logo
Hero

PAPS-Nav
CPAPS
Amb. Bankole

AU Political Affairs, Peace & Security Department

Explore!

Highlights

In Brief


Agenda 2030

Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels


Agenda 2063

Aspiration 3: Aspires towards a “An Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law”

Aspiration 4: Aspires towards a “peaceful and secure Africa.”

The PAPS Department of the African Union Commission promotes good governance, peace, security and stability in Africa and advances African positions globally.

To promote integrated delivery towards the efficient implementation of its mandate, the Department distilled the eight core tasks into five main strategic pillars:

  • 1. Implementation of the PAPS structure for better coordination and impact
  • 2. Re-energising the AU early warning systems, conflict prevention and mediation
  • 3. Integrated capacity for conflict management, especially counter­ terrorism and violent extremism
  • 4. Strengthening democracy and good governance
  • 5. Inclusive and smart partnership for human security

PAPS Commissioner: Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Nigeria
Governance and Conflict Prevention - Director: Patience Zanelie Chiradza, Zimbabwe
Conflict Management - Director: Alhadji Sarjoh Bah, Sierra Leone

@AUC_PAPS
Hashtags: #AGA #APSA #DGTrends #GovernanceRoadshow #theAfricaWeWant

"The rationale for the new Department is to enhance the Commission's efficiency in delivering on its mandate to promote peace, security and stability on the continent, based on integrating political governance in all peace and security initiatives of the AU." Amb. Bankole

About

Background Collaborative Actions Towards Peace, Security And Stability In Africa

Despite some modest success stories, Africa faces a myriad of untold and persistent security threats, particularly from ineffective governance, political exclusion of minorities, women and the youth and a resurgence of unconstitutional changes of government.

The continent is also confronted with the devastating effects of climate change; rapidly expanding terrorism and violent extremism, insurrection, armed conflict, and complex and endless political transitions exacerbated by dire socio-economic consequences, including poverty, high rates of unemployment and global geopolitical turmoil. Many civilians, especially women and children, are fleeing their communities and countries, seeking refuge far from home, but many never reach their destinations.

African countries require the support of a robust, unified and streamlined continental body to help them tackle the many challenges they face. To this end, the African Union (AU), as part of its ongoing institutional reform (three) years ago, created the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) in the AU Commission. The new Department is a merger of functions of the former Departments of Political Affairs and Peace and Security.

The merger aims to enhance the integration, coherence and efficacy of the Commission's delivery on its mandate to promote peace, security and stability in Africa by supporting the AU Member States, Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms. It combines the strengths of mainstreaming political governance in the peace and stabilization process in Africa at all levels while maximizing the resources and coordination of efforts to deliver with more impact as a single organizational structure. Implementation

In this regard, DPAPS has, while utilizing available resources, continued to implement the PAPS structure, to effectively mainstream political governance in peace and stabilization processes in Africa at all levels.

The Commission provided technical backstopping to Member States to deal with various political crises, including capacity building for early warning and early action, elections management, as well as putting in place measures towards stability. It continued to advance structures to promote strategic partnerships at national, regional, and international levels and is providing strategic guidance on the issue of funding for peace operations, among others.

The AU's Member States, RECs/RMs remained central to the delivery of the Department's mandate. This collaboration has become stronger, most importantly through the AU I-RECKE on Early Warning Conflict Prevention , in responding to Africa's security challenges with the input of regional bodies, while providing leadership support for consolidating constitutional democracy.

Notably, the PAPS Department also continued to rely on support of development partners , who offers, invaluable human, financial, technical and other resources through direct bilateral and common funding platforms inclusive of the Joint Financing Arrangement (JFA) to implement the core priorities identified in the PAPS Priority Action Plan and Agenda 2063, premised primarily on Silencing the Guns. Women's political empowerment and youth inclusion are taking pride of place in the Commission's areas of competence with the strengthening of FEMWISE and its associated mechanisms as well as operationalization of WiseYouth and democratic governance.

Furthermore, awareness is being progressively created in PCRD in collaboration with AUDA-NEPAD, while the Africa Platform for Children Affected by Armed Conflict , co-chaired by the Ambassador/PR of The Gambia to the AU and Commissioner PAPS, continues to be the advocacy arrowhead for the AU Child Protection Architecture being built.

Recognizing the multi-dimensional nature and scope of security challenges, the Department is actively engaged in the imperative of a multi-stakeholder approach to finding durable solutions. It has embraced the Nexus approach between Peace, Security, Governance and Sustainable Development while tapping into the existing wealth of knowledge base in African think tanks through the full operations of the AU NeTT4Peace , as well as Civil Society engagement through the Pan-African Network of CSOs for Political Affairs Peace and Security (PANPAPS).

DPAPS further prioritized the implementation of the new PAPS organizational structure within the ambit of the AU Institutional reform. PAPS staff retreat held with the overriding goal of promoting greater understanding of the delivery model and modalities embedded in the new PAPS structure through the strengthening of the ability of the Department to deliver as one, effectively and efficiently. Overall, the retreat facilitated common understanding of the DPAPS structure among the staff members of the two (2) Directorates, including the mismatches, misalignments, misplacements, and missing links in the structure that have been identified for relevant action towards making the department more functional and effective.

DPAPS acknowledges that the Department's ability to deliver on its mandate is dependent on its human capital and has invested in enhancing staff competencies. With the support of the Training for Peace programme, the Department has developed a number of knowledge products and training manuals for staff. These include a Handbook for Standardising and Enhancing the Working Documents of the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the African Union Commission and five training manuals on Leadership, Strategic Planning, Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation and Report Writing.

Mandate

The mandate of the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) is drawn from Aspirations 3 and 4 of Agenda 2063 - "an Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law" and "a peaceful and secure Africa" respectively. The Department's mandate is thus to contribute to the Commission's efforts to support Member States and Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs) towards the prevention, resolution and management of conflict and disruptive crises.
Therefore, the Department is the Commission's implementing arm for the realisation of the principles of the Constitutive Act towards the promotion of peace, stability, good governance, democracy and human rights as the basis for inclusion, security and development. At the heart of the Department's work is the security of Africa's people and the stability of African states.

The core functions of the Department include:

  • Continuous monitoring of Africa's political, peace and security trends
  • Timely assessment, analysis and reporting on political, peace and security trends through early warning
  • Supporting conflict prevention through the development and dissemination of legal and policy frameworks on governance, peace and security issues
  • Capacity building and training on relevant governance, peace and security issues
  • Coordinating the development of Common African Positions on relevant governance, peace and security issues on the continent
  • Ensuring complementarity and synergy in the implementation of the African Governance Architecture (AGA) and the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA)
  • Supporting conflict management efforts, including peace support operations, mediation and dialogue interventions
  • Supporting reconstruction and strategic development in political transitions and in postconflict countries.

To promote integrated delivery towards the efficient implementation of its mandate, the Department distilled the eight core tasks into five main strategic pillars:

  • 1. Implementation of the PAPS structure for better coordination and impact
  • 2. Re-energising the AU early warning systems, conflict prevention and mediation
  • 3. Integrated capacity for conflict management, especially counter­ terrorism and violent extremism
  • 4. Strengthening democracy and good governance
  • 5. Inclusive and smart partnership for human security

The strategic pillars have promoted the creation of synergies, encouraged coordination and facilitated collaboration with other departments of the Commission, RECs/RMs and African civil society organisations.

PAPS serves as the Secretariat for the Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government (C-10) on the Reform of the United Nations Security Council . It is also the Secretariat for the Ministerial Committee on African Candidatures within the International System and hosts the AGA Secretariat . The AGA is a platform for dialogue among stakeholders with a mandate on democracy, governance and human rights and is the political-institutional framework for the promotion, protection and sustenance of democracy, governance and human rights on the continent.

The Department oversees the African Centre for the Study and Research on Terrorism (ACRST), African Union Mechanism for Police Cooperation (AFRIPOL), African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE) and African Union Centre for Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (AU-PCRD Centre).

