
Retreats provide an alternative space, in addition to the formal sessions regularly conducted, to extensively deliberate on specific issues affecting the work of the PSC. Since its operationalization in 2004, the PSC had so far held twelve retreats. Half of the retreats focused on its working methods. The first retreat was dedicated to the working methods of the PSC, which was held in Dakar on 5-6 July 2007 . Other retreats on working methods took place in Yaoundé on 15-16 November 2012, in Djibouti on 9-10 February 2013, Namibia on 21-23 May 2015, in Abuja, Nigeria on 14-16 September, in Cairo, Egypt on 29-31 October 2018, in Rabat, Morocco on 24-26 June 2019 and the last one in Mombasa, Kenya on 27-29 May 2021. The first retreat on the working methods of the PSC held in Dakar provided an elaborate guidance on the role of the chair including: representation, interaction with the commission and the PRC. Regarding annual activities, the retreat identified various areas to be considered by the PSC amongst others: conflict situations, retreats, meeting with RMs, the UNSC, organs of the AU and CSOs. It also states the need for the 'chairperson and the chairpersons of the next three or six months of the PSC, in consultation with the commission' to 'elaborate an indicative program of work for a period of three to six months, which shall be considered by the PSC members. Moreover, towards enhancing implementation of the PSC decisions the retreat called for the development of an implementation matrix to track progress and challenges. This initial retreat also envisioned the establishment of two subsidiary committees: on resource mobilization and a committee on procedures and mechanisms for peace support operations. During its second retreat on working methods held in Yaoundé , the PSC made some revisions mainly on the role of the PSC chairperson; organization of work; decision-making process; format of outcomes of PSC meetings/decisions; follow up on the implementation of PSC decisions; establishment of the subsidiarity bodies of the PSC; preparation of the PSC report on its activities and state of peace and security in Africa; the implementation of the provision of the PSC protocol relating to the PSC's working relationship with other relevant entities; framework of field missions and enhancement of the Peace Fund. On the role of the monthly Chair the Yaoundé retreat concluded that new members of the PSC 'should queue at the rear so as not to change the subsisting order of the succession of the rotating PSC Chair'. As stated in an earlier part of the Handbook, this rectified previous procedural challenges which prevented some members of the PSC from chairing the PSC as new members are allowed to interrupt the line of succession for chairing the PSC. The retreat also deliberated on the need to have the Chair at the AU headquarter throughout the month and the chairperson for the next month stand-in chair. The second key point of the deliberation was on membership criteria. The conclusions stressed 'the need for effective membership' including fulfilling 'the obligations as elaborated in Article 5(2) of the PSC protocol' and 'the need for periodic review by the Assembly of the Union with a view to assessing compliance by member of the PSC'. This issue of meeting the membership standards set in the PSC Protocol has been one of the challenges raised in the PSC reform process, although it has as yet to be addressed concretely. The Yaoundé retreat has added an additional element to improve the organization of work by calling on the committee of experts in collaboration with the Commission to prepare the annual program of activities of the PSC. Moreover, it clearly states the role of the incoming chair with the support of the PSC committee of experts to prepare the monthly program of work two weeks before assuming chairmanship. Whereas in the first retreat the preparation of the monthly program of work was expected to be finalized within twenty days. Regarding time management, the retreat stressed on the need for strict allocation of time and for speakers to adhere to this. Towards facilitating implementation, at the Yaoundé retreat the PSC agreed to review progress every six months beginning January 2013 and for the implementation matrix to be an integral part of the annual program of work. It also called for the operationalization of the subsidiary bodies including: committee of experts, committee on terrorism, and committee on sanctions. Presently the Committee of Experts and the Military Staff Committee are operational and hold regular sessions on tasks assigned to them that feed into PSC sessions.
The other issue on working methods, which has regularly featured in the various retreats is the preparation of the report of the PSC on its activities and the state of peace and security in Africa. In the Dakar retreat the PSC, based on the provisions of Article 7 of its Protocol highlighted that both reports need to be submitted and presented to the AU Assembly through the Chairperson of the PSC. The Yaoundé retreat conclusions particularly tasked the Commission to elaborate and submit the report ahead of time to allow the Council's consideration. Although the Protocol itself clearly stipulates for the reports to be submitted through the PSC Chair, for a number of years the Commission was presenting the report. The PSC, in its Working Methods Manual, established that the Chairperson of the PSC for the month in which the AU Summit falls would introduce the PSC Reports to the Assembly and the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security would deliver detailed presentation of the report and provide responses to issues and questions that Member States may raise. The third retreat on the working methods in Djibouti further solidified the reviews made in Yaoundé. It particularly called for the operationalization of the subsidiary bodies of the PSC: Military Staff Committee, PSC Committee on Sanctions and PSC Committee on Terrorism. The Djibouti retreat also reiterated the need to respect the requirements and procedure for the invitation of non-PSC members. The conclusions of the retreat looked at enhancing the PSC's capacity in delivering on the various aspects of its mandate from prevention, mediation, peace building, peace support operations and to post- conflict reconstruction and humanitarian action. The PSC held its pre-COVID19 retreat in Rabat, Morocco on 24-26 June 2019 . The Rabat retreat deliberated on full cycle of conflict prevention, management and resolution and the PSC also considered its manual on working methods, which consolidated the conclusions of its various previous retreats into a single coherent text. In 2020, the PSC was unable to hold a retreat on account of the COVID19 pandemic. Over the years, the PSC, in its various retreats, has addressed issues that did not necessarily feature in its formal sessions. It has used retreats to have more in-depth consideration of issues, which require time that the formal sessions cannot provide. For instance, before the PSC held its inaugural consultative meeting with the RECs/RMs in May 2019 it deliberated on the modalities of cooperation with the regional actors in a retreat held in September 2015 in Abuja, Nigeria. Moreover, it held two retreats that aimed at enhancing its partnership with CSOs in Livingstone, Zambia in December 2008 and in Maseru, the Kingdom of Lesotho in February 2014. The PSC convened its 13th Retreat in May 2021 in Mombasa, Kenya . In addition to serving as an opportunity for the Council to further strengthen its working methods, the Retreat served as a platform for the Council to reflect on issues relating to early warning, elections in member States and priorities for utilizing the AU Peace Fund. The Conclusions of the Mombasa Retreat were considered and adopted by the PSC at its 1004th Session convened on 17 June 2021. The CoE also convened on the margins of the 13th Retreat to finalize the 'Draft Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism on the Implementation of the AU Master Roadmap of Practical Steps for Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2030'. The 14th Retreat of the PSC was convened in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, from 17 to 19 November 2022 . Aside from discussions focused on enhancing the PSC's working methods with a specific focus on the implementation of the Council's monthly and annual indicative programs as well as managing PSC's working documents and the silence procedure, the Retreat was also an opportunity to reflect on other relevant matters including AUC's engagement with other AU Organs and stakeholders on African peace and security; PSC's interface with AU member states under suspension; regular engagements between the PSC and the Chairperson of the AUC; the importance of pursuing informal consultations envisaged under Article 8(11) of the PSC Protocol; and finally, activation of PSC Sub-Committee on Sanctions and the Ministerial Committee on Counter Terrorism. Source: AMANI
For the first time the PSC also introduced a joint retreat. From 19 to 21 December 2021, the PSC convened its inaugural joint retreat with the APRM. The retreat, which took place in Durban, South Africa, served as a platform for the PSC and the APRM to exchange views on early warning strategies and approaches to addressing underlying root causes of conflicts in the continent.
Following from the inaugural joint retreat and in line with the decision of its Conclusions, the second joint retreat of the PSC and the APRM was conducted from 14 to 15 November 2022, in Durban, South Africa. The second joint retreat was undertaken under the specific theme of ‘Strengthening the nexus between Governance and Peace and Security on the Continent: Enhancing PSC and APRM.
- Retreat on working methods Dakar, Senegal 5-6 July 2007
- Mechanism for interaction between the peace and security of the AU and civil society organization in the promotion of peace, security and stability in Africa Livingstone, Zambia 4-5 December 2008
- Ezulwini framework for the enhancement of the implementation of measures of the AU in situations of unconstitutional changes of government in Africa Ezulwini, Swaziland 17-19 December 2009
- Retreat on working methods Yaoundé Cameroon 15-16 November 2012
- Retreat on working methods Djibouti, Djibouti 9-10 February 2013
- Enhancing the implementation of the Livingstone Formula for interaction between the peace and security council and civil society organizations in the promotion of peace, security and stability in Africa Maseru, Lesotho 22-23 February 2014
- Issues and challenges in the promotion of peace, security and stability in Africa Swakopmund, Namibia 21-23 May 2015
- Enhancement of cooperation between the AU PSC and the RECs/RMs in the promotion of the peace, security and stability in Africa Abuja, Nigeria 14-16 September 2015
- African Union Master Roadmap of Practical Steps to Silence the Guns in Africa by Year 2020 Lusaka, Zambia 7-9 November 2016
- Implementation of the conclusions of successive PSC retreats and Related PSC decisions from 2007-2016 Kigali, Rwanda 3-5 May 2017
- Retreat of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union on the African Peace and Security Architecture Study and Working Methods of the Peace and Security Council Cairo, Egypt 29-31 October 2018
- Retreat of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union on Strengthening its Working Methods and Efforts in Conflict Prevention, Conflict Management and Peace Consolidation in Africa Rabat, Morocco 24-26 June, 2019
- Retreat on PSC working methods in the context of the AU institutional Reforms Mombasa, Kenya 27-29 May, 2021
- Retreat on PSC Working Methods Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe 17-19 November, 2022
Thematic agenda item
Major Milestones per Year
Deliver as One.
The AU’s commitment to Silencing the Guns has yielded significant results, with positive breakthroughs achieved in Ethiopia and substantial contributions made to peace and reconciliation efforts in the Central African Republic, Mozambique, Libya, the DRC and support for the transition in Somalia . These accomplishments stem from the organisation's ability to enhance early warning systems and deliver effective response options for the Peace and Security Council and other decision-making bodies within the African Union and its Member States . The revitalisation of the AU Peace Fund has mobilised critical resources to bolster our Member States' capacities in conflict prevention and peace support operations, particularly in regions like the Sahel the Lake Chad Basin, the Great Lakes and the Horn of Africa. These collaborative efforts demonstrate the commitment necessary to overcome obstacles and establish lasting peace and sustainable development, as part of the AU's contribution to maintaining peace and security.
Peace and Security Council Footprint of Success
Progress/Specific Achievements of the PSC:
Looking at the work carried out by the PSC since 2004, one can confidently say that the PSC has been able to forge itself into well-organized and better prepared AU
Organ, alert to its tasks and responsive to demands for its engagement. It is a fact that the PSC, as the main pillar/locomotive of the APSA and the AGA,
has made significant progress since its “operationalization in March 2004”, (The PSC held its inaugural meeting on 16 March 2004, which was attended by the then elected PSC Member States, namely: Algeria, Ethiopia, Gabon, Nigeria and
South Africa (for a three-year term) and Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Libya, Senegal, Sudan and Togo (for a term of two years)) as exemplified below by the following of its important acquisitions and
achievements, among others:
i. Consolidation of a continental focus in promoting peace, security and stability as required by the mandate of the PSC.
This has enabled the PSC to keep a radar of observation on the Continent and to seize conflict/crisis situations whenever they occurred;
ii. Elaboration of detailed and predictable provisional monthly programmes of work of the PSC, which has brought significant improvements in the conduct of PSC’s
business, including the planning of work in advance. In this case, the Draft Monthly Provisional Programme of Work of the PSC is elaborated by the incoming
PSC Chairperson, with the support of the PSC Secretariat and considered for adoption at the beginning of the preceding month. This practice allows for timely
preparations for all planned meetings and activities well ahead of time. The provisional nature of each monthly programme sustains flexibility for the PSC to take on
board emerging issues during the progress of the month;
iii. Elaboration of Indicative Annual Programme of Work of the PSC, which has enabled the PSC to streamline its recurrent activities and mandatory meetings, which take place each
year. This arrangement, which is done in December every year, allows the PSC to plan predictably for all its recurrent activities for the whole year;
iv. Systematic consideration and remaining actively seized of conflict and crisis situations whenever and wherever they have occurred in Africa. In this context, the PSC has held
more than 800 meetings from 2004 to August 201815;
v. Development of working methods and their review when need ariseas to allow the PSC to stand up to and address emerging circumstances and situations, in a systematic
manner;
vi. Continuous appropriation and application of the provisions of the PSC Protocol.