In addition, the stand-alone Mediation and Dialogue Division (AU MDD) is part of the PAPS' Conflict Management Directorate (CMD). The role of AU MDD is anchored on two pillars, which were brought together during AUC restructuring: mediation support (previously executed through the Mediation Support Unit (MSU)); and the Secretariat to Special Envoys, High Representatives and Panel of the Wise (POW) and its subsidiary mechanisms.

Priority Action Plan

Strategic Pillars: ONE

Implementation of the new PAPS structure (DPA-PSD merger) for better coordination and impact.

  • a. Strategic new orientation, motivation, team leadership building and staff engagement.
  • b. AU institutional reform- related follow-up issues and the recruitment for the new PAPS structure with transparency and accountability.
  • c. PAPS early preparation and input for 2022 AU annual budget.
  • d. Rebranding the PAPS corporate image and publicity within the AU system
  • e. Reinvigoration of the work planning approach in PAPS and enhanced reporting methods.

Strategic Pillars: TWO

Re-energize AU early warning system, conflict prevention and mediation.
  • a. Overhaul AU statutory operations on conflict preventive mechanisms towards mainstreaming governance into conflict prevention.
  • b. AU Member States-led &-driven concerted actions with REC/RMs and AUC technical backstopping.
  • c. Strengthen the linkages between early warning and early response/ action to reduce the high rate of vulnerabilities in Africa.
  • d. Improved cross-regional learning on best practices and resilience building against the triggers of conflicts i.e. election dispute, climate change, human rights violations, border dispute reliability.
  • e. Promote information gathering and effective intelligence sharing in close collaboration with CISSA.

Strategic Pillars: THREE

Integrated capacity for conflict management, especially countering terrorism/violent extremism.
  • a. Instant operationalization of the African Standby Force (ASF) to resuscitate the AU Common African Defence & Security Policy.
  • b. Facilitate AU concrete capacity support for ongoing CTA/E and peace initiatives through AU- led ad hoc & multilateral coalitions.
  • c. Scale up the promotion of global support towards the sustainable financing of AU PSOs for capacity enhancement.
  • d. Conclusion of the M&E Framework for the AU Master Roadmap on Silencing the Guns for the new 2030 target date.
  • e. Renewed implementation of the African Charter on the Rights & Welfare of the Child from the perspective of CAAC.
  • f. Quarterly compilation & review of the Report on the State of Peace and Security in Africa and Activities of the PSC based on regional horizon scanning.
  • g. Mobilizing intensified support for Peace-building and PCRD in the AU system as top priority.

Strategic Pillars: FOUR

Strengthening democracy and good governance.

  • a. Institutionalise the nexus between APSA and AGA.
  • b. Stronger home-centred advocacy for Human Rights and fundamental freedoms in AU Member States.
  • c. Rejig AU Election Observation and Monitoring processes in for greater impact in consolidating democracy and good governance in Africa.
  • d. PAPS adequate planning for coordinating statutory role on the African candidatures in the international system.

Strategic Pillars: FIVE

Inclusive and smart partnerships for human security.
  • a. Interconnectivity with all stakeholders and partners to promote good governance, peace and security including during the COVID-19 pandemic as an existential threat to public health security, safety in Africa.
  • b. Transformed partnership with Women & Youth in Governance, Peace and Security.
  • c. Smart partnership and cooperation with global governance, peace and security organizations/ bodies.

Silencing the Guns

This initiative aims to end all wars, civil conflicts, gender-based violence and violent conflicts, and prevent genocide.

In January 2017, the Assembly endorsed the AU Master Roadmap of Practical Steps for Silencing the Guns in Africa by 2020 (Assembly/AU/Dec.630(XXVIII)) . The inaugural roadmap implementation report was presented by the Peace and Security Council (PSC) in July 2017. The Assembly called on Member States and the RECs to strengthen their accountability mechanisms, and, amongst other things, stressed the importance of promoting the involvement of youth and women in addressing the problems of proliferation and the use and movement of illegal weapons and illicit goods.

In addition, the Assembly declared the month of September of each year until 2020 as Africa Amnesty Month for the surrender and collection of illegally owned weapons/arms (Assembly/AU/Dec.645(XXIX)). The AU Executive Council adopted the theme of the year for 2020 as Silencing the Guns: Creating Conducive Conditions for Africa’s Development. In December 2020, the Silencing the Guns in Africa initiative was extended for another 10 years (2020–30) (Ext/Assembly/AU/Dec.1(XIV)) .

AU Peace Fund

Under the auspices of the Chairperson, continued to work towards the operationalisation of the revitalized AU Peace Fund in fulfilment of the AU's commitment to promote African ownership and leadership by contributing substantially to financing its own agenda for peace, security and stability, in compliance with relevant Assembly Decisions. The full operationalisation of the AU Peace Fund, in addition to providing a political signal that Africa is committed to improving on its self-reliance targets, will provide the Commission with the capacity to operationalise its early response mechanism, which further helps bridge the gap between early warning and early response.

The Crisis Reserve Facility is envisioned to address the challenges of financing start-up costs of PSOs, emergency mediation and preventive diplomacy initiatives, and other unplanned and unbudgeted activities until they can be incorporated into the AU's regular Peace Fund budgeting cycle. Essentially, the CRF is geared towards providing the AU with the flexibility to address rapid onset crises that erupt without sufficient warning.

I. Policy Context and Legal Basis

1. Which legal framework(s) and policy instruments guide the establishment and operations of the AU Peace Fund?

The AUPF is an autonomous fund, established in 1993 by the then OAU Assembly of Heads of State and Government. The legal basis of the AUPF is Article 21 of the PSC Protocol. Other AU normative and structural frameworks guiding the establishment and operations of the AUPF include the Instrument relating to the AUPF, policy decisions including those by the AU Assembly on the financing of the Union, decisions of the PSC, the Report on Predictable and Sustainable Financing by the High- Representative for the Peace Fund and the 2015 Common African Position (2015 CAP) on the UN Review of Peace Support Operations (PSOs).

2. Is the Fund a once-off financing mechanism?

No, the AUPF is not a once-off financing mechanism. The AUPF will remain in place until when the Assembly decides otherwise.

3. What is the Fund expected to be used for?

It is intended to mobilize resources to finance the AU’s operational peace and security activities based on three windows:

  • (a) Window 1: Mediation and Preventive Diplomacy;
  • (b) Window 2: Institutional Capacity; and
  • (c) Window 3: Peace Support Operations.


4. Will the Fund better serve the aspirations of the AU Agenda 2063 and the implementation of APSA and AGA?

Yes. The predictability and sustainability will ensure the strategic priorities of the Continent will contribute to a peaceful and prosperous Africa as contained in Agenda 2063, particularly the flagship programme of Silencing the Guns.

5. What principles guide the operations of the Fund? How does the Fund ensure transparency and accountability?

According to the Instrument Relating to the AUPF, operations of the AUPF are guided by the following principles: predictability, sustainability, transparency, flexibility, responsiveness, timeliness, effectiveness and accountability.

6. Who are the beneficiaries of the Peace Fund?

The beneficiaries of the Peace Fund are:
  • (a) AU Member States;
  • (b) RECs/ RMs; and
  • (c) AU stakeholders.


II. Governance and Management Structures- Roles and Responsibilities

1. How is the Fund governed?

The structure of the Fund reflects international best practice in terms of Fund governance arrangements.
It has been adapted to reflect the fact that the African Union is an inter-governmental organization. The governance structure of the AUPF has a Board of Trustees, an Executive Management Committee, an Independent Evaluation Panel and a Secretariat.