In this regard, the PSC has given effect to various provisions in its Protocol despite some gaps which need to be addressed;
vii. Fostering conditions conducive for up-scaling the coordinated role of the AU and RECs/RMs in both conflict prevention and interventions to resolve conflicts/crises on the
ground. The PSC has always emphasized the nexus between the PSC and RECs/RMs as central in its role of promoting peace, security and stability in Africa. Indeed, there are
still some challenges to be addressed in this context. In this context, the PSC has engaged with the RECs/RMs involved in issues at hand, both in PSC meetings and during PSC field
missions, to explore best means and ways of mobilizing all relevant stakeholders towards
resolving given conflicts/crises in a durable manner;
viii. Consideration of periodic briefings by AU Commission and the relevant RECs/RMs secretariats on elections in Africa, which has significantly contributed
to the capacity of the AU to prevent or failure of which, to better manage and resolve election-related conflicts and crises;
ix. Creating conditions conducive for strengthening cooperation and coordination between the AU Commission and the UN Secretariat, as well as with the EU Commission on peace
and security issues in Africa and conflict management and resolution efforts. The PSC/UNSC and AUPSC/EUPSC annual consultative meetings have significantly contributed
to this effort;
15 At the initial phase in the work of the PSC, in early March 2004, there was no established arrangement of systematically recording all PSC meetings.
x. Organization of “ten (10) brainstorming sessions/retreats” 16, from 2007 to 2017 which offered opportunities for the PSC to look back, look at the present and telescopically scan
into the future to see potential risks with a view to further enhancing its preparedness and work;
xi. Sustained consideration of important thematic issues of relevance to the promotion of peace, security, and stability, as well as development, in Africa.
These themes include the plight of children and women in violent conflicts; the nexus between corruption, peace and security; combating terrorism violent extremism and radicalization; the link between
climate change, peace and security; the humanitarian situation in Africa; combating corruption; proliferation of small arms and light weapons in Africa; and genocide and hate
crime, to mention some of them;
xii. Establishing and operationalizing its subsidiary organs in line with Article 8(5). The Bodies, particular the PSC Committee of Experts and the Military Staff Committee, support the
PSC's efforts to promote and maintain peace, security and stability in Africa;
xiii. Undertaking “field missions to conflict and post-conflict areas.” 17 This effort has increased the visibility and popularity of the activities on the PSC on ground. As an example, the
PSC, in collaboration with the PRC Sub Committee on Refugees and IDPs, during its field mission to CAR, handed over 100,000 USD to the IDPs in Bria, a gesture which was well
appreciated and boosted the narrative on the activities of the PSC in the Continent. In many cases, when the PSC is in the field, there have been messages of appreciation from
different stakeholders on the PSC visits and encouragement to the PSC to do more towards ending conflicts;
xiv. Convening of meetings with other AU “sister organs” 18 whose respective mandates include the promotion of peace, security and stability in Africa, good governance,
democracy, human rights, as well as the general wellbeing of African people, in order to collectively brainstorm and strategize on peace and security issues and challenges in
Africa. These meetings are provided for in various provisions of the PSC Protocol, such as Article 18 on relations between the PSC and the Pan African Parliament; and Article 19 on
relations between the PSC and the African Commission on Human and People’s Rights. In this context, given the advantages and benefits derived, the PSC has extended this
initiative to other sister AU Organs not mentioned in the Protocol;
16 The PSC convened its Retreats in Dakar, Senegal, 5 - 6 July 2007, Livingstone, Zambia, 4-5 December 2008, Ezulwini, Swaziland, 17-19 December 2009, Yaoundé, Cameroon, 15-16 November 2012, Djibouti, 9 - 10 February 2013,
Maseru, Lesotho, 22 -23 February 2014, Swakopmund, Namibia, 21-23 May 2015, Abuja, Nigeria, 14 – 16 September 2015, Lusaka, Zambia, 7-9 November 2016, Kigali, Rwanda, 3 – 5 May 2017
17 The PSC has undertaken seventeen (17) field missions to different conflict-affected countries in Africa, from the year 2010 to August 2018.
18 These organs include PAP, ACHPR, AfCHPR, ACRWC, ECOSOCC, APRM and ACIL. These meetings got a late start up, only starting in July, 2017. Though the PSC held several meetings with PAP since 2011. The PSC also work closely
with the ACHPR, i.e. in one of its meeting tasked the ACHPR to conduct investigation in Burundi on human rights violations and report back to Council.
xv. Convening “annual joint consultative meetings on peace and security in Africa” 19 between the PSC and the UN Security Council (launched in 2007), as well as with similar organs of
other international organizations within the context of Article 17 of the PSC Protocol, namely the EUPSC (launched in 2008) and the League of Arab States Peace and Security
Council (launched in 2010).20 Around 2009, the PSC put in place plans for similar meetings with the South American Defence and Security Council, but the initiative did not take off
due to the then low momentum in Africa-South America Partnership as the political
umbrella, among other reasons;
xvi. Mobilizing within the AU system for a predictable and sustainable budget for the activities of the PSC and its subsidiary bodies, in particular the Committee
of Experts.
This initiative has placed the PSC in a situation of relative autonomy within which it can now plan ahead for its activities and motivated the operationalization of the Committee of Experts to
assist the PSC in its work;
xvii. Undertaking “joint field missions” 21 with similar organs of other international organizations to conflict areas in Africa.
The PSC, together with the European Union Political and Security Committee, jointly visited Mali (2016) and to the Central African Republic (2018) to engage with stakeholders on the ground, with a view to gathering
first-hand information and obtaining common and better understanding of realities on the ground, so as to better inform both Organs in their efforts to reach lasting solutions
to the conflict/crisis situations;
xviii. Carrying out active interaction/engagements with the parties and or interested parties to a given conflict/crisis situation in processes aimed at finding
solutions to the situations.
This has taken place both in PSC meetings and during PSC field missions;
xix. Using the wider PRC system and the AU Commission system, the PSC has contributed towards the mobilization of human resources, particularly for the PSC
Secretariat and for interpretation and translation support for its work;
xx. Promotion of mainstreaming of issues of gender, youth and children.
In this perspective, while the PSC Protocol is silent on these cardinal issues, the PSC has taken concrete steps
to ensure that aspects relating to women, youth and children within the efforts to promote peace, security and stability in the Continent are given prominence and visibility.
To this effect, the PSC has put in place annual open sessions in which participate AU Member States and other relevant stakeholders, to review progress and challenges there
on, in mainstreaming gender, youth and children issues into the work of the PSC specifically and that of the AU and RECs/RMs in the broader sense. Thematically these
open issues are discussed under the following rubrics namely, women, peace and security in Africa; Commemoration of the UN Security Council resolution 1325 and AU and
RECs/RMs instruments on women, peace and security; and children in situations of armed conflicts in Africa. The Report of the PSC on its Activities and the State of Peace and
Security in Africa, as presented to each ordinary session of the AU Assembly, has been a
key instrument in enhancing the PSC’s work on this issues.
The PSC carried out the following main activities:
- (i) Enhanced response of the PSC to the various conflict, crisis and post-conflict/post-crisis situations in the Continent;
- (ii) field missions were conducted in South Sudan, from 24 to 26 March 2021; to Sudan from 29 March to 1 April 2021; to the Central African Republic, from 28 to 30 June 2021; to Mali from 14 to 17 July 2021; and to Somalia from 8 to 10 November 2021. The Council in conjunction with the AU Commission undertook a Fact-Finding Mission to Chad from 29 April to 6 May 2021 following the tragic killing of former President Idris Deby Itno;
- (iii) mproved coordination between the PSC and the Peace and Security Organs of the RECs/RMs, through the convening of the Second Annual Joint Consultative Meeting inaugural joint retreat of the AUPSC and APRM in Durban, South Africa laid the foundation for stronger synergies between AGA and APSA;
- (iv) Renewal of the mandate of the G-5 Sahel for additional one year with effect from 13 July 2021 premised on the consideration of their activities;
- (v) Renewal of the Mandate of the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) until 31 December 2021 following the PSC’s consideration of the situation in Somalia, as well as the activities of AMISOM and reaffirmed the commitment to review AU’s engagement in Somalia post-2021;
- (vi) Renewal of the mandate of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) at its 973rd meeting of 18 January 2021 for additional one year, from 31 January 2021 until 30 January 2022;
- (vii) Enhanced support to incoming African Members (A3) of the UNSC through the convening of the Eighth High-Level Seminar on Peace and Security in Africa at Oran, Algeria.
Engagement on Conflict Situations, Political transitions and Thematic Issues
- Despite imitations imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the PSC continued relentlessly to promote peace, security and stability in Africa, as stipulated in its Protocol. In this regard, the Council remained actively seized of crisis, conflicts and post-conflict situations on the Continent. It also devoted significant attention to various thematic issues related to peace, security and stability on the Continent as well as the renewal of mandates of AU Peace Support Operations (PSO) missions. To this effect, from January to December 2021, the PSC held 85 meetings compared to 70 in 2020. Unprecedentedly, ten (10) virtual meetings held at ministerial level on different thematic issues, while two (2) meetings held at level of Heads of State
- Council convened a total of 22 meetings on country-specific issues, 40 on thematic issues and four (4) on regional issues . Specific situations considered by PSC included Burundi; the Central Africa Republic; Chad; Ethiopia; Guinea; Libya; Mali/Sahel; South Sudan; Sudan; Western Sahara; Somalia; The Comoros and the Horn of Africa, G5 Sahel, Great Lakes; and Lake Chad Basin; as well as the operational activities of the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM). The conflict situation that dominated the Council’s agenda were Somalia and the status of AMISOM post 2021 with the convening of five (5) meetings against an average of two (2) for other Member States seized by the PSC. The thematic issue that attracted Council’s attention with the convening of three (3) sessions was climate change, peace and security. Consequently, a total of fifty-eight (58) communiques and four (4) press statements were issued by the PSC, in 2021 with strategic decisions aimed at enhancing good governance, peace, security and stability, which are currently implemented by the AU Commission (AUC), Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution (RECs/RMs) and Member States.
Renewal of mandates of AU Peace Support Operations
- 9. The PSC, in line with its power renewed the mandates of the following AU PSOs:
- a. At its 973rd meeting held on 18th January 2021, the PSC renewed the mandate of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) against the Boko Haram terrorist group for 12 months, from 31 January 2021 until 30 January 2022 with a charge to sustain efforts aimed at creating a safe and secure environment in the areas affected by the activities of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups; facilitate stabilization programmes and humanitarian operations.
- b. On 11 May 2021, the PSC 994th meeting on the situation in Somalia and the activities of the AU Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), renewed the mandate of AMISOM until 31 December 2021 and reaffirmed its commitment to review the engagement of the AU in Somalia post-2021. At its 1053rd meeting held on 7 December 2021, the PSC requested the Commission to continue the consultations with Somalia, UN and EU on the strategic objectives, mandate, size, composition and financing of a follow-on mission, including the handing over of security responsibilities to the Somali Security Forces by the end of 2023, as stipulated in the Somali Transition Plan. This is also applicable to the Concept of Operations for the AMISOM post-2021 follow-on mission. Council further urged the UN Security Council (UNSC) to consider approving a technical rollover of the mandate of AMISOM pending finalization of consultations on a follow-on mission. To this effect the UNSC on 21st December 2021 approved a technical rollover mandate for three (3) months, with effect from 1 January 2022. The roll over will allow the AU and UN to finalize the joint report on the status of AMISOM post 2021.
- c. The 1006th PSC meeting held on 6 July 2021, Council renewed the mandate of the G-5 Sahel Joint Force for one year with effect from 13 July 2021, urging the force to continue to combat terrorism, drug and human trafficking in the G5 Sahel region by eradicating the actions of terrorist armed groups and other organized criminal groups, towards restoring security and peace in the region.