2. What are the roles and responsibilities of the governance and management structures of the Peace Fund?

• The Board of Trustees - plays an oversight and monitoring role;

• The Executive Management Committee - provides executive management and oversight of the Fund, and directs its activities;

• The Independent Evaluation Panel - provides periodic reviews and evaluations on the use, impact, speed and appropriateness of the Peace Fund activities. It also examines performance and financial reports on its use in order to ensure accountability;

• The Fund Manager(s) - ensure fund administration, investment, accounting and reporting on behalf of the Peace Fund Secretariat;

• Peace Fund Secretariat - a structure within the Commission, and reporting to the Chairperson of the Commission. It is responsible for the overall management and administration of the Peace Fund. 3. How was the membership of the AUPF Board of Trustees determined?

The Board is comprised of five African eminent persons selected by the Chairperson of the AU Commission with due consideration to gender balance and regional representation and includes two non-African strategic partners (UN and EU).

4. What is the role of the AU F15 in the AUPF?

The Committee of Fifteen Finance Ministers (F15) participates in the review and endorsement of the draft budget proposals for consideration by the relevant AU Policy Organs.

5. What is the role being played by the AUC Chairperson's High Representative on sustainable financing of the Union/Peace Fund?

The High Representative's role is to work with the Commission on the full operationalization of the AU Peace Fund and to support resource mobilization efforts and the development of strategic partnerships.

6. What is the statutory role of the AUPSC?

The PSC determines strategic priority peace and security activities that will fall within the scope of the AUPF in line with the three windows.

III. Resourcing / Contributions to the Fund

1. Is the AUPF only resourced by AU MS?

No. The AUPF is resourced through Member-State assessed contributions. Additional voluntary contributions from Member States are also possible. The Fund also accepts contributions from other sources including development partners, the private sector, civil society, donations from individuals and revenue from the investment of the Peace Fund.

2. What role do development partners and international financial institutions play in contributing to the Fund?

Development partners and international financial institutions are expected to make significant contributions to the Fund.

IV. Peace Fund Budget process

1. Do the new AU Financial Rules and Regulations (FRR) apply to the Peace Fund?

The Peace Fund's budget is guided by the regular AU budget approval process. The financial resources of the Peace Fund shall also be utilized in accordance with appropriations made in the Budget of the AU. These processes are governed by the AU Financial Rules and Regulations which has made Specific provisions for the management of and reporting on Peace Fund resources.

2. What is the role of the AU policy organs in the budget process of the PF?

No expenses shall be charged to the Peace Fund without prior approval of AU Policy Organs.

3. Should the AU start utilizing the Fund now or wait until the threshold/target of USD 400m is attained?

Pilot utilization of the Fund is necessary even when the threshold has not been realized. This is because of the increasing transnational emerging security threats that the Continent is facing. This necessitates timely and robust response by Member States.

V. Financials of the Fund

1. Will the Fund be dissolved after it reaches the endowment target of USD 400m?

No. The fund will not be dissolved upon reaching the endowment target of USD 400m. Member States will only be assessed for the amount required to replenish the fund to its full level.

2. Does the Fund yield interest? If yes, do we have the accrued interest and principal as part of the Fund?

Yes. The accrued interest and the principal amount are part of the fund as per AU Assembly Decision 605 and Article 36.1 (a) of AU Financial Rules.

3. What's the difference between the Revitalized AUPF and the defunct Peace Fund tagged the Legacy Fund?

The Legacy Peace Fund has been merged with the Revitalized Peace Fund as per Executive Council Decision 1057. There is only one African Union Peace Fund.

VI. Functioning of the Fund

1. Is the Fund mandated to finance peace enforcement operations or peacekeeping on the African continent? The AUPF is not a peace keeping facility. It is a Fund focused on the three windows including peace support operations with options for peace enforcement.

2. Can the Fund be used to subsidize UN Peacekeeping missions' budget?

No. The Fund shall finance the actions mandated or authorized by the AU Assembly, the PSC, RECs/RMs or a coalition of Member States.

3. Can the Fund support peace projects outside the mandated 3 windows?

No. However, the Board of Trustees has been given the mandate to consider the need for additional windows and facilities. The Board of Trustees has also been entrusted with the authority to add, modify and remove support windows and facilities, as appropriate and in accordance with the Instrument Relating to the AUPF.

VII. International linkages to the Fund

1. Does the AUPF symbolize African ownership and leadership as well as self-reliance in AU peace domain?

Yes. The procedures for the Peace Fund are based on core African ownership with enhanced advisory support and oversight from contributing partners. The utilization of the Peace Fund will demonstrate African ownership and leadership in the implementation of its peace activities in line with the principle of African solutions to African problems.

2. Will the Fund impact positively in reducing over-dependence on development partners for AU PSOs?

The Fund will promote financial autonomy for the AU towards reducing dependency on partners as it is expected to contribute to the provision of timely, predictable and sustainable financing of AU peace activities.

3. Are some members of the UNSC considering a resolution for the AU through its Peace Fund to contribute 25% to all peace operations in Africa?

No, the discussions in the UN Security Council are focused on the financing of AU mandated and authorized peace support operations. The AU Peace Fund is not intended to finance United Nations Peace support operations in Africa. Such Operations are financed by UN member state assessed contributions. The Assembly and PSC, on the Common African Position on the UN Review of Peace Operations of 2015, highlights that the “AU is committed to increasing the proportion of the cost of AU peace operations covered by the AU and its Member States”.

4. Is the totality of the resources in the Fund (at current or full capacity of USD 400m) adequate to impact Africa's peace aspirations as envisaged in Silencing the guns by 2030?

The $400m endowment peace fund is a significant contribution, but not adequate to silence the guns by 2030. Strategic partnership in support of the AU Peace Fund and its activities will be pursued.

AFSIT

Background

There is a recent resurgence of Unconstitutional Changes of Governments (UCGs), specifically military coups in Africa. Between 2020-2022, Africa experienced six military coups and two attempted coups.

Africa's democratic processes have been encouraging over the last two decades characterised by an unprecedented number of electoral processes. Yet, the recent trend in military coups and other forms of UCGs unmask the limitations on existing governance architectures and the breach in the delivery of the social contract. A contextualization of most governance frameworks delineates that an effective dispensing of the social contract would proportionally minimize the occurrences of UCGs on the Continent.

The African Union (AU) through its existing normative frameworks on UCGs, specifically the Declaration on the Framework for the OAU Response to Unconstitutional Changes of Government (referred to as "the Lomé Declaration"), the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, among others, has continued to address and denounce the proliferation of UCGs within AU Member States systematically and consistently. In May 2022, African Heads of Government, during the 16th Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, adopted the Declaration on Terrorism and Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa. The Declaration, preceded by the Accra Declaration on UCGs (March 2020), collectively articulated the zero-tolerance for UCGs and indicated renewed efforts toward tackling its resurgence on the continent. Moreover, the UN SecretaryGeneral António Guterres urged the UN Security Council to act in response to an ‘epidemic of coups'unfolding on the world stage.

In response to the call in the Malabo Declaration for collective action and solidarity in developing robust responses, deepening democracy and collective security, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and AU-Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), have jointly embarked on an initiative to launch the Africa Facility to Support Inclusive Transitions (AFSIT), a Facility aimed at providing integrated political enabling and programmatic support to countries in transition.

Objective and Launch of the Africa Facility to Support Inclusive Transitions (AFSIT)

As reiterated by the AU Peace and Security Council and the UN Security Council; the Africa Facility to Support Inclusive Transitions (AFSIT) seeks to provide timely support to inclusive, and legitimate transition roadmaps, mechanisms, and institutions, with the view to foster the expedient return to constitutional order, peace and stability within the AU Member States.

The Facility coordinates and complements (and not duplicate, replace, or consolidate) existing AU, RECs, and UN instruments, as well as other development partners'efforts, and initiatives in support of inclusive transitions. It seeks to swiftly pre-empt, respond, and address demands from countries undergoing complex political transitions and countries at risk. In support of the AU, RECs, and affected AU Member States, the facility aims to deploy rapid technical, human, and financial resources. Through such investments, prevention, and mitigation of risks associated with complex political transitions could be advanced.

The AFSIT will therefore be launched as an immediate instrument that will be available to support African countries through complex political transitions as a pathway for restoring or consolidating constitutional order. The launch will announce financial and technical support to AFSIT to commence implementation.

It is against this backdrop that the official launch of the Africa Facility to Support Inclusive Political Transitions, alongside the launch of the UNDP flagship report on drivers of military coups; has been scheduled for 15 July 2023, on the margins of the 5th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union and RECs in Nairobi, Kenya.

Launch of the UNDP Flagship Report on Military Coups in Africa.

The Soldiers and Citizens'flagship report forms part of UNDP's response to the uptick in military coups in Africa. The UNDP report underscores critical findings and provides an explicit development lens in seeking to understand and frame responses to the unfolding events of military coups. A unique contribution of the study is that, it offers a robust data-driven study on military coups by elevating the voices of 8,000 citizens' perspectives from across eight countries.
Furthermore, it lays an evident premise for the co-creation of the African Facility for Supporting Inclusive Transitions (AFSIT) which will be an important part of the joint operational response to coups in Africa going forward. The report includes a detailed mapping of regional and international responses to the UCGs to date and offers new thinking on alternative measures for prevention and collective response (with an emphasis on development-based responses).

Lastly, it further provides a forward-looking perspective both towards preventing further coups and seeking to harness opportunities for transformative change and sustained constitutional order.

I-REKE

I-RECKE held its inaugural policy session in March 2023 centred on "Silencing the Guns: The Conceptual, Strategic and Operational Issues." The inaugural policy session resolved that I-RECKE would serve as a policy-to-practice-knowledge tool and coordination mechanism to re-energize early warning systems, preventive diplomacy and peace-making efforts. It emphasized the importance of strengthening the collaboration of continental, regional and national mechanisms engaged in combating the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. This also includes engagements with border authorities to counter cross-border trafficking of arms.

Following the inaugural policy session, the I-RECKE platform in July 2023 on the sidelines of the Mid-Year Coordination meeting, held its Second Policy Session with the theme "Cross Regional Strategies in Preventing Terrorism and Violent Extremism" where country-specific success stories (Algeria and Egypt) and regional multi-country approaches (such as in the Lake Chad Basin) as well as initiatives of regional organizations (such as the SADC Mission in Mozambique) in countering terrorism were effectively discussed. Key lessons highlighted during the session included the following:

  • i. A robust multidimensional and comprehensive response works effectively, when such strategy is based on a durable strategic combination of well-defined legal framework; kinetic solutions and the whole of society approach;
  • ii. Adequate Research and Analysis at the level of Political Leaders Informed by Prompt and Real-Time Intelligence Sharing is Efficient In Defeating Terrorists;
  • iii. A Fundamental Way to Counter Terrorism Effectively is to Block the Sources of Financing by Terrorist Groups. Thus, IRECKE proposes the strengthening of internal and external financial systems in combating illicit financing of terrorism and violent extremism;
  • iv. The cross-regional and globalizing nature and scope of terrorism demands the necessity of effective coordination between continental and regional peace operations, and the building of integrated and requisite anti-terrorism offensive capabilities. It is critical for rapid and successful deployment of peace enforcement missions.
  • v. Any deployment of Counterterrorism Missions beyond 30 days is not a good practice and therefore not effective. This is a forward-looking lesson for the future operationalization and deployment of the African Standby Force;

  • vi. No Member State is spared from the scourge of terrorism. All the 5 regions are currently experiencing the specter of terrorism. Thus, no member state, no region can combat violent extremism alone. This calls for an effective collective security and seamless collaboration among all stakeholders;
  • vii. RECs & RMs under IRECKE showcased the good results usually associated with the adoption and implementation of counter terrorism legal and policy frameworks at country-level, premised on key thematic of prevention, protection, stabilization, and psychosocial support to victims to build resilient communities as well as the promotion of religious tolerance & addressing the hate perverted ideology of hate that violent extremism and radicalization fuels;
  • viii. Critical collaboration and coordination between continental, regional and national actors to implement counter terrorism strategies is vital in holistically addressing the scourge of violent extremism;
  • ix. That the value-driven Global Partnership be forged to Counter Terrorism with restructured focus on enhancing Africa's offensive capabilities;
  • x. That silencing the Guns, including the combat of terrorism, must take into account addressing the global threat posed by climate change which is a threat multiplier. Climate security is imperative to peace and stability.

AU Network of Think Tanks for Peace (NETT4PEACE)

Enhancing synergy between the African Union political Affairs, Peace and Security and the Community of Research and Practice

Introduction

The African Union recognises the role, value and contribution of research institutions and think tanks to the development of evidence-based knowledge for smart policy-making and execution in the areas of peace, security, governance and development on the continent. Over the years, African research organisations and think tanks have produced significant policy-oriented research that has influenced norm and policy development as well as responses to the peace and security challenges on the continent. They have also served as strategic catalysts and conveners, advocating and drawing attention to key trends and emerging threats.
The Community of research and practice has also utilised their respective platforms and networks to raise and discuss strategic peace, security, and governance issues, thus serving as sounding boards to test new ideas and options for the continent's prevention, management, and response to complex security challenges.

Additionally, some of these entities have provided catalytic funding in support of the AU's norm and policy development efforts. Notwithstanding the valuable contribution of these institutions, there is very little structured, sustained and collaborative interaction between the Community of research and practice and the AU. At most, the Community of research and practice services are limited to a few divisions of the Department and research outputs are utilised in an ad hoc manner.

Whilst most research are available and accessible to the general public; the AU could benefit more from targeted research undertaken to provide evidence for policy-oriented action that is disseminated primarily to a designated audience for information and/or advocacy and lobbying purposes.

However, due to the absence of a structured framework of engagement, the practice has been for researchers to make research findings available to the general public. Sometimes, AU personnel are invited to dissemination events. There is little or no targeted dissemination to aid advocacy and lobbying of continental strategic decision-makers in support of the AU's efforts. The limited interaction between the AU and the Community of research and practice also means the Organisation's priorities do not necessarily inform research considerations. Research priorities and design have not always been crafted to help identify policy-oriented options for the organisation. The absence of constructive engagement with strategic and political decision-makers has also meant that, in some instances, research findings have been bereft of the political nuances that drive multilateral relations.

This notwithstanding, the critical role that African research institutions and think tanks can play in supporting the efforts of the AU cannot be overstated. A structured engagement with Africa's research institutions and think tanks offers the opportunity for the Community of research and practice to work in concert to:

• identify areas and types of research support required; • match research to a target audience and develop dissemination and advocacy strategies for engagement to support the Department's efforts.

Rationale

The Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, is determined, together with his team, to reposition the restructured PAPS Department towards sharpened efficiency and effectiveness in the service of the Chairperson and Departments of the Commission, the PSC, RECs, Member States and African citizens as a whole. Three of the key tools envisaged are: prioritizing the knowledge approach; building strategic partnerships (internal and external) and leveraging the energies of our women and youth to build resilience in communities and at the other levels of governance.

The establishment of a knowledge management function in the Office of the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security offers an opportunity to coordinate and scale up the Department's engagement with the Community of research and practice in peace, security, and governance, The Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security therefore proposes the establishment of a network of researchers and practitioners to enhance synergy and provide a more structured platform for the community of research and practice to engage consistently with the Department.

The network of Researchers and Practitioners is an open network of carefully selected research institutions, think tanks and institutions involved in governance, peace and security at national, regional, continental and international levels.