Thematic Issues
- 10. A s indicated earlier, the PSC considered 40 thematic issues relating to peace,
security and stability in Africa, including women, peace and security; protection of children in
conflict situations, peace fund, climate change, peace and security, elections, early warning and
conflict prevention, nexus between peace, security and development as well as the COVID 19 pandemic
and access to vaccines
against the virus. Some decisions of Council on the thematic issues in summary, are:
- a. Climate Change: PSC reiterated the need for the AUC to mainstream climate change in all its activities particularly in early warning and prevention of climate change-related violent conflicts in the continent and, requested the Continental Early Warning System (CEWS) to include in its regular briefing to Council on looming climate change-related security threats in the continent. Council also called on the Commission to expedite action on the study on the nexus between climate change, peace and security; requested feedback from the Chairperson of AUC on the appointment of an AU Special Envoy for Climate Change and Security; and decided to establish an AU Special Fund for Climate Change to support measures to combat negative impact of climate change, as well as the Continental Civil Capacity for Disaster Preparedness and Response. Council welcomed the hosting of the 27th session of the Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP27) in 2022 in the Arab Republic of Egypt, and called upon all Member States and the AU organs to support Egypt’s presidency of COP27 to advance African priorities for a common position and concrete actions on global climate change.
- b. Women, Peace and Security (WPS): Council during its 987th meeting held at the ministerial level on 22 March 2021, underscored the need to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, broadening women's access to education, improving their participation in the economy and decision-making, providing access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. Council encouraged Member States and RECs/RMs to develop action plans to facilitate the domestication and implementation of UNSCR 1325 and AU-WPS agenda; requested the Commission to develop a template for use by Member States and RECs/RMs for reporting on the implementation of WPS; and called for gender responsiveness and women’s leadership in planning and rolling out of COVID-19 vaccine distribution, to ensure global access and coverage, particularly in poor and marginalized, as well as war affected communities.
- c. Protection of Children in Conflict Situations: PSC requested the Commission to mobilize support for Member States hosting refugees, internally displaced persons and undocumented migrants and ensure the AU-COVID-19 Response Fund caters for humanitarian assistance to children in refugees and IDP camps. Council also encouraged the establishment of a child protection situation room to facilitate coordinated responses aimed at protecting children affected by armed conflict; requested the Commission to institutionalize a child protection architecture within APSA; and reiterated its call to the Chairperson of the AUC to appoint a Special Envoy on Children in Situations of Conflict.
- d. AU Peace Fund: For the first time since the revitalization of the Peace Fund, the PSC considered the utilization of the AU Peace Fund on the priority areas or situations, including supporting peace processes in Libya, Mali, Somalia, Sudan, Guinea under window 1; trainings and lessons learnt on mediation and dialogue and transitional justice under window 2 and support to the AU led peace support operations under window 3.
- e. COVID-19 pandemic: PSC at its 998th meeting held at the ministerial level, underscored the need to raise global awareness of the threat posed by COVID-19 to human security in Africa, as a result of the current unethical practices of hoarding and monopolizing COVID-19 vaccines; Condemned all acts and attempts aimed at undermining Africa’s efforts to access COVID-19 vaccines and called on the international community to ensure that such vaccines are equitably distributed taking into consideration that ‘nobody is safe until everyone is safe’.
- f. Nexus between Peace, Security and Development: The PSC, at its 975th meeting held on 27 January 2021 and 1055th meeting on 14 December, 2021 underlined the inextricable interdependence between peace, security and socio-economic development and the need for an integrated, inclusive and comprehensive approach in tackling peace, security and development as a tool to mitigate against the perpetuation of violent conflicts and the resulting societal fragmentation, destruction of vital infrastructure, state collapse and socio-economic decline. Council also encouraged Member States to create conducive conditions for informal economies as one of the means to achieve economic growth and sustainable development, and also to create appropriate spaces for collaboration between the public and political parties, the private sector and civil society, in mapping out national development priorities and their implementation. It further called for continued collaboration between the AU Commission, AUDA-NEPAD, African Development Bank (AfDB) and the broader international community on strategies to overcome socio-economic challenges and address human security.
- g. On Maritime Security in Africa: Council reiterated the importance of the Lomé Charter as an African instrument for promoting peace, security and safety in Africa’s maritime domain, which are the necessary prerequisites for sustainable development and growth and for the general wellbeing of African people. Furthermore, Council emphasized the importance for Member States to find comprehensive solutions to the multidimensional fundamental root causes and drivers of maritime insecurity including the socio-economic drivers. Also emphasized that security and military measures should be part of a comprehensive and integrated approach to address maritime insecurity.
Consultations with other African Union Organs
- 11. The PSC held consultations with the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights (ACHPR) and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM). Pursuant to Article 19 of the AU PSC Protocol, the Council dedicated its 1019th meeting of 10 August 2021 to consultations with the Banjul-based ACHPR. In its Communique [PSC/PR/COMM.1019(2021)], Council encouraged the ACHPR to adopt a more comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach to human right as stipulated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; as well as underscored the importance of mainstreaming human rights standards and principles throughout conflict prevention, management, stabilization, resolution and post-conflict reconstruction and development efforts. Council also stressed the need for thorough investigations into alleged cases of human rights violations and abuses during armed conflict situations, especially sexual abuses, exploitations and gender-based violence, as well as to ensure that perpetrators of such violations and abuses account for their actions, in order to fight impunity and promote justice for the victims.
- 12. Similarly, from 19 to 21 December 2021, the PSC held its first joint retreat with APRM, to exchange views on diverse reports produced to enhance early warning strategies aimed at addressing the root causes of conflicts in the Continent. This was pursuant to Communique [PSC/PR/COMM. (CMLXII)] of the PSC 962nd meeting held on 5th November 2020. The joint retreat provided an opportunity for the PSC and Eminent Persons of APRM to examine the peer reviewed reports of Egypt and Cote d’Ivoire and other issues related to good governance, democracy, rule of law and human rights as well as conflict prevention. The forum agreed to institutionalize the joint forum as an annual event and convene the 2nd annual retreat in Durban, South Africa; encouraged strong collaboration with relevant departments in AUC and other organs on early warning and conflict prevention.
- 13. It should also be noted that the PSC invited a number of AU Organs to provide briefings to the Council. The PSC was briefed by CISSA, CAERT, AFRIPOL on early warning and continental security outlook. During these meetings, the PSC emphasized on the need to enhance collaboration with these Organs/institutions on early warning and intelligence sharing, with a view to provide capacity to Member States to address peace and security challenges facing the Continent.
Engagements with RECs/RMs
- 14. On 26 August 2021, the PSC held its Second Annual Joint Consultative Meeting with the Peace and Security Organs of the RECs/RMs. This is in line with Article 16 of the PSC Protocol, which institutionalizes the relationship between the PSC and the RECs/RMs in the promotion of peace, security and stability on the Continent; the 2008 Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in the area of peace and security between the AU, the RECs and the Coordinating Mechanisms of the Regional Standby Brigades of Eastern and Northern Africa, as well as Chapter IV of the Abuja Treaty of 1991 establishing the African Economic Community and the relevant provisions of the AU Constitutive Act with regard to the relationship between the AU and the RECs/RMs.
- 15. The forum agreed to enhance collaboration through the development of a consolidated roadmap that outlines practical steps, assigns roles and responsibilities with specific timelines and clearly defined modalities for undertaking early responses to looming crisis and expediting action to mitigate/resolve crisis and conflicts. It also agreed to convene a joint retreat in 2022 to brainstorm and reflect on the ‘decision-making, harmonization and coordination between the PSC and RECs/RMs on the promotion of peace and security” and thereafter develop a report on the promotion of common response strategies to be presented during the AU Summit; commence a transparent, in-depth and dynamic dialogue with the participation of Member States, the Commission, RECs/RMs concerning the scope, dimensions, variables and criteria of the applicability of the principle of subsidiarity. It is pertinent to highlight that an inter-Regional Knowledge Exchange (i-RECKE) Platform on early warning and conflict prevention, has been proposed by the Commission, which, with support from the PAPS Department, shall strengthen engagement with the RECs/RMs on lessons learnt and way forward in tackling shared challenges.
Strengthening Partnerships for African Peace and Security
- 16. Within the context of Article 17 of the PSC Protocol, the PSC held its 6th Informal Joint Seminar and 15th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting (AJCM) with the UNSC Members in December 2021. The 6th Informal Joint Seminar exchanged views on a) Predictable and Sustainable Financing for AU-led PSOs and b) Enhancing the Cooperation between the PSC and the UNSC. Similarly, the 15th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting deliberated on a) AMISOM post-2021; b) Situation in the Sahel Region; c) Efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism in Africa; and d) Support to the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM).
- 17. The Commission also facilitated monthly coordination meetings between the Chairperson of the AUPSC and the President of the UNSC to strengthen synergies, information-sharing and coordination of African peace and security issues on the agenda of both Councils. Similarly, the AU Permanent Observer Mission to the UN organized monthly briefings for the A3+1, the PAPS Department and the UN Secretariat to inform the policy-making processes of both organizations. The PSC Committee of Experts’ (CoE) of the AUPSC, held consultations with the Experts of the A3+1 in New York in November 2021 in preparation for the 15th AJCM and 6th Informal Joint Seminar between the UNSC and AUPSC.
- 18. Worthy of note is that the PSC convened the 4th consultative meeting with the UN Peacebuilding Commission (UN-PBC) on 11 November 2021 which focused on enhancing cooperation around the critical political transitions currently underway in Africa. The AUPSC and UN-PBC recognized the revitalization and operationalization of the AU Policy on Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) and the official launch of the AU-PCRD Centre in Cairo, to enhance post-conflict reconstruction efforts and drive African-led interventions. Member States stressed the importance of comprehensive, coordinated and phased approaches to peacebuilding activities in Africa, taking into account the countries’ short- and long-term needs in line with the notion of national ownership and leadership of peacebuilding activities.
- 19. In December 2021, the PSC in collaboration with the Commission, the Government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria and the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), organized the Eighth High-Level Seminar on Peace and Security in Africa in Oran, Algeria pursuant to Communique [PSC/HoG./COMM(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 centered on AGA/APSA synergies, particularly the achievements made and the challenges to be addressed; the threat of terrorism in Africa with particular focus on prospects for enhancing the effectiveness of AU mechanisms to prevent and combat the scourge of terrorism. The meeting also explored ways to enhance coordination between the AUPSC and A3+1 towards strengthening Africa’s voice within the UNSC. The conclusions of the Seminar are attached herewith as Annex I. Further, in order to diversify its partnership base, the PSC invited the League of Arab States (LAS) to participate in its meetings as necessary, while the 13th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting and 5th Informal Joint Seminar with the European Union Political and Security Committee were postponed due to a number of factors.
- 20. The Conclusions of the 8th High Level Seminar was adopted by the PSC during its 1056th meeting held on 30 December 2021.
PSC Field Missions
- The PSC undertook six (6) field missions to South Sudan, Sudan and Central African Republic, Mali, Somalia, to gather first-hand information on the realities of crisis/conflict situations and reaffirm the solidarity of the AU with the people of the concerned Member States. Representatives of the Council and AUC also undertook a Fact-Finding Mission to Chad from 29 April to 6 May 2021 following the death of H.E. President Idriss Deby Itno.
Retooling the PSC working methods
- 23. In May 2021, the PSC held its 13th Retreat in Mombasa, Kenya, which reviewed its working methods in the context of AU Institutional Reforms. The retreat, which had the highest representation at the ambassadorial level, with the participation of 13 Ambassadors, also discussed the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Mechanism for the AU Master Roadmap (AUMR) of Practical Steps for Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2030 as well as the Strategic Priorities
for the Utilization of the AU Peace Fund. Some of the conclusions of the retreat include:
- i. All intending PSC Members to ensure full compliance with the PSC Protocol, Rules of Procedure of the PSC and the Manual on the Working Methods of the PSC, particularly Article 5 (2) (h), on the requirement of having a sufficiently staffed and equipped permanent missions at the Headquarters of the Union, to be able to shoulder the responsibilities which go with membership of the council;
- ii. To reinstitute monthly early warning meetings between the PSC Ambassadors/Charge d’Affaires and the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security. It is pertinent to highlight that the CPAPS has since then held two such sessions with the PSC Ambassadors;
- iii. Agreed on the need for immediate utilization of the bank interest generated from the Peace Fund while ensuring transparency and accountability. In this regard, gave a nod for the Commission to earnestly commence the process for the pilot utilization.
- iv. Took note of the concern raised by the PSC Members of the Northern Africa Region, with regard to the regional representation of Members on the Council, and agreed to continue with discussion on the matter with a view to agreeable decision by the Assembly.