The Network of African Think Tanks for Peace will provide the AU Commission with strategic analysis and empirically grounded policy advice on peace, security and governance. It will also utilise its individual and collective convening power to bring strategic decision-makers at the AU and the RECs/RMs and the UN, among others, to address critical issues of peace, security and governance. This partnership will enhance the relevance and value of the contribution of the Community and allow the Department to identify and better utilise evidence-based research to inform policy and strategic decision making

Objectives

The objectives of the AU-Community of research and practice platform to be known as Network of African Think Tanks for Peace (NeTT4Peace) are to:

• Identify the niche areas of the members of the Community of research and practice to enhance the relevance of research undertaken in the governance, peace and security domains on the African continent; • Regularly promote pragmatic ways of engagement, particularly concerning approaches through which the Department of PAPS can leverage relevant research and knowledge generated by members of the Community of practice and how such knowledge can be utilised by the AU Commission and other competent Organs of the Union to address the challenges facing the African continent; • Contribute to the coordination and development of targeted research outputs for strategic audiences within the AU system and beyond; • Support the systematic generation of the body of knowledge on governance, peace and security, as well as dissemination of critical analysis and information to the public on the continent and in the Diaspora. • Help create strategic synergies with external/partner think tanks and advocacy groups to promote the African shared agenda of partnerships for peace and justice for all, including at international fora. • Help create strategic synergies with external think tanks and advocacy groups to promote the African and UN shared agendas of partnerships for peace and justice for all, including at international fora; • serve as an anchor for a knowledge, due diligence and pragmatic problem-solving approach in the AU and RECs; • contribute to the promotion of knowledge complementarity and building synergies through mainstreaming political governance in peace and security initiatives under the umbrella of AGA-APSA, due diligence and pragmatic problem-solving approach in the AU and RECs; Expected outcomes

A structured framework for consistent and systematic engagement of the Community of research and practice to provide independent strategic analysis, research and advice to the PAPS Department on the implementation of the Department's mandate, provision of relevant technical support to the Chairperson of the Commission and sister departments, under the broader AU Aspirations, especially, aspirations 3( good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and rule of law), 4 ( peaceful and secure Africa) and 6 ([people-driven development). Criteria for Membership An African research institution or think tank working in the area of peace, security and governance with demonstrated capacity for rigorous policy-oriented research; based in Africa, the Diaspora or both.

Non-African research institutions that fit the membership criteria may be invited as observers to the Network. Members of the Network are self-sponsored and participate in the Network at their own cost. Membership of the Network of Researchers and Practitioners (NeATT4P) is open to:

Think Tanks and Research Institutions engaged in

• policy and action research in the areas of governance, peace and security; • education and training in the areas of governance, peace and security • providing a convening platform to facilitate strategic dialogues on governance, peace and security. Organizational Structure & Functioning The NeTT4Peace is expected to function as a loose community, bringing together all relevant research, think- and do-tanks for impact on the cycle of theory to policy and practice. In co-creation by the AUC Department of PAPS and leading African research and think tanks, the Network is to be co-managed through the following: • An 11-member Steering Team (ST) comprising the AUC D-PAPS represented by the CPAPS and two African think tanks/research institutes each per the five (5) regions of the AU, totaling ten (10) in number and selected through a set of criteria determined by the PAPS Department • CPAPS and a representative of the African think tanks/research bodies will serve as Co-conveners; and • Frequency, nature and agenda of the meetings of the ST and the Network as a whole will be determined by the Network through its ST

CONVENING PLATFORM

The Secretariat of the Training for Peace programme will provide a convening platform for the preparatory aspects of the network until the Network is established and launched.



PAPS Directorates

Governance & Conflict Prevention Directorates Collaborative Actions Towards Peace, Security And Stability In Africa

The aspirations of the Governance and Conflict Prevention Directorate (GCPD) are based on the seven aspirational areas of “the Africa We Want by 2063” which play a key role in the selection of the priority areas. The prioritized areas include inclusive growth and sustainable development which is people driven with special focus on women and youths, a politically united continent based on the ideals of Pan Africanism and the vision of Africa's Renaissance , as well as an Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice . The aspirations are based on an Africa with a strong cultural identity, common heritage, values and ethics. These aspirations will deliver Africa as a strong, united and influential global player and partner.

The Directorate of GCP is guided by the broader vision of the AU enshrined in Agenda 2063 highlighting the centrality of citizen engagement particularly women and youths in bringing about an inclusive continent, economically developed and enjoying sustainable peace. In addition, the five key priorities set by the Commissioner for Political Affairs Peace and Security (PAPS) in 2021 are instructive to the work of the Directorate.

Following the mandate allocated to this department, which is to generally contribute to the efforts of Member States and Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs) towards the prevention, resolution and management of conflict and disruptive crises as stated above, the Governance and Conflict Prevention Directorate has been working on promoting peace and stability, good governance, democracy and human rights as a foundation for inclusion, security and the development of the continent and its people.

More specifically, the Directorate's mandate includes:

  • To promote democracy, governance, human rights, constitutionalism an rule of law
  • To contribute to the emergence of a political environment with and among African countries as well as at the international level that is conducive to bringing about sustainable development and accelerated economic growth

  • Promote AU values towards the attainment of Agenda 2063
  • Coordinate the implementation of the African Governance Architecture and its platforms
  • Coordinate AU Election Observation and Monitoring Missions
  • Provide Technical Support to Member States' Election Management Bodies
  • Serve as the Secretariat for the Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on the UN Security Council Forum
  • Serve as the Secretariat for the Ministerial Committee on African Candidature within the international system of promoting AU shared values.


The PAPS web product highlights key AU interventions in promoting peace, stability, and security on the African continent , including support to ..(to complete if necessary)

The web product also emphasises the importance of cross-cutting themes such as women, youth, and children in peace and security, along with the impact of climate change on peace and security, which were critical areas of focus for the Department in (2023) 2024.

More...

Conflict Management Directorate

The realisation of Agenda 2063 is essential to achieving Aspiration 4, which aspires towards a "peaceful and secure Africa." The activities carried out by the Department through the CMD reflect the unwavering commitment of the African Union (AU) to this vision.

The establishment of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) in 2004 has further demonstrated the vital role of the AU in addressing and responding to emerging and current political and security situations.
The interface between the PSC and other pillars of African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), such as:

  • The Panel of the Wise
  • The African Standby Force (ASF)
  • The Continental Early Warning System (CEWS)
underpins our peace-making doctrine.

The AU’s relationship with RECs/RMs and African Civil Society is at the heart of that doctrine.

Objectives

The main objectives of the Conflict Management Directorate are to: implement the African Common Defence and Security Policy (CADSP) and the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and support conflict prevention, management and resolution efforts of Member States and RECs/RMs. The Directorate is thus responsible for operational maintenance & preservation of peace and security as well as ensuring the African Peace and Security Architecture-APSA is fully operational and functional (including African Standby Force).

Specifically, the Directorate's mandate will be to ensure:

Enhancement of support for the effective functioning of the PSC;

Undertaking analysis of threats to governance, peace, security and stability and developing responses;

Collation and provision of early warning information to the PSC and other relevant AU Policy Organs;

Development of conflict management options and initiatives;

Deployment of mediation and dialogue interventions;

Support the deployment and management of peace support operations towards the resolution of conflicts;

Provision of strategic support to specialized institutions (ACSRT; AFRIPOL and AUC-PCRD, African Commission on Nuclear Energy, etc.) involved in the promotion of peace, security and stability



This PAPS web product highlights key AU interventions in promoting peace, stability, and security on the African continent , including support to addressing the situations in Burkina Faso, Sudan, Niger, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Chad, Gabon, Guinea, Libya, Mozambique, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, the Horn of Africa, the Sahel region, and the Gulf of Guinea. The web product also emphasises the importance of cross-cutting themes such as women, youth, and children in peace and security, along with the impact of climate change on peace and security, which were critical areas of focus for the Department in (2023) 2024.

More...