- 24. The PSC at its 1004th meeting of 17 June, 2021, adopted the Conclusions of the 13th Retreat on Working Methods in the Context of AU Institutional Reforms, attached as Annex II and adopted the Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism for the AUMR of Practical Steps for Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2030
Support role of the PSC-Sub-Committees
- 26. Committee of Experts and Military Staff Committee: The Committee of Experts (CoE) and the Military Staff Committee (MSC) continued to support the PSC. Primarily, the CoE, contributed to the finalization of the draft Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism for the AUMR of Practical Steps for Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2030, considered the African Consensus on Financing as well as the strategic priorities for the pilot utilization of the AU Peace Fund and facilitated the preparations of the 14th AJCM between the PSC and the UNSC as well as preparations for the various field missions. These consultations facilitated for the smooth conduct and adoption of the Joint Communique of the 16th AJCM between the PSC and the UNSC. On its part, the MSC held meetings on 7 July 2021 and on 23 July 2021 on the Report of the AU Independent Assessment Team on the Future of AMISOM Post-2021 and made recommendations to the PSC. Furthermore, following the PSC’s request, the MSC and the CoE held preliminary reflections on the Strategic Priorities for the Utilization of the AU Peace Fund.
Conclusions
- 27. The PSC adopted its Annual Indicative Programme (AIP) with ten (10) conflict situations in Africa, two (2) post-conflict situations, 25 thematic issues relating to promotion of peace, security and stability. Notwithstanding the prevailing challenges of COVID-19 pandemic, the PSC lived up to its mandate by making considerable progress with over 85 percent implementation of its AIP. It is instructive to highlight that the Council commemorated its 1000th meeting in May 2021. This landmark meeting, which brought together former commissioners for peace and Security, past directors and other stakeholders, examined significant strides by the council since its establishment, including the reduction of inter and intra-state conflicts as well as the operationalization and strengthening of the decision-making of AGA and APSA. While acknowledging that the AU has all relevant tools to support the work of the PSC to address peace and security challenges in the Continent council reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to continue to discharge its mandate. The PSC expressed concerns about the gap between the AU Assembly and PSC decisions and their effective implementation on the ground and underlined the importance of Africa to speak with one voice on all matters relating to peace, security and stability in the Continent, full respect of all AU Assembly and PSC decisions, including through enhanced cooperation and collaboration with the African Members of the UN Security Council (A3) and the international community.
- Other achievements of the PSC include:
- institutionalization of quarterly informal consultations between the PSC and the Commissioner for PAPS with emphasis on early warning for conflict prevention and mitigation;
- Prompt response to threats to governance, peace and security including unconstitutional changes of government;
- Intensified support to Member States in Political Transitions, Conflicts and Post-Conflict Situations;
- Endorsement of the first-ever PCRD awareness week as well as commemoration of the annual Amnesty Month;
- Sustained engagement with Member States including through field missions;
- and increased engagement with AU organs, RECs/RMs, UNSC and other partners.
Engagement on Conflict Situations, Political transitions and Thematic Issues
- 7. The PSC continued to be actively seized of crisis, conflict and post-conflict situations on the Continent. Council also devoted significant attention to the situations in Abyei, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Libya, Mali, Mozambique, Somalia, South Sudan and Sudan, and various thematic issues related to governance, peace, security and stability including issues of climate change, financing and renewal of mandates of AU Peace Support Operation (PSO) missions, such as African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM). To this effect, from January to December 2022, the PSC held 71 meetings in which 92 agenda items were considered compared to 85 in 2021, out of which 7 were held at ministerial level. Twenty-nine (29) of those meetings were dedicated to conflict situations while 32 were on thematic issues. Compared to the previous years, the PSC held more meetings on thematic issues. A total of 92 outcomes, out of which 70 were communiqués, 6 Press Statements, 5 Summary Records and 11 Work Programmes, providing strategic direction to the AU Commission, RECs/RMs and Member States, as well as other concerned stakeholders.
Consideration of regional, thematic issues and other situations
- 8. Underscoring the importance of addressing regional peace and security matters, as well as thematic issues relating to peace and security, the PSC, in line with its Annual Indicative Programme, held several meetings. The Council held meetings on the Horn of Africa, Great Lakes, Lake Chad, Sahel and Gulf of Guinea, in which decisions were adopted to provide guidance to AU Member States and RECs/RMs on addressing peace and security challenges. Below are the meetings held and outcomes adopted by the PSC on regional, thematic and other situations from January to December 2022:
- Table 3: Regional Consideration
-
No. Date (2022) Meeting No. Region Agenda 1. 10 February 1064 Horn of Africa Briefing from the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa, H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2. 19 April 1078 Great Lakes Follow-up on the 10th Regional Oversight Mechanism of February 2022 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo 3. 31 May 1086 Lake Chad Situation in the Lake Chad Basin 4. 1 June 1087 Sahel Situation in the Sahel region 5. 28 June 1090 Gulf of Guinea Maritime Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea 6. 4 August 1097 Horn of Africa Briefing on the situation in the Horn of Africa 7. 29 September 1108 Abyei Situation in the Abyei 8. 31 October 1116.2 Sahel Situation in the Sahel and Guinea 9. 19 December 1128 Gulf of Guinea Briefing on the maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea - Thematic issues and their outcomes covered by the PSC in the year 2022 are as follows:
- Table 4: Thematic consideration
-
No. Topical/Thematic No of Sessions Meeting Number 1. Africa Amnesty Month 1 1105 2. Children in Armed Conflict 3 1070, 1101, 1110 3. Climate Change 3 1079, 1114, 1117 4. Cybercrime & Cybersecurity 1 1120 5. Democracy and Governance 1 1061 6. Early Warning 1 1073 7. Elections in Africa 2 1062, 1096 8. Emerging Technologies and New Media 1 1097 9. Food Security 1 1083 10. Genocide and Hate Crimes in Africa 1 1088 11. Humanitarian Action 1 1081 12. Living Together in Peace 1 1084 13. Maritime Security 1 1090 14. Mine Action 1 1072 15. Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) 1 1122 16. Small Arms and Light Weapons 1 1085 17. Terrorism and Violent Extremism 2 1107, 1111 18. Transnational Organized Crimes 1 1082 19. Unconstitutional Changes of Government 2 1077, 1100 20. Weapons of Mass Destruction 1 1071 21. Women, Peace and Security 2 1063, 1109 22. Youth, Peace and Security 3 1067, 1080, 1118 - 9. In a nutshell, the PSC had 32 agenda items on thematic issues, Twenty (20) on conflict situations, 9 on regional issues, 6 on peace support operations (PSO’s) and 24 on other situations/topics such as coordination with A3, Peace Fund, as well as adoption of monthly provisional programme of work.
Consultations with other African Union Organs
- 10. Pursuant to Article 19 of the AU PSC Protocol, the Council dedicated at its 1095th meeting held on 1 August 2022 on the Joint Engagement between the PSC and the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) Sub-Committee on Human Rights, Democracy and Governance (HRDG). The PSC emphasized the need for enhanced synergies and complementarity of efforts, as well as the need to avoid duplication of efforts between the Council and the Sub-committee and agreed to hold the Joint Engagement as an annual event. At its 1098th Session of 11 August 2022, the PSC engaged with the African Governance Platform (AGP) Members. This inaugural session reflected on the contributions of the Platform to the promotion of democratic governance and fostering synergy between security and governance. In its outcome document, Council called on AGP Members to enhance and transform the diverse policy orientations on the promotion of democracy and good governance, respect for human rights and rule of law into actionable interventions and institutionalized and regularized the holding of the Joint Engagement between the PSC and AGA Platform as an annual event. Furthermore, at its 1120th meeting, held on 9 November 2022, the PSC held an Inaugural Engagement with the AU Commission on International Law. Among others, the PSC requested the AU Commission on International Law to prepare a draft statement on the Application of International Law to Cyberspace to be submitted to Council for consideration, as well as to circulate to all Member States the background note and questionnaire prepared by the AU Commission on International Law on the application of international law to cyberspace, and encouraged Member States to expeditiously respond to the questionnaire.
- 11. Similarly, from 14 to 15 November 2022, the PSC held the Second Joint Retreat with APRM, in line with the conclusions of the Inaugural Joint retreat held in December 2021. During the 2nd Joint Retreat, the two sides took stock of the status of implementation of the conclusions of the Inaugural Joint Retreat and received several briefings on the Peer Review Reports of the various AU Member States. It was stressed that issues of governance, peace and security are becoming complex and therefore, the need was underscored for the APRM to intensify its efforts in conflict prevention through closer coordination with the Panel of the Wise, as well as the full utilization of I-RECKE which provides a platform to engage the RECs/RMs on early warning and early response.
- 12. Additionally, the PSC invited a number of AU Organs and security related institutions to share updates. The Council was briefed by CISSA, ACSRT, AFRIPOL on early warning and continental security outlook, including terrorism and violent extremism. Thus, the PSC emphasized the essence of enhancing collaboration with AU Organs/institutions on early warning and intelligence sharing, with a view to supporting Member States and RECs/RMs in addressing peace and security challenges facing the Continent.
Engagements with RECs/RMs
- 14. The PSC has scaled up its engagement with the RECs/RMs on peace and security issues. The participation of RECs/RMs has helped to provide regional perspectives in the PSC decision making process. This has enhanced synergy between the PSC and RECs/RMs in their activities in the search for peace and security on the continent.
Engagement with Civil Society Organizations
- 16. The PSC convened its 1st Joint Consultative Meeting with the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), on 14 September 2022. The meeting was held within the framework of Articles 5 and 22 of the AU Constitutive Act, on the establishment of Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC); and Article 20 of the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and the Conclusions of the Retreat of the PSC, held in Livingstone, Zambia, on 4 and 5 December 2008 (Livingstone Formula), which called for increased interaction between the PSC and CSOs in the promotion of peace, security, and stability in Africa. The 1st Joint Consultative Meeting highlighted the relevance of the Livingstone Formula and the Maseru Conclusions on the role of the CSOs to peace and security matters in Africa; and requested ECOSOCC to take stock of the Livingstone Formula and Maseru Conclusions in order to assess progress, identify lessons learned and challenges, as well as make recommendations on how to further enhance the implementation of these decisions.
Strengthening Partnerships for African Peace and Security
- 17. Within the context of Article 17 of the PSC Protocol, in June 2022, the AU PSC and the European Union, Political and Security Committee (EU PSC) held their 13th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting and the 5th Informal Joint Seminar. The Joint Informal Consultations provided an opportunity for the two PSCs to exchange views on their joint efforts aimed at addressing the threat to peace and security in Africa.
- 18. Furthermore, in October 2022, the PSC held its 7th Informal Joint Seminar and 16th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting (AJCM) with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Members. During the 7th Joint Informal Seminar, the two decision- making Organs, co-chaired by the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Gabon, exchanged views on how to consolidate cooperation between them. While reaffirming the primary responsibility of the UNSC for the maintaining of international peace and security, the 16th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting discussed issues of common concern, notably the imperative to strengthen AU and UN-led Peace Support Operations in Africa, the situation in West Africa and the Sahel, the Great Lakes region, as well as application of sanctions in conflict situations in Africa.
- 19. Based on the growing practice, the Chairpersons of the PSC and the Presidents of the UNSC have continued to engage on monthly basis and exchanged views on the program of work of the two Councils with a view, among other things, to identifying areas of close collaboration.
- 20. 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 28 November 2022. The session focused on the implications of climate change on peace building efforts in Africa. This meeting was held within the context of the PAPS PCRD week and sought to promote PCRD activities of the Union.
- 21. In December 2022, the PSC in collaboration with the Commission, the Government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria and the UN Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), organized the Ninth High-Level Seminar on Peace and Security in Africa 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 ‘African Responses to Emerging Threats to Peace and Security in the Continent - Addressing the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism in Africa’. The Conclusions of the 9th High Level Seminar was adopted by the PSC during its 1130th meeting held on 10 January 2023.