Tools to promote inclusivity



Gender-responsive toolkit & curriculum

on gender mainstreaming

My Voice, My Action booklet

showcasing women's agency in implementing UNSCR 1325

Advocacy efforts

on the YPS 10-Year Implementation Plan

Inter-generational Dialogues

on Silencing the Guns




Major Milestones

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 Developments on Regional Basis

PAPS
CENTRAL AFRICA REGION

2024


African Union’s Commitment to Peace and Stability in the Central African Republic


The African Union (AU) has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to supporting peace, security, and development in the Central African Republic (CAR). In January 2024, with the AU’s backing, the CAR government adopted a comprehensive humanitarian response plan to address the pressing needs of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). This plan focuses on providing essential services, facilitating safe returns, and improving living conditions for affected populations.
In a demonstration of its dedication to fostering peace in CAR, the Peace and Security Council (PSC) held its 1221st Meeting on 11 July 2024 to assess the situation in the country. The Council acknowledged the progress in implementing the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation (PAPR-CAR), significantly contributing to the prevailing stability. The PSC commended CAR’s leadership for their commitment to the Agreement and emphasised the importance of continued efforts towards national reconciliation and development.
Further bolstering peace efforts, the United Nations Mission in CAR (MINUSCA) expanded its presence in the country’s southeast to prevent further violence in conflict-affected areas. This expansion included strengthening operations in the Upper Kotto and Vakanga prefectures to protect civilians and deter threats from armed groups.
In line with the AU’s Master Roadmap on Practical Steps to Silence the Guns in Africa , the 3rd edition of the Africa Amnesty Month (AMM) was commemorated in CAR in September 2024. This event focused on the voluntary surrender and collection of illicit small arms and light weapons (SALW) under conditions of anonymity and immunity from prosecution. The initiative aimed to reduce armed violence and promote peace in CAR and other AU Member States.
Additionally, at its 1241st Meeting on 30 October 2024, the PSC reviewed its field mission report on CAR during the AMM. The report highlighted the security situation, humanitarian challenges, and the status of disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration (DDR) programs. The Council reiterated its support for CAR’s peace consolidation efforts and called for enhanced coordination with international stakeholders.
The AU’s multifaceted approach in CAR underscores its commitment to creating a stable and peaceful environment. The AU plays a pivotal role in the Central African Republic’s ongoing peace and development process through strategic humanitarian initiatives, robust peacekeeping efforts, and comprehensive disarmament programs.

African Union’s Strategic Support for Chad’s Security and Transition


The African Union (AU) has actively supported Chad’s transition to constitutional order and its efforts at addressing regional security challenges. These efforts underscore the AU’s commitment to enhancing local and regional security for the government and people of Chad. On 30 January 2024, the Peace and Security Council (PSC) renewed the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) mandate for 12 months, effective 1 February 2024. This decision aimed to bolster regional security efforts against Boko Haram and other extremist groups in the Lake Chad Basin, directly impacting Chad’s security landscape. The PSC also called for the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding and Support Implementation Agreement between the African Union, the Lake Chad Basin Commission, and MNJTF troop-contributing countries to ensure continued support for the task force’s operations.
In a significant development, Chad held a presidential election on 6 May 2024, marking a crucial step toward restoring constitutional order following the 2021 military takeover after President Idriss Déby’s death. The PSC emphasised the importance of this election as a benchmark for the African Union’s approach to supporting transitions on the continent. The PSC underscored the need for an inclusive and peaceful return to constitutional governance amidst concerns about the eligibility of transitional authorities to participate in the elections.
Concerns arose post-election regarding the legitimacy and process, with opposition leader Succès Masra appealing for the annulment of the vote due to alleged irregularities. The Government responded with enhanced security measures, including military deployments in key areas, to manage potential unrest.
The African Union intensified its “Silencing the Guns” initiative in Chad to reduce armed conflicts and promote peace. In August 2024, the AU, in collaboration with the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), conducted Operation Lake Sanity 2. This operation targeted Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in the Lake Chad Basin region, delivering a significant blow to them.
The AU continues to monitor developments in Chad, including the November 2024 announcement by Chad of its decision to terminate the country’s defense and security cooperation agreement with France and the complete withdrawal of French troops from Chad. This phased approach is expected to conclude by 31 January 2025, as President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno indicated. This move is part of a broader trend in the Sahel region, with countries like Senegal and Chad asserting their sovereignty and reevaluating foreign military presence on their soil.
Additionally, the ongoing conflict in Sudan in 2024 had a profound impact on Chad’s security environment, with over 700,000 Sudanese refugees entering Chad. This influx has added to the strain on Chad’s resources and security apparatus.
The African Union’s multifaceted approach in Chad highlights its dedication to creating a stable and secure environment. The AU plays a pivotal role in Chad’s ongoing journey towards peace and stability through strategic security initiatives, robust peacekeeping efforts, and comprehensive support for constitutional transitions.

2023


FOSTERING IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CENTRAL AFRICA REPUBLIC PEACE AND RECONCILIATION AGREEMENT


The AU is committed to fully implementing the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic (APPR-RCA). From 5 to 11 March 2023, the Panel of the Wise conducted a field mission to the Central African Republic (CAR) to engage relevant stakeholders to advance the political and security situation in the country. This mission informed the June 2023 AU Peace and Security Council meeting, which expressed deep concern over disagreements among CAR's stakeholders regarding the organisation of the constitutional referendum. The Council called on all concerned stakeholders to peacefully resolve their political differences. Additionally, the Council expressed concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country and requested the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to lift the arms embargo on CAR. This request aimed to enable the Central African Armed Forces (FACA) to effectively carry out their constitutional mandate of defending and protecting the country and its citizens.

On 30 July 2023, the Central African Republic (CAR) held a constitutional referendum and the results announced by the National Elections Authority were validated by the Constitutional Court on 20 August 2023.  The referendum ushered in a new Constitution promulgated by decree on 30 August 2023 by President Faustin Touadera. The new Constitution allows the president to run for office for a seven-year term, unlike the previous five-year presidential term. Following its promulgation, the National Elections Authority announced on 7 September 2023, the alignment of the Electoral Code with the new Constitution and the start of preparations of local elections in 2024.

Pertaining to the security sector, the current focus is on how to sustain momentum in the progress made in the overall implementation of the DDRR process, which aims at dismantling all armed groups in CAR, harmonizing the ranks of ex-combatants, integrating them into the national army, and launching social impact projects to absorb and redirect combatants toward activities more beneficial to the society and human security.

In this context the AU continues to monitor the situation in the country and will continue to engage with CAR stakeholders in promoting peace, security, stability in the country and subregion.

IN PURSUIT OF SUSTAINABLE PEACE IN EASTERN DRC


The Great Lakes Region continues to face heightened security threats with the presence of several armed groups, including the Mouvement du 23 mars (M23) and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), compounding tensions between neighbouring states in the region, particularly between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. This situation has led to the deployment of several bilateral and multilateral initiatives for peace in the region over the years, necessitating coordination to achieve desired results.

That is why, to ensure coordination of the multiple deployments by several RECs/RMs operating in the eastern DRC, on 27 June 2023, in Luanda, Angola, the AU, under the auspices of the Chairperson of the Commission organized a Quadripartite Summit on Coordination and Harmonization of Peace Initiatives in the Eastern DRC, involving the EAC, ECCAS, ICGLR and SADC, as well as DRC and Rwanda, and with the participation of the UN. The Summit, chaired by the Chairperson of the AU, H.E. Azali Assoumani, President of the Union of the Comoros, adopted a Communique and a Joint Framework.

The outcomes aimed to promote coherence of the existing peace initiatives with a clear division of responsibilities and agreed timelines. The Summit also called for a meeting of Chiefs of Defence of the Quadripartite Platform to coordinate military deployments in eastern DRC. The Chiefs of Defence, in their meeting held on 6 October 2023 in Addis Ababa, agreed on modalities to coordinate deployment efforts on the ground and to meet regularly to ensure information sharing and cooperation, to optimize results, and to avoid a security vacuum.

The Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework Agreement (PSCFA) for the DRC and the Region, signed on 24 February 2013, remains the blueprint for sustainable peace and stability in the region. The AU continues to support the Luanda and Nairobi processes, led by President Joao Lourenco of Angola and former President Uhuru Kenyata of Kenya. The AU also supported the EAC operations in the region with USD 2 million from the Crisis Reserve Facility of the Peace Fund.