PSC Field Missions
- Table 5: Field Missions
-
Date Topic Country Mission Objective 22–25 February R-ARCSS South Sudan Review the overall situation on the ground, particularly the status of implementation of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), and identify challenges to be addressed. 20–22 June Great Lakes Region Burundi Promote peace, security, and stability in the Great Lakes Region through engagement with various stakeholders, including member states, sub-regional organizations, and especially the youth. 19–22 July Somalia Situation & ATMIS Somalia Review the situation on the ground in the context of the implementation of the ATMIS mandate and the Somalia Transition Plan. 4–7 September Africa Amnesty Month (AAM) Togo Engage in interactive sessions on the implementation of the AAM initiative, including symbolic destruction of illicit weapons and engagement with UNREC.
PSC participation on stakeholders' activities
- 24. The PSC also participated in the peace and security activities organized by the AU Commission. The PSC played active roles in the Reflection Forum on Unconstitutional Changes of Government, held in March 2022 in Accra, Ghana. The Forum adopted the Accra Declaration which was further adopted by the 16th Extraordinary Session of the Union in May 2022, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
- 25. In October 2022, in Tangier, Morocco, the AU Commission, with the support of AfDB, Afreximbank, UNECA, UNDP and the Kingdom of Morocco, organized the inaugural AU Policy Conference, Promoting the Peace, Security and Development Nexus with the participation of the PSC. The conference adopted the Tangiers Declaration to facilitate policy making on development, peace and security issues.
- 26. Furthermore, in November 2022, in Abuja, Nigeria, the PSC Chairperson and five PSC Members, representing the AU five geographical regions, represented the Council at the Inaugural Lessons Learned Forum on PSOs of the African Standby Force. The Abuja Forum took stock of the achievements, challenges and opportunities of AU PSOs, past and current. Members of the Military Staff Committee of the PSC also attended the Forum.
PSC-related programmatic activities
- Table 6: PSC-related Programmatic Activities
-
Date Activity Country Main Objective 15-17 March Forum on Unconstitutional Changes of Government Accra, Ghana Stakeholders engagement including Member States, RECs/RMs, think tanks, CSOs to respond to and address the recurrence of coup d’états in Africa 25-27 October AU Policy Conference on Peace, Security and Development, Nexus Tangier, Morocco Policy and decision-making focused on the nexus between peace, security, and sustainable development. 1-3 November Inaugural Lessons Learned Forum on PSOs Abuja, Nigeria Lessons and experience sharing on best practices to improve the deployment operations of future AU peace missions. 7-9 December High-Level Seminar Oran, Algeria Strengthening coherence, cooperation and coordination between the PSC and the A3 in discharging their respective mandates
Retooling the PSC working methods
- 28. The PSC held its 14th retreat on working methods in November 2022, in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The Council reviewed its working methods with a view to improve its decision-making process and monitoring of conflict situations. The PSC received an update on the Terms of Reference for the Ministerial Committee on Counter-Terrorism and PSC Sub-Committee on Sanctions in line with the AU Assembly decisions on Unconstitutional Changes of Government and Terrorism held in May 2022 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. An update was also provided on the process for the development of the African Consensus Paper on Financing AU peace and security activities. In this regard, the PSC Committee of Experts was tasked to review the draft paper. It is noted that the PSC implemented more than 76% of its activities based on the 2022 Annual Indicative Programme.
- 29. At the conclusion of its 14th retreat, Council stressed the need to address the persistent challenge of frequency of meetings, through full compliance with the provisions of the PSC Protocol (Article 8.2) and paragraph 12 of the Manual of PSC Working Methods, in order to give room for meetings on emergency situations. In this regard, the PSC agreed to increase the use of its Troika, composed of the Chair of the month, the incoming Chair and the outgoing Chair, in ensuring synchronization of PSC Monthly Provisional Programme of Work with the Programme of Work of the Permanent Representatives Committee, as well as to avoid overlaps/clashes of meetings and activities of the PAPS Department. The Conclusions of the 14th PSC Retreat was adopted by the PSC at its 1128th meeting held on 19 December 2022.
Support role of the PSC Sub-Committees and Military Staff Committee
- 31. In order to ensure smooth operation of the activities of Council, the PSC established its Committee of Experts (CoE) with the mandate on the development of technical documents and preparation of PSC meetings. In May 2022, in Debrezeit, Ethiopia, an inaugural orientation for the CoE was held on the working methods of the PSC, as well as drafting working documents of Council. In September 2022, in Accra, Ghana, the CoE reviewed the draft terms of reference (ToR) on the established Ministerial Committee on Counter Terrorism and the Sanctions Committee in line with the implementation of the Malabo Declaration emanating from the 16th Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly in May 2022, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea. The workshop established a roadmap for the finalization of the above-mentioned ToRs that calls for the review by the PSC and PRC for finalization, as soon as possible.
- 32. The PSC Military Staff Committee (MSC) has continued to support the efforts of the Council through advising on peace and security issues, particularly those relating to peace support operations of the AU. In November 2022, the MSC contributed to the Lessons Learning Forum on PSOs in Abuja, Nigeria.
M. Conclusion
- 33. The year 2022 has been characterised with emerging peace and security issues such as the spread of terrorism and violent extremism, as well as the negative impact of climate change. The suspension of 4 Member States, the highest number ever in one calendar year, due to unconstitutional changes of Government, points to the growing governance deficit on the continent. The PSC has remained actively seized of all conflict and transition situations in the continent, as well as thematic issues. Out of 13 conflict and transition cases, that the Council was seized with, based on the PSC Annual Indicative Programme (AIP) of Work for 2022, the PSC addressed 12 situations. It is worth noting that out of the 23 thematic issues that the Council was seized with, a total of 17 thematic were addressed. In addition, the situation in Ethiopia was added to the PSC AIP for 2022, in which tremendous progress has been made following the signing of the AU-facilitated Peace Agreement in November 2022, in Pretoria, South Africa.
- 34. It should be noted that, during the year 2022, the PSC endorsed the transformation of AMISOM to ATMIS and the gradual draw down of ATMIS to be completed in December 2024.
Overview Of Meetings
7. The PSC convened 61 sittings during 2023, in which 64 agenda items were considered, compared to 71 meetings in 2022. Two meetings were held at the Heads of State and Government (HoSG) level and eight at the Ministerial level. Conflict situations and political transitions accounted for 41% of PSC sessions in 2023. The PSC adopted fifty-five (55) Communiqués, two (2) Press Statements, and one (1) Summary Record. Decisions and directives of the PSC provided strategic guidance to the Commission, Member States, RECs/RMs and other stakeholders on peacemaking efforts on the continent.Engagement on Conflict Situations, Political transitions and Thematic Issues
- 8. The PSC continued to be actively seized of crisis, conflict and post-conflict situations on the continent. Council devoted attention to the situations in Burkina Faso, Sudan, Niger, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Libya, the Central African Republic, Chad, South Sudan, the Horn of Africa, the Sahel region and the Gulf of Guinea. Council convened emergency sessions to review the situations in Sudan, Niger and Gabon.
- 9. Various thematic issues, namely Climate Change, Elections in Africa, Continental Early Warning, Cybercrime and Cybersecurity, Humanitarian Action in Africa, private military and defence companies and mercenaries operating in Africa, and financing of the AU Peace Support Operations (PSOs), were also considered.
- 10. Council also reviewed and endorsed the extension of the mandates of the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and the AU Monitoring, Verification and Compliance Mechanism (MVCM) in Tigray, Ethiopia up to 31 December 2023.
- 11. The PSC also held two informal sessions, in April 2023 (Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso and Sudan) and December 2023, on countries in transition (Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso) to review the progress in the implementation of their transition roadmaps. On 17 May 2023, the PSC, in a historic meeting with the Chairperson of the AU, H.E. Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of the Comoros, engaged in extensive deliberations on the state of governance, peace and security on the continent, focusing mainly on political transitions; developments in the Horn of Africa, Great Lakes and Sahel Regions.
Consideration of regional, thematic issues and other situations
- 12. Underscoring the importance of addressing regional peace and security matters, as well as thematic issues relating to peace and security, the PSC, in line with its 2023 Annual Indicative Programme, held several meetings on regional issues, namely the Horn of Africa, the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea, in which decisions were adopted to provide guidance to AU Member States and RECs/RMs on addressing peace and security challenges. Below are the meetings held and outcomes adopted by the PSC on regional, thematic and other situations from January to December 2023:
- Table 3: Regional Consideration
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No. Date Region Meeting No. Regional Consideration 1. 15 Jun Horn of Africa 1158 Briefing Update on the Situation in the Horn of Africa 2. 20 Jul Sahel Region 1162 Updated Briefing on the Situation in the Sahel 3. 18 Sep Gulf of Guinea 1174 Briefing on maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea - Table 4: Thematic Meetings
No. Thematic Meetings Occurrence Meeting No. 1. Elections in Africa 2 1132, 1165 2. Early Warning 2 1138, 1170 3. Women, Peace and Security 2 1144, 1187 4. Cybercrime and Cybersecurity 2 1148, 1171 5. Mine Action 1 1146 6. Ideology of Hate Crimes in Africa 1 1147 7. Humanitarian Action in Africa 2 1155, 1178 8. CADSP and Other Relevant Defence and Security Instruments on the Continent 1 1159 9. Engagement with the PRC Sub-Committee on Human Rights, Democracy and Governance; and the AGA Platform 1 1167 10. African Union Sanctions Regime 1 1181 11. Counter-Terrorism and Related Issues 1 1182 12. Youth, Peace and Security in Africa 1 1183 13. Climate Change, Peace and Security Nexus 1 1184 14. Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development in Africa 1 1188 15. Private military and defence companies operating in Africa 1 1189.1 16. Inaugural commemoration of Africa Day of Peace and Reconciliation 1 1135 17. Community responses to security challenges on the continent 1 1163 - 13. In summary, the PSC held 24 meetings on conflict situations, 23 agenda items on thematic issues, 3 on regional issues, 3 on peace support operations (PSOs), and 14 on other matters relating to governance, peace and security in Africa, including coordination with A3 and engagements with other bodies/organisations.
Consultations with other African Union Organs/Institutions
- 14. The PSC dedicated its 1167th meeting on 11 August 2023 to an experience- sharing session with the African Governance Architecture (AGA) Platform members. This was the second engagement following the first held during the 1095th meeting on 1 August 2022. The Council underlined the need for commitment by Member States to the universal ratification, domestication, implementation and reporting of AU Shared Values, particularly the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG) and, in this regard, encouraged all Member States, which have not yet done so, to sign, ratify and domesticate the Charter. The Council further requested the AU Commission and the African Governance Platform (AGP) to organize a consultative meeting to identify joint initiatives beyond the experience-sharing sessions, paying particular attention to the following areas: Joint PSC, the PRC Sub Committee and the AGP promotional visits on AU-shared values instruments; a more active role in preventive diplomacy and mediation efforts; greater PSC involvement in the planning and delivery of the AGA Flagship Initiatives; and the establishment of follow-up mechanisms on the decisions of the joint session between PSC and AGP. In addition, Council requested the AU Commission to expedite the operationalization of the African Governance Facility in order to facilitate effective resource mobilization to support the initiatives of the AGP and Member States towards the promotion of good governance and strengthening of democracy on the continent; and in the same context, also requested the AU Commission to further strengthen the PRC Sub Committee on HRDG and AGP, as well as the institutional capacity of the AGA-APSA Secretariat to more effectively discharge their respective mandates.
- 15. Pursuant to article 18 of the PSC Protocol, the PSC had its third engagement with the Pan African Parliament (PAP) during its 1160th meeting held on 30 June 2023. This follows the first and the second meetings held during the 148th meeting on 22 August 2008 and the 344th meeting on 27 November 2012, respectively. The PSC encouraged the PAP to continue championing African interests and African common positions, including advocating for the lifting of sanctions and unilateral coercive measures imposed against African Union Member States, and consider developing close working relations with similar organizations from other Continents or regions, to galvanize support for African interests, and to enhance collaboration and cooperation in addressing issues relating to the promotion of peace, security, democracy and good governance in the Continent. The PSC, mindful of each other’s respective mandate, underscored the need for the two Organs to continue exploring practical means and ways of further enhancing their collaboration and cooperation in the promotion of peace, security and stability in the continent, as well as African Common Positions of peace and security matter, particularly in the international fora.