EAST AFRICA REGION

2024


Two Years of Peace and Progress: Reflecting on the Historic Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement in Ethiopia



Two years have passed since the historic signing of the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA) between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) on 2 November 2022. This landmark agreement has been a beacon of hope, significantly restoring peace and security in the Tigray Region to the pre- conflict era, as well as enhancing humanitarian access to affected populations. It also includes confidence-building measures, such as restoring essential services and resuming commercial activities in the Tigray region.
The African Union’s commitment to peace, security, and stability in the Tigray region was reaffirmed through two strategic reflection meetings held on 11 March and 9 July 2024. Convened by the African Union Commission Chairperson, these meetings provided a platform to review progress and address outstanding political issues and challenges in implementing the COHA. Attendees included representatives from the government of the FDRE, the TPLF, the Interim Regional Administration (IRA) of Tigray, the three Member States providing the Team of African Experts (Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa) under the African Union Monitoring, Verification and Compliance Mission (AU-MVCM), and observers from the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the United States of America (USA), and the African Development Bank (AFDB). The meetings were facilitated by H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria cum AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa and member of the AU High-Level Panel, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, former President of the Republic of Kenya and member of the AU High-Level Panel, and H.E. Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa and member of the AU High-Level Panel and the Panel of the Wise.
These two strategic reflections on the Permanent COHA underscored the African Union’s fundamental role in the peace process, focusing on political dialogue, disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR), the withdrawal of non-ENDF, and the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Both strategic reflections highlighted the progress, challenges, and opportunities in implementing the Permanent COHA.The parties reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to fully implementing the agreement, recognising the importance of respecting human rights and international norms to protect civilians, including a phased DDR process. They called for partner support towards the DDR process led by the Ethiopian National Commission for Reintegration (NCR). Funding support and pledges for the DDR programme included one million United States dollars ($1,000,000) from the Crisis Reserve Facility of the AU Peace Fund, as well as pledges from the government of the United States of America and the European Union.
In the Tigray region, the AU Monitoring, Verification, and Compliance Mission (MVCM) continues facilitating humanitarian support and engaging key stakeholders, including the TPLF, the IRA of Tigray, and partners such as UN agencies. The MVCM routinely conducts long- range patrols of various areas to monitor progress and ensure compliance with the Permanent COHA. The Mission also collaborates with and supports the Ethiopian NRC’s DDR activities in the Tigray region. The two outstanding issues remaining are the relocation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the comprehensive commencement of the disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration (DDR) process in the Tigray region.



African Union’s Strategic Approach towards the Sudan Crisis



On 15 April 2023, an armed conflict erupted in Sudan, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by Lt-Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Lt. Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, breaking the political transition process which had been negotiated and supported under the auspices of the AU- IGAD-UN Trilateral Mechanism. The African Union (AU) adopted a proactive and strategic approach to addressing the conflict, marked by a series of decisive actions to foster peace and stability in the country.
The Chairperson of the AU Commission, H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, called for an end to the violence and took several steps towards resolving the crisis, including establishing the Expanded Mechanism for Resolution of the Crisis in Sudan on 20 April 2023. The AU Commission then developed an AU Roadmap for the Resolution of the Conflict in Sudan, which was adopted unanimously at the 1156th Session of the AU PSC, held at the Heads of State and Government level on 27 May 2023.
On 17 January 2024, the Chairperson of the AU Commission appointed three eminent African personalities, as members of the AU High-Level Panel on Sudan, namely: H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, AU High Representative for Silencing the Guns – Chair; H.E. Dr. Speciosa Wandira- Kazibwe, Former Vice President of the Republic of Uganda – Member, and H.E. Amb. Francisco Madeira, Former Special Representative of the Chairperson of the Commission (SRCC) to Somalia and Head of AMISOM/ATMIS – Member. The Panel on Sudan was mandated to work with all the Sudanese stakeholders, including civilian forces, military belligerents and regional and global actors such as IGAD, UN, and League of Arab States, to ensure an all-inclusive process towards the swift restoration of peace, constitutional order and stability in Sudan. Consequently, shuttle diplomacy was undertaken by the Panel to key regional stakeholders, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, South Sudan, and Uganda, to support the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Sudan. The Panel organised two preparatory meetings between July 2024 and 9 August 2024, which brought together Sudanese political parties and blocs, independent personalities, women and youth representatives and resistance committees. Both meetings were geared towards a broader AU-IGAD-led Inter-Sudanese Political Dialogue for a peaceful resolution and return to a constitutional order. The Panel also convened in July 2024, the Sudan’s Women Dialogue, held in Kampala, Uganda.
The Panel took part in several engagements in 2024, towards the resolution of the Sudanese conflict, including the Inclusive Conference for the Sudanese political actors, in Cairo, organised by the Arab Republic of Egypt; the Second Consultative Meeting on Enhancing Coordination on Peace Initiatives and Efforts in Sudan, and the Mediators Planning Retreat on the Situation in Sudan, held in Djibouti, the ceasefire talks on Sudan, convened by the United States of America and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in Switzerland, the Ministerial Meeting on Sudan which was convened by Germany, France, the United States and the European Union, in New York during the United Nations General Assembly High Level Week in support of the Sudanese people and their aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous and democratic future and a visit to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Despite these efforts by the AU High-Level Panel, the situation continues to deteriorate.
The Panel remains committed to continuous engagement with all stakeholders in the Sudan Crisis.

African Union’s Commitment to Peace and Resilience in Madagascar



The African Union (AU) has continued its unwavering commitment to promoting peace, security, and development across the African continent, with particular attention to Madagascar. In response to an invitation from the Government of Madagascar, the AU Commission Chairperson deployed an African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) to monitor the legislative elections held on 29 May 2024. The mission, present in the country from 22 May to 2 June 2024, assessed the transparency and credibility of the electoral process. In its preliminary statement, the AUEOM commended the peaceful atmosphere during the elections and encouraged political actors to remain calm and use legal channels for disputes. Notable protests against the incumbent government occurred before and after the elections. These protests sometimes led to clashes with security forces, particularly in Antananarivo. The government responded with increased security measures, including bans on public demonstrations, which were seen as part of a broader crackdown on dissent. The period after the elections saw continued tension, with the political atmosphere described as fragile. However, the situation was managed to avoid widespread conflict. The government’s handling of the fallout from the elections, including the final certification of results by the High Constitutional Court, played a crucial role in maintaining peace.
From April to June, Cyclone Gamane wreaked havoc in four regions in the north and east of the country. The cyclone reportedly caused 48 deaths and affected 129,718 people, significantly damaging public infrastructure, including roads, bridges, schools, and various public buildings. The Council of Ministers declared a national disaster emergency due to the extensive damage, appealing for international humanitarian aid. In a gesture of solidarity, the African Union assisted Madagascar with a donation of $200,000 to support the country’s response to the devastating effects of the cyclone. In combating synthetic drug trafficking, the AU, in collaboration with the Government of Madagascar, hosted a continental workshop in Antananarivo from 22 to 25 October 2024. The workshop focused on strengthening strategies to combat synthetic drug trafficking and advancing crime prevention across Africa. It brought together law enforcement professionals, customs officials, judiciary members, and international organisations to enhance Africa’s capacity to address synthetic drug trafficking and related organised crime.
The African Union’s efforts in Madagascar highlight its dedication to fostering peace, security, and development. Through election monitoring, disaster response, and initiatives to combat drug trafficking, the AU is pivotal in supporting Madagascar’s journey towards stability and prosperity.

2023


AFRICAN UNION BOLSTERS IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PEACE PROCESS IN THE TIGRAY REGION, ETHIOPIA


The African Union (AU) has been supporting the peace process in Ethiopia by engaging in political activities through the Peace and Security Council and the AU Monitoring, Verification and Compliance Mechanism (AU-MVCM). The AU-MVCM consists of the High-Level Panel, and the Joint Committee, with operational support from the Monitoring, Verification and Compliance Mission (MVCM) based in Mekelle.