- 16. The PSC and the AU Commission on International Law (AUCIL) held their second engagement during the 1171st meeting on 24 August 2023. This follows the inaugural interface held during the 1120th meeting on 9 November 2022. The Council reiterated its deep concern over the increasing global cyber threats and attacks, which seriously threaten national, regional and international peace and security, and in this respect, strongly condemned all cyber-attacks particularly the recent large-scale attack on AU Commission IT infrastructure. Council welcomed the draft statement by the AUCIL on the application of International Law to the use of ICTs in cyber space prepared by the Special Rapporteur on the prohibition on intervention in internal and external affairs of States, and requested the Special Rapporteur to continue to engage Member States and other stakeholders in order to further develop the Draft Statement. In this connection, the Council decided to establish an expert-level working group, with the participation of the PSC Committee of Experts and other interested AU Member States, to review the Draft African Statement adopted and endorsed by the AUCIL for consideration and adoption by the PSC as a Common African Position on the Application of International Law in the Cyber Space. The Working Group, with the participation of the PSC CoE, in November 2023 in Tunis, Tunisia, and in January 2024 (virtual meeting), finalized the Draft Common African Position on the Application of International Law in the Cyber Space. The Common Africa Position has been considered and adopted by the PSC at its 1196th meeting of 29January 2024.
- 17. To enhance collaboration with AU Organs/institutions on early warning and intelligence sharing, CISSA, ACSRT and AFRIPOL were invited to the 1138th, 1170th and 1182nd meetings held respectively on 8 February 2023, 22 August 2023 and 27 October 2023, and respectively to brief the Council on early warning and continental security outlook, including terrorism and violent extremism.
- 18. The PSC also held its 3rd engagement with the Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) in a joint retreat held from 11 - 12 December 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa. Discussions during the retreat centred on the APRM Impact Study over the last 20 Years; Implementation of AGR Reports: Case of AGR 2023 On UCG – Chad, Comoros, Sierra Leone and Lesotho; Foreign Interference and Military Coups in Africa; and the launch of the Africa Governance Report.
Engagements with RECs/RMs
- 19. Article 16 of the PSC Protocol provides for the PSC and the RECs/RMs to engage on matters of peace, security and stability in Africa. The 3rd Annual Consultative meeting between the PSC and RECs/RMs was held from 28 to 30 August 2023 in Bujumbura, Burundi, to enhance cooperation and collaboration in addressing the Continent's governance, peace and security challenges. Discussions focused on (i) the upsurge in Terrorism and Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa and (ii) the Application of the Principle of Subsidiarity and Complementarity – Challenges, Lessons and Prospects for the Future. Further, AU-IRECKE on Early Warning and Conflict Prevention serves as the platform to boost PSC and RECs/RMs interface on the mandate of the Council.
Engagement with CSOs
- 20. Pursuant to Article 20 of the PSC Protocol and the Conclusions of the Retreat of the PSC, held in Livingstone, Zambia, on 4 and 5 December 2008 (Livingstone Formula), which called for increased interaction between the PSC and CSOs in the promotion of peace, security, and stability in Africa, the PSC convened its 2nd Annual Joint consultative meeting with the Economic, Social and Cultural Council and Representatives of Civil Society Organizations (ECOSOC) on 6 July 2023. Council underscored the role of the CSOs in several thematic areas and urged them to (i) strengthen their roles in promoting the culture of peace through educating African citizens on the culture of peace, peacebuilding and intercommunity dialogue in the fight against ideologies of hate; (ii) enhance their efforts to respond to the increasingly complex and challenging threats to peace and security in the continent as the interface between policymakers and the grassroots stakeholders; and (iii) use the social media to prevent conflicts and to disseminate reliable and credible information. Finally, Council underlined the importance of launching the AU Network of Think Tanks and Research Centers and the report of the mapping exercise of CSOs working on governance, peace and security matters by the AU Commission. The Pan African Network (PANPAPS) of CSOs on Political Affairs, Peace and Security is another platform supporting the Livingstone Formula. Council welcomed the various ways through which research organizations and CSOs have, thus far, been engaging in the peace, security and governance work of the AU in line with the Livingstone and Maseru PSC Retreat Conclusions, within the Framework of Article 20 of the PSC Protocol, and to reiterate the right and duty of the state to regulate the activities of these organizations in accordance with their respective national legislation.
Strengthening Partnerships for African Peace and Security
- 21. 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.
- 22. 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.
- 23. 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.
- 24. 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,
Consultations
- 25. Article 8 (10) and (11) of the PSC Protocol provides for the PSC to hold open meetings and informal consultations with parties concerned by or interested in a conflict situation or thematic issue under its consideration. The list of such engagements is below:
- Table 5: Consultations
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Date Location Level Invitees Agenda 26 April Addis Ababa PR Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Sudan Informal consultations with countries in political transition (Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Sudan). 17 May Addis Ababa PR H.E. Azali Assoumani, President of Comoros and AU Chairperson Meeting with the Chairperson of the AU on Governance, Peace and Security in Africa: Focusing on the conflict resolution and political transition in Sudan. March, April & October Addis Ababa PR PSC and CPAPS Informal Engagement on UCG, budget execution and AU Peace Fund. 21 December Virtual PR Guinea, Mali and Burkina Faso Informal Consultation: Updated briefing on the countries in Political Transition 4–5 December Banjul, The Gambia MIN (Open Meeting) PSC Members; AU Member States; ACERWC; Members of AP-CAAC; United Nations; think tanks; children affected by conflicts Ministerial and High-Level open session on the promotion and protection of the rights and welfare of children in situation of conflict in Africa - 26. In March, April and October 2023, the PSC and Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (CPAPS) held informal meetings on early warning, preventive diplomacy, and early action with the PSC. The PSC also engaged the PAPS Department on the AU sanctions regime, brainstorming on how to enhance its effectiveness to address the resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government on the continent.
- 27. On 26 April 2023, the PSC held an inaugural informal consultation with Member States in Political Transition (Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Sudan) who are suspended from participation in AU activities, its Organs and institutions, in accordance with the relevant instruments of the Union. The main focus of this engagement was to receive updates from the countries concerned on the status of implementation of PSC and REC/RM decisions, as well as their respective transition plans/roadmaps, in order to provide the necessary support to return to constitutional order.
- 28. On 17 May 2023 the PSC held a consultative meeting with H.E. Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of Comoros and Chairperson of the African Union for 2023. H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, provided an overview of the state of governance, peace and security on the continent, focusing mainly on political transition; the Horn of Africa; the Great Lakes Region and the Sahel region. The PSC and the Chairperson of the AU highlighted the critical importance of peace, security and stability as the overarching framework to fully implement the AU theme of the year 2023 – “Acceleration of the African Continental Free Trade Area Implementation”. The meeting emphasized the imperative of a multidimensional approach in addressing the myriad threats to governance, peace and security on the continent, including tackling the structural and emerging root causes in an ever-changing world, deepening and defending democracy, and further capacitating institutions. Also, the meeting reaffirmed the AU’s zero tolerance to unconstitutional changes of government, in this regard, highlighted the need for Member States in political transition to respect the specified timelines.
- 29. On 21 December 2023, the PSC convened the second informal consultations with Member States in Political Transition, namely Burkina Faso, Guinea and Mali. The discussions centred on the status of the implementation of the transition roadmaps in the respective countries. The PSC noted with concern the lack of progress in the three countries and requested the AU Commission to work closely with the ECOWAS to engage the countries concerned in finding solutions to the challenges faced by the transition authorities.
Other Engagements
- 30. On 4 to 5 December 2023, the PSC convened in Banjul, The Gambia for a Ministerial and High-Level open session on promoting and protecting the rights and welfare of children in situations of conflict in Africa. The meeting aimed to facilitate the sharing of lessons and the exchange of ideas on practical approaches to safeguarding the rights of children in such challenging circumstances. The meeting approved the 'Banjul Conclusions' and decided to establish the "Annual High-Level Open Session on the Promotion and Protection of the Rights and Welfare of Children in Situations of Conflict in Africa" as a permanent event, referred to as the Banjul Process and to be held on a rotational basis, at a venue to be agreed upon. It was also agreed that AP- CAAC would utilise this platform to provide updates on its yearly initiatives and exchange knowledge, with a focus on finding solutions for children affected by conflict. The meeting reached a consensus on the importance of involving children impacted by conflict in the Banjul Process.
PSC Field Missions
- 31. The PSC and affiliated statutory bodies, undertook six field missions in 2023 including (i) the AU Panel of the Wise mission to Chad, from 12 to 18 March 2023, in line with the Press Statement [PSC/BR/PR/1121(2022)] of the PSC adopted at its 1121st meeting, held on 11 November 2022, to gather first-hand information, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders on the ground and brief the Council before 31 March 2023; and (ii) the PSC Military Staff Committee mission to Somalia conducted from 9 to 11 June 2023 aimed at obtaining first-hand information regarding the military and security realities on the ground in Somalia, with a view to advising the PSC to take evidence-based decisions within the context of the drawdown of the ATMIS in compliance with PSC and UNSC Decisions. The list of field missions by PSC, below:
- Table 6: Field Missions
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Date Undertaken by Country Agenda Feb. 23 to 25 PSC South Sudan To obtain first-hand information regarding the state of progress in the implementation of the 2018 R-ARCSS and the ongoing transition process. Mar. 12 to 18 PoW Chad Mission was deployed in line with the Press Statement [PSC/BR/PR/1121(2022)] of the PSC adopted at its 1121st meeting, of 11 November 2022, where Council requested the AUC to deploy the PoW to Chad to gather first-hand information, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, and to brief the Council. Mar. 20 to 23 PSC DRC To gather first-hand information regarding the political, security and humanitarian situation in the DRC, with a particular focus on the developments in the eastern region, as well as the status of implementation of the 2013 Framework Agreement and the ongoing Luanda and Nairobi Processes. Jun. 9 to 11 MSC Somalia To obtain first-hand information regarding the military and security realities on the ground in Somalia, with a view to advising the PSC to take evidence-based decisions within the context of the drawdown of the ATMIS troops, in compliance with UNSC Resolution 2670 (2022). Jul. 22 to 27 PSC Burkina Faso To (i) express solidarity, provide support and reaffirm the commitment of the AU to the Government and people of the Republic of Burkina Faso in addressing the plethora of challenges ranging from terrorism and violent extremism, inter-communal violence, climate change and humanitarian related challenges, as well as political transition; (ii) Obtain first-hand information on the political, security, socio-economic, and humanitarian situation in Burkina Faso; and (iii) ascertain the state of progress in the implementation of the Transition Roadmap. Sep. 11 to 13 PSC Maputo, Mozambique Following the Assembly decision Assembly/AU/Dec.719(XXXII) of February 2019 to commemorate the Africa Amnesty Month (AAM) on a rotational basis in the five geographic regions. This year’s AAM was the second to be commemorated outside the AU headquarters, in Maputo, Mozambique, bringing together the Government of Mozambique, SADC, United Nations Regional Centre on Small Arms (RECSA) and other relevant stakeholders in Mozambique, including civil society organizations, youth and women, media, private sector and faith-based organizations.
PSC participation on stakeholders' activities - PSC-related programmatic activities
- Table 7: PSC-related programmatic activities
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Date Activity Country Main Objective 8–9 May 2023 Meeting of the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) Abuja, Nigeria The PSC Chairperson for May 2023 attended the General Assembly of the AFLPM and the inauguration of the AFLPM Headquarters. The PSC Chairperson engaged the AFLPM on their activities on promoting peace and security on the continent. 8 December PSC Chairperson for December 2023 and 5 PSC Members representing the five regions of the Union participated at COP 28 Dubai, UAE Presentation of the initial draft of the Common African Position on the nexus between climate change, peace and security.
Retooling the PSC working methods
- 32. The PSC held its 15th Retreat on working methods held from 25 to 27 November 2023 in Tunis, Tunisia. The 15th Annual Retreat of the PSC was organized as part of steps by the PSC to continuously strengthen its working methods so as to enable the Council to discharge its mandate within the framework of the APSA and AGA more effectively, as embodied in the PSC Protocol. The Retreat focused on three key issues, namely: (i) Working methods of the Council, including an assessment of the Annual Indicative Programme of Work for 2024 and budget considerations; (ii) Unconstitutional Changes of Government (UCGs) on the Continent and (iii) the outcome of the retreat of the PSC CoE held from 21 to 23 November 2023. In addition, the PSC, during its Retreat, considered the draft UNSC Resolution on Financing AU Peace Support Operations. In addition, the PSC agreed to commemorate its 20th Anniversary since its official launch which took place on 25 May 2004. The 20th Anniversary will provide an opportunity for the PSC Members, AU Member States and partners to reflect on the state of peace and security in Africa and how to enhance the role of the PSC and to reaffirm Member State commitment to promoting peace and security on the Continent.