Launched on 29 December 2022, the AU-MVCM's role is to work with both the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) and the Tigray Peoples' Liberation Front (TPLF) to implement the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA) and ensure the restoration of peace, security, and stability in the Tigray region. The AU-MVCM has conducted key leader engagements in Addis Ababa and Mekelle and carried out long-range patrols (LRPs) across the Tigray region to monitor, verify, and ensure compliance with the COHA. These efforts have significantly improved the security situation in the region and created a conducive environment for reconstruction and development.

Notable progress has been marked by the handover of heavy and medium weapons, including air force equipment, from the Tigray Armed Combatants to the Ethiopian National Defense Forces. Essential services have been restored and humanitarian supplies have resumed. Economic activities, such as air and road transport, have also resumed. The education sector has shown improvement with the reopening of schools and universities. The Federal Police has been redeployed in the region, and the FDRE has established the Interim Regional Administration (IRA) of Tigray for effective administration and the National Commission for Reintegration to coordinate the DDR process.

The Tigray people in previously inaccessible areas continue to receive relief and humanitarian aid facilitated by the MVCM. However, the presence of non-ENDF forces in some parts of the Tigray region is affecting humanitarian access and the voluntary return of internally displaced persons (IDPs). Continued political commitment is critical in expediting the disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration (DDR) process, including the work of the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) and the support of the AU-MVCM.
During the 1 December 2023 Special Joint Committee meeting convened by the African Union Commission to discuss the peace process in Ethiopia, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to fully implement the Permanent COHA. They also stressed the urgency of accelerating the DDR process, as well as the resettlement of IDPs. Additionally, they acknowledged the importance of initiating a political dialogue to address any unresolved issues stemming from the COHA.

In an effort to further support the peace process, the committee agreed to organise a strategic reflection session with the involvement of the AU High-Level Panel on Ethiopia. They also highlighted the need for the AU to continue engaging with its partners, ensuring support for the Ethiopian peace process and the MVCM operations. As a result, the committee recommended extending the MVCM's mandate from 1 January  to 31 December 2024.

The AU signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ethiopian government in December 2023 providing a $1,000,000 contribution from the Crisis Reserve Facility of the AU Peace Fund, to support the DDR programme under the Permanent COHA. This marks the first instance of direct financial support provided by the AU to its Member States through the AU Peace Fund.

The AU has received valuable support from the governments of Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, who deployed African experts as part of the MVCM. The AU acknowledges the contributions of the United Nations, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the United States of America. Moreover, some AU multilateral and bilateral partners among whom the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Norway, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark and Germany, have provided funding for the mission's operations. The AU continues to appeal for additional support for lasting peace, security, and stability in Ethiopia.

The AU High-Level Panel of Eminent Africans, responsible for the Ethiopian peace process is composed of H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, AU High Representative for the Horn of Africa and former President of Nigeria, H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta, former President of Kenya, and H.E. Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Deputy President of South Africa and a Member of the AU Panel of the Wise. The Joint Committee consists of representatives from the parties, the AU, and IGAD.

TOWARDS IMPLEMENTING THE AU ROADMAP FOR SUDAN


On 15 April 2023, fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), headed by Lt. Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, also known as Hemedti, following a period of increased tensions. The conflict emerged over the implementation of the Political Framework Agreement of 5 December 2022, which sought to facilitate a return to democratic civilian rule.

As a result of the conflict, significant humanitarian losses, with an estimate of 12,000 people killed and over 6.3 million displaced, including 1.2 million fleeing to neighbouring countries. Reports of grave human rights violations, including ethnic cleansing and sexual assault, particularly in Darfur and other parts of Sudan are widespread. Humanitarian agencies are targeted, and the health, education, and critical services systems are reportedly collapsing.

Following the outbreak of violence, the AU deployed efforts to address the crisis and end the fighting by coordinating regional and international efforts to resolve the crisis and reduce the proliferation of possibly competing mediation initiatives. On 15 April 2023, the Chairperson of the AU Commission launched a fervent appeal to all parties to immediately stop the destruction of the country. The AU PSC, at its 1149th meeting, held on 16 April 2023, called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, requested the AUC Chairperson to continue engaging the parties to the conflict in order to facilitate dialogue and peaceful resolution of the conflict in Sudan. Pursuant to this PSC decision, the Chairperson of the AU Commission organised, on 20 April 2023, a Special Ministerial Meeting with bilateral, regional, and international actors, which urged the two Sudanese belligerents to agree on immediate and unconditional humanitarian ceasefire and establish humanitarian corridors.

Following the conclusions of the Ministerial meeting, the AUC prepared a De-Escalation Plan for Sudan, which identifies all the elements for addressing the immediate impacts of the conflict, changing the trajectory, and laying the groundwork for the processes that will return Sudan to the path of transition to democratic and inclusive civilian rule. This has since been referred to as the “Expanded Mechanism on the Crisis in Sudan”, which ensures collaboration and coordination of all stakeholders, to ensure that there are no parallel or competing processes.

The Expanded Mechanism is composed of the AU, IGAD, UN, the League of Arab States (LAS), the European Union (EU), the permanent members (P5) of the UN Security Council (UNSC), the African members of the UNSC (A3), Sudan's neighbouring countries (Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Libya and South Sudan), the countries designated by IGAD to engage the belligerents (South Sudan, Kenya and Djibouti), the Chair of the African Union, the Quad (the USA, the UK, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE), the Troika (USA, UK and Norway), Germany and Qatar.

On 27 April 2023, the Chairperson of the AU Commission appealed to the neighbouring states of Sudan and the international community to speedily extend humanitarian support to civilians fleeing the conflict in Sudan. On 6 May 2023, the Chairperson of the AU Commission reaffirmed the imperative of a ceasefire in Sudan as Saudi Arabia/US facilitated talks began in Jeddah.

Subsequently, on 11 May 2023, the AU convened a meeting with humanitarian organisations based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to discuss coordination of efforts regarding the Sudanese crisis and agreed to establish a Forum for regular coordination and briefing on its activities. The AU Centre for Disease Control (CDC) provided US$3 million support to the health sector in Sudan, including provisions for emergency supplies and essential drugs. The AU PRC Sub-committee on Refugees, Displaced Persons and Refugees also provided US$650,000 to supplement the contribution of the CDC.

Relatedly, the Commission developed a Roadmap for the Resolution of the Sudan Crisis, which was endorsed by the PSC on 27 May 2023 at the Heads of State and Government level at a meeting chaired by H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, in his capacity as PSC Chairperson in May 2023. The roadmap focuses on the following elements: Ceasefire, humanitarian assistance, protection of civilians, accountability, regional engagement, resumption of a credible, inclusive political process towards a democratic civilian government, and establishment of a mechanism to ensure all efforts by international and regional stakeholders are coordinated to avoid parallel initiatives.

In order to overcome the limitations of past initiatives, a technical team was established by the AU and IGAD. This team has been diligently working towards organising a comprehensive political process that would involve various stakeholders such as the belligerents, political parties, armed movements, civil society actors, resistance committees, traditional leaders, women and youth groups, religious organisations, trade unions, professional and academic associations.The objective is to reach a consensus on the next steps, including the formation of a transitional government. The AU and IGAD are actively engaged with the Sudanese stakeholders, recognising the importance of a comprehensive political process that embraces inclusivity in resolving the crisis.

Additionally, the AU intensified high-level engagements including shuttle diplomacy efforts across the region. In furtherance of these efforts, the Chairperson of the Commission appointed, on 17 January 2024, Members of the High-Level Panel on the Resolution of of the Conflict in Sudan (HLP-Sudan), namely, Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, AU High Representative for Silencing the Guns, Dr. Speciosa Wandira-Kazibwe, former Vice-President of the Republic of Uganda, and Ambassador Francisco Madeira, former Special Representative of the Chairperson