- 33. The PSC adopted the Conclusions of the 15th PSC Retreat was adopted through communique [PSC/PR/COMM.1190(2023)], adopted at its 1190th meeting of 18 December 2023,
- Table 8: Retreats
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Date Activity Chair Outcome 25–27 November 2023 15th Retreat of the PSC on its Working Methods Amb. Abdi Mahamoud Eybe, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Djibouti to the African Union Conclusions of the 15th Annual Retreat on the Review of its Working Methods
Support role of the PSC Sub-Committees
- 34. The Committee of Experts (CoE) is a subsidiary body of the PSC established to provide support to ensure the efficient functioning of Council activities. The CoE, during the reporting period prepared a number of technical documents in preparation of PSC activities, such as joint meetings, retreats and regular PSC meetings. The Committee also, for the first time, engaged with the UNSC Ad Hoc Working Group in preparation of the annual joint meetings with the UN Security Council. Notably, the CoE held two (2) retreats in May 2023 and November 2023 to review and considered the Terms of Reference of the PSC Sub-Committee on Sanctions, the Draft Manual on engagement between the PSC and the A3, as well as the draft Terms of Reference of the Ministerial Committee on Counter-Terrorism. It should be noted that, under the reporting period the CoE held twelve (12) meetings. It should also be noted that, the PSC CoE, following the decision of the PSC, took lead on the review of the Draft Common African Position on the Application of International Law in the Cyber Space. The meetings of the Technical Group to review the Draft Document were chaired by the chair of the PSC CoE.
- 35. The PSC Military Staff Committee (MSC) has continued to support the Council's efforts by advising on peace and security issues, particularly those relating to the deployment and sustainment of peace support operations. The MSC met eight (8) times, a record in its history, including an Inaugural Induction Training Workshop held from 16 to 17 March 2023 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The MSC also engaged with the UNSC Military Staff Committee and exchanged views on enhancing cooperation on military-related issues on the continent. The MSC, from 9 to 11 June 2023, undertook a field mission to Somalia to gather first-hand information regarding the military and security realities on the ground in Somalia, with a view to advising the PSC to take evidence-based decisions within the context of the drawdown of the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) troops, which is in compliance with UNSC Resolution 2670 (2022), through which the UN Security Council exceptionally extended Phase 1 of ATMIS mandate until 30 June 2023 and Communique [PSC/PR/COMM. 1121 (2022)] on the revised timelines relating to the drawdown of 2000 ATMIS troops beyond 31 December 2022, adopted by the PSC on 11 November 2022.
Overview of Meetings
- 8. The PSC convened 64 sittings during 2024, in which 81 agenda items were considered, compared to 61 meetings in 2023. One meeting was held at the Heads of State and Government (HoSG) level and 8 at the Ministerial level. Conflict situations and political transitions accounted for 32% of PSC agenda in 2024. The PSC adopted 51 Communiqués, 8 Press Statements, and 3 Summary Records. Decisions and directives of the PSC provided strategic guidance to the Commission, Member States, RECs/RMs and other stakeholders on peacemaking efforts on the continent.
Engagement on Conflict Situations, Political transitions and Thematic Issues
- 9. The PSC continued to be actively seized of crisis, conflict and post-conflict situations on the continent. Council devoted attention to the situations in Sudan, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Gabon, Central African Republic, Ethiopia/Somalia, Libya, the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel region and the Gulf of Guinea.
- 10. The period under review had PSC considering 31 agenda items on thematic- related issues, among them include: Climate Change, Elections in Africa, Continental Early Warning, Counter-Terrorism, Cybercrime and Cybersecurity, Humanitarian Action in Africa, Private Military and Defence companies and mercenaries operating in Africa, Civil-Military relations, Peace Security and Development, Security Threats, Health Security, Women Peace and Security, Children in Armed Conflict, Youth, Peace and Security, illegal exploitation of natural and mineral resources, Hate Crimes, Transitional Justice, African Amnesty Month, financing of the AU Peace Support Operations (PSOs), Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) and Demobilization, Disarmament and Reintegration (DDR) were also considered.
Peace Support Operations
- 11. On the activities of the MNJTF against Boko Haram and its Mandate, the Council endorsed the Report of the Chairperson of the Commission and decided to renew the mandate of the MNJTF for another period of twelve (12) months, effective from 1 February 2024. Council also requested the AU Commission and the LCBC to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Support Implementation Agreement (SIA) between AU, LCBC and MNJTF TCCs, which will guide the provision of AU additional support to the MNJTF, for a period of one (1) year, effective from 1 February 2024. Regarding the AU’s activities in Somalia, the PSC, during its 1225th meeting held on 1 August 2024, adopted the Strategic Concept of Operations (CONOPs) for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) submitted by the Commission following extensive consultations with ATMIS, the FGS, the UN and international partners as stipulated in PSC Communique 1217 of 20 June 2024; and endorsed the formation of the new Mission to be known as the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) to be deployed from 1 January 2025.
- 12. It should also be noted that the PSC has continued supporting the regional peace support operations deployed by various regions. At its 1203rd meeting, held on 4 March 2024, the PSC considered the Situation in the Eastern DRC and the Deployment of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC). Among others, the PSC took note of the Communique of the Extraordinary Organ Troika Summit, plus SADC Troika and Force Brigade (FIB) troop- contributing countries (TCCs) held on 8 May 2023, approving the deployment of a SADC Force, within the framework of the SADC Standby Force as a regional response in support of the DRC to restore peace and security in the DRC, and the subsequent deployment of the Southern African Development Community Mission (SAMIDRC) on 15 December 2023; and endorsed the deployment of SAMIDRC in the eastern DRC; and requested the AU Commission to mobilise requisite support for SAMIDRC, including from the AU Peace Fund Crisis Reserve Facility. Furthermore, the PSC requested the AU Commission to expedite the transfer of the equipment donated to SADC, which is still at the AU Continental Logistics Base in Douala, Cameroon, to support in efforts of ensuring effective implementation of SAMIDRC mandate.
- 13. During the same meeting, the PSC also considered the Operations of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM).the PSC took note of the Decision of SADC on the withdrawal of SAMIM from Mozambique, while underscoring the critical importance of sustaining the gains made thus far in the fight against terrorism, including the need for the Mozambican authorities to effectively hold all areas liberated from the terrorists and to implement socio-economic activities in the region, such as peace strengthening and quick impact projects, in order to win the hearts and minds of the local population, as well as the importance of avoiding the creation of a security vacuum following the withdrawal of SAMIM on 15 July 2024;. Council requested the AU Commission to assist in mobilizing the necessary resources; and requested the SADC Secretariat to share experiences and lessons learned with the Peace and Security Council on the nature, scope, depth, challenges and possible recommendations to inform future engagements. The AU Commission was also requested to undertake a Study, in collaboration with the Government of Mozambique, to evaluate the progress made by the Government of Mozambique to fill the gap which will be left by SAMIM; and its readiness to stabilize the country, as well as undertake a needs assessment to determine the support required to accompany the Government in its aspiration to degrade ASWJ and protect the territorial integrity of the Country.
Consideration of Regional and Other Situations
- 14. Underscoring the importance of addressing regional peace and security matters, as well as thematic issues relating to peace and security, the PSC, in line with its 2024 Annual Indicative Programme, held several meetings on regional issues, namely the Lake Chad Basin, the Sahel and the Gulf of Guinea, in which decisions were adopted to provide guidance to AU Member States and RECs/RMs on addressing peace and security challenges.
| No. | Thematic Meetings | Occurrence | Meeting No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elections in Africa | 2 | 1194, 1124 |
| 2 | Early Warning | 2 | 1208, 1247 |
| 3 | Women, Peace and Security | 2 | (Swakopmund Process), 1242 |
| 4 | Cybercrime and Cybersecurity | 1 | 1196 |
| 5 | Ideology of Hate Crimes in Africa | 1 | 1206 |
| 6 | Humanitarian Action in Africa | 2 | 1216, 1239 |
| 7 | Counter-Terrorism and Related Issues | 3 | 1207, 1237, 1219 |
| 8 | Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development in Africa | 2 | 1198, 1245 |
| 9 | Transitional Justice | 1 | 1199 |
| 10 | Health Security | 1 | 1200 |
| 11 | Peace, Security and Development | 2 | 1201, 1234 |
| 12 | Artificial Intelligence | 1 | 1214 |
| 13 | Constitutionalism, Democracy and Governance | 1 | 1226 |
| 14 | Children in Armed Conflict | 2 | 1202, 1229 |
| 15 | Sanctions | 1 | 1227 |
| 16 | Media | 1 | 1230 |
| 17 | Climate Change, Peace and Security | 1 | 1240 |
| 18 | Youth, Peace and Security | 1 | 1243 |
| 19 | Curbing illegal exploitation of Natural Resources by armed and terrorist groups | 1 | 1246 |
| 20 | CSVRA/CSVMS | 1 | 1251 |
| 21 | Continental Early Warning and Security Outlook | 1 | 1247 |
| 22 | Experiences and lessons learnt in the Implementation of the PSC Mandate | — | 1248 |
| 23 | Silencing the Guns | 1 | 1252 |
Consultations with other African Union Organs/institutions
- 15. To enhance collaboration with AU Organs/institutions on early warning and intelligence sharing, Committee of Intelligence and Security Service of Africa (CISSA), African Union Counter Terrorism Centre (AUCTC) and African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL) were invited to the 1208th meetings held on 16 April 2024 to a joint briefing on “Unblocking the Obstacles to Effective Continental Early Warning Systems (CEWS) and to the 1246th meeting held on 26 November 2024 on a briefing by AUCTC, AFRIPOL, and CISSA on the Continental Early Warning and Security Outlook.
Engagements with RECs/RMs
- 16. Article 16 of the PSC Protocol provides for the PSC and the RECs/RMs to engage on matters of peace, security and stability in Africa. For the first time since the establishment of the AU PSC, the Council directly engaged with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Mediation and Security Council and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Organ on Politics Defence and Security.
- 17. The engagement with ECOWAS was held on 24 April 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria, centered on terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism, unconstitutional changes of government, and countries in political transition. The two bodies also agreed to institutionalize their cooperation by holding annual joint consultative meetings, regular interactions between the Chairperson of the AU PSC and ECOWAS MSC, swiftly communicating decisions on peace and security to each Council, holding joint field missions, holding joint retreats/brainstorming sessions, establish focal points from both Secretariats to facilitate consultations to organize staff exchange visits and lastly, emphasized the need for joint mobilization of resources to support peace operations in the region, in particular, addressing the scourge of terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism.
- 18. The engagement with SADC held on 30 August 2024 in Gaborone, Botswana, centered on combating terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism in Southern Africa; the situation in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and the operations of SAMIDRC; Joint efforts in resource mobilization for regional peace and security; and joint efforts towards peacemaking efforts and Silencing the Guns. They underscored the need for the implementation of the outcome of the Quadripartite Summit held in Luanda, Republic of Angola and stressed the imperative of enhanced coordination of efforts within the framework of the quadripartite mechanism and the revitalization of the Peace, Security Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the Region. Furthermore, they committed to enhancing a stronger and more structured cooperation on conflict prevention, management, resolution, peacekeeping and peace-building. The two bodies also agreed to institutionalize their cooperation by holding annual joint consultative meetings./li>
- 19. Lastly, the PSC took part in the 3rd policy session of the African Union Inter- Regional Knowledge Exchange (I-RECKE) which was held on 20th July 2024 in Accra, Ghana. In October 2024, the PSC Chairperson represented the PSC at the 15th High- Level Retreat on Preventive Diplomacy and Mediation held from 24 to 26 October 2024, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The retreat focused on the role of preventive diplomacy and mediation in addressing Africa’s peace and security challenges. Key discussions emphasized trust-building, complementarity, and inclusivity in peace processes, underscoring the importance of multilateralism, self-sustainability, women and youth engagement, and the reinforcement of democratic institutions as crucial pillars for stability and progress across the continent.
D. Strengthening Partnerships for African Peace and Security
- 20. 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 9th Annual Informal Joint Seminar and 18th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting (AJCM) on 17 and 18 October 2024 in New York, USA, and adopted a Joint Communique. The Annual Informal Joint Seminar focused on the exchange of views on the operationalization of working methods between the AU PSC and the UNSC, the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2719 (2023) on financing AU-led Peace Support Operations (PSOs) and further deliberated on issues of Youth, Women, Peace and Security, Children Affected by Armed Conflicts, and the adverse effects of Climate Change on the Stability and Development in Africa. On the occasion of the 18th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting, the AUPSC and the Members of the UNSC held discussions on the situation in Sudan; the situation in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, including countering the threat of terrorism; the Situation in Somalia and the Post- ATMIS Security Arrangements; the situation in the Great Lakes Region: the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); and on the situation in Central African Republic (CAR). 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 (i) working together to address the challenges in these theatres in a coordinated manner and (ii) the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence and unity of Member States.
- 21. 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 15 October 2024 in New York, USA. The session focused on the collaborative peacebuilding efforts of the AUPSC and the PBC for peacebuilding and sustaining peace in Africa, as well as the comprehensive review and progress of the status of implementation of outcomes of the 6th Informal Meeting in November 2023. The two bodies urged international partners, including in the UN system; as well as international and regional financial institutions, to align and coordinate their peacebuilding-related efforts in Africa, with nationally led peacebuilding, regionally and continentally supported efforts, including through the role of the Commission and the African Union Center for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development.
- 22. The two bodies also emphasized the role of the PBC in convening stakeholders and garnering International support, as well as the role of the AU in implementing and advancing Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) policy, noting that strengthened cooperation between the AUC-PCRD in Cairo and the Un Peacebuilding Support Office, in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (PBSO/DDPA), is essential for implementing the AU-UN MoU on Peacebuilding.
- 23. In this regard, they stressed the important role of the AU PCRD Centre in developing programs to support African countries emerging from conflict and political transitions by building strong and resilient state institutions and encouraged partners and stakeholders to invest and provide necessary support for implementing such programs.
- 24. During its visit to Cairo, the PSC engaged with H.E. Ahmed Abou El-Gheit, the Secretary General of the League of Arab States. The PSC and the Secretary-General expressed mutual commitment to enhancing coordination and cooperation on peace and security and agreed to hold regular consultations on areas of mutual interest.
- 25. The PSC and the European Union Political and Security Committee (EUPSC) held their 15th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting (AJCM) on 22 November 2024, which was preceded by an informal engagement that took place on 1 March 2024, respectively, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Joint Consultative Meeting between the AU PSC and EU PSC deliberated on peace and security developments in Africa. The AU PSC and EU PSC held extensive discussions on the situation in Somalia and the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2719 (2023), the situation in Sudan, the situation in the Sahel region, the situation in the Lake Chad Basin and the situation in the Great Lakes region: Eastern DRC. Meanwhile, informal consultations exchange views on conflict prevention, mediation, and post-conflict issues in Africa. However, the PSC and the EUPSC did not reach commonly agreed conclusions for the third time.
- 26. On 1 and 2 December 2024, the PSC and the three elected African Members of the UNSC (A3) participated in the Eleventh 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 centered on enhancing PSC-A3 Plus 1 cooperation in advancing and promoting Africa’s common positions, agenda and interests in the UNSC agenda.
Consultations and Open Meetings
- 27. Article 8 (10) and (11) of the PSC Protocol provides for the PSC to hold open meetings and informal consultations with parties concerned by or interested in a conflict situation or thematic issue under its consideration.
- 28. On 23 March 2024 in Swakopmund, Namibia the PSC organized a “Ministerial High-Level Seminar on the AU PSC on the theme: Commemorating 20 years of the PSC by taking Stock of Women’s Participation and Leadership in Peace Processes in Africa”. The Seminar was the first in a series of events held to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Council, and served to observe the 2024 International Women’s Day aimed at (i) advocating for women’s meaningful participation and representation in all aspects of peacemaking, and in particular, in the formal peace processes in Africa; and (ii) to explore policy options for enhancing women’s participation in peace processes. The seminar called for increased participation of women in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, the seminar agreed to institutionalize the ‘High-Level Ministerial Seminar on Women, Peace and Security in Africa’ to be formally called the ‘Swakopmund Process,’ to be held every two years on a rotational basis, representing a significant step toward ensuring that women’s voices are consistently heard in peace and security dialogues, with concrete actions taken to dismantle the barriers that prevent their full participation. They further called for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) and for Member States to ensure that the national action plans on Women Peace and Security are costed and budgeted for.
Commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the AU PSC
- 29. The 20th anniversary celebrations of the African Union Peace and Security Council marked a significant milestone in its two-decade-long journey of promoting peace, security, and stability across the African continent. Since its establishment in 2004, the PSC has been a central pillar of the AU, designed to provide a collective security framework and early warning system aimed at ensuring timely and effective responses to conflicts and crises.
- 30. The commemorative event of the 20th anniversary of the AU PSC took place on 25 May 2024 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, marking a significant milestone in the council's commitment to promoting peace and security across Africa. Hosted by H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania and chair of the AU PSC for May 2024, the event brought together a wide array of stakeholders, including high-level officials, member state representatives, the African Union Commission, regional economic communities (RECs) and regional mechanisms (RMs), civil society, and international partners. Alongside the Dar es Salaam celebrations, the PSC organized a series of year-long activities including open sessions; exhibitions; public lectures at the University of Dar es Salaam and Yale University; thematic week; awards and recognitions, and commemorative publication among other special events.
- 31. The 20th anniversary commemoration provided an opportunity to reflect on the successes, challenges, and ongoing initiatives of the PSC, as well as to chart the way forward in addressing Africa’s complex and evolving security landscape. During the launch event, the Council adopted the Dar es Salaam Declaration dated 25 May 2024, attached as annex III
Table 5: Consultations and open meetings
| Date | Location | Level | Invitees | Agenda |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 March | Addis Ababa | PR | PSC and CPAPS |
Post-2024 ATMIS Security Mechanisms for Somalia, Withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger from ECOWAS and the Lifting of Economic Sanctions by ECOWAS Authority: Implications for AU/Continent-Wide Regional Integration and Peace and Security Agenda Proposed Activities for the Commemoration of the 20th Anniversary of the PSC in 2024 |
| 21 May | Addis Ababa | PR | PSC Members and CPAPS | Informal Consultation on Somalia/updated briefing on post-ATMIS arrangement |
| 19 July | Addis Ababa | PR | PSC, CPAPS and the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD) | Evolving Findings by the Continental Early Warning System (CEWS) Review and Early Action |
| 7 October | Addis Ababa | PR | PSC, CPAPS and High Representative of the Chairperson for the AU Peace Fund and Institutional Reform | Financing options for the AU post-ATMIS Mission in Somalia in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2748(2024) |
| 23 March | Swakopmund, Namibia | Open High-Level Meetings MIN | PSC Members; AU Member States; FEMWISE from the RECs/RMs, women peacebuilders, gender experts, development partners, CSOs, think tanks and other relevant stakeholders. | Commemorating 20 Years of the PSC by Taking Stock of Women’s Participation and Leadership in Peace Processes in Africa. |
Field Missions
- Table 6: Field Missions
-
Date Undertaken by Country Agenda Jun. 23 to 26 PSC South Sudan Review the overall situation on the ground, particularly the implementation of R-ARCSS Jul. 28 to 31 PSC Mozambique Gather first-hand information on the prevailing political, security, economic, social, and humanitarian situation. Sep. 9 to 11 PSC Central African Republic Celebration of the Africa Amnesty Month Sep. 12 to 13 PSC Gabon Gather first-hand information on the prevailing political, security, economic, social, and humanitarian situation. Oct. 1 to 4 PSC Egypt and Port Sudan (i) Engage with the transitional leadership of Sudan and key Sudanese stakeholders
(ii) Consultative Meeting Between the PSC and the Secretary General of the League of Arab States (LAS)
PSC Participation in Stakeholders’ Activities
| Date | Activity | Country | Main Objective |
|---|---|---|---|
| 18 March 2024 | Accra II UCG Process: Reflection Forum | Accra, Ghana | Assess the efforts and initiatives undertaken since the 2022 Accra Reflection Forum and the key achievements and gaps in implementing its recommendations. |
| 22 April 2024 | High-Level Africa Counter-Terrorism meeting organized by the Federal Republic of Nigeria with the support of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism. | Abuja, Nigeria | Exchange views on the threat landscape, lessons learned and best practices in preventing and countering terrorism, enhancing regional capacities, and strengthening cooperation between international partners and African Member States. |
F. Retooling the PSC working methods
- 33. The PSC held its 16th Retreat on working methods from 5 to 7 November 2024 in Djibouti . The 16th Annual Retreat of the PSC was organized as part of steps by the PSC to continuously strengthen its working methods so as to enable the Council to discharge its mandate within the framework of the APSA and AGA more effectively, as embodied in the PSC Protocol. The Retreat focused on Working methods of the Council, as well as on PAPS Footprints in Africa; Virtual tour of the ASF Continental Logistics Base. The PSC adopted the Conclusions of the 16th PSC Retreat through communique [PSC/PR/COMM.1250 (2024)], adopted at its 1250th meeting of 9 December 2024, as Annex IV.
Support role of the PSC-Sub-Committees
- 35. The Committee of Experts (CoE) is a subsidiary body of the PSC established to provide support to ensure the efficient functioning of Council activities. The CoE, during the reporting period prepared a number of technical documents in preparation of PSC activities, such as 20th anniversary celebrations of the PSC, joint meetings, retreats, induction of the new PSC members and regular PSC meetings. The CoE had its induction in June 2024 in Johannesburg, South Africa. It should be noted that in 2024, the CoE held fourteen (14) meetings.
- 36. The PSC Military Staff Committee (MSC) has continued to support the Council's efforts by advising on peace and security issues, particularly those relating to the deployment and sustainment of peace support operations. The MSC met four (4) times, including its second Induction Training Workshop held in May 2024 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
- 37. The Sub-Committee on Sanctions (SCS) is a subsidiary body of the PSC established pursuant to Article 8(5) of the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the Africa Union. The SCS held its inaugural meeting on 12 June 2024 to discuss its working methods under the Chairship of the Republic of Uganda. The report of the Inaugural SCS meeting was endorsed during its 1227th meeting of the PSC held on 15 August 2024. The Council stressed the need for the SCS to devise practical measures for addressing cases/situations of prolonged or stalled transitions or restoration of constitutional order. Furthermore, the meeting requested the AU Commission to undertake an assessment of the effectiveness of the sanctions regime as a deterrent against UCGs in Africa, including the challenges, lessons learnt and good practices, to broaden its scope of application and to determine the nature of sanctions in order to make it more applicable to the current dynamics of the peace and security environment of the continent.
SPESAR 2022 Table 3: Regional Consideration Source: PSC Secretariat, Conflict Management Directorate, DPAPS
| No. | Date (2022) | Meeting No. | Region | Agenda |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 10 February | Link [1064] | Horn of Africa | Briefing from the AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa, H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria |
| 2. | 19 April | [1078](https://papsrepository.africa-union.org/handle/123456789/1625) | Great Lakes | Follow-Up on the 10th Regional Oversight Mechanism of February 2022 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo |
| 3. | 31 May | [1086](https://papsrepository.africa-union.org/handle/123456789/1660) | Lake Chad | Situation in the Lake Chad Basin |
| 4. | 1 June | [1087](https://papsrepository.africa-union.org/handle/123456789/1661) | Sahel | Situation in the Sahel region |
| 5. | 28 June | [1090](https://papsrepository.africa-union.org/handle/123456789/1691) | Gulf of Guinea | Maritime Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea |
| 6. | 4 August | 1097 | Horn of Africa | Briefing on the situation in the Horn of Africa |
| 7. | 29 September | [1108](https://papsrepository.africa-union.org/handle/123456789/1728) | Abyei | Situation in the Abyei |
| 8. | 31 October | [1116.2](https://papsrepository.africa-union.org/handle/123456789/1756) | Sahel | Situation in the Sahel and Guinea |
| 9. | 19 December | [1128] | Gulf of Guinea | Briefing on the maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea |
PSC Data Story
Deliver as One.
Conflicts Per Region
Conflict East
Conflict West
Conflict Central
Conflict North and South
Terrorism
IDPs
PSOs
PSC Responses
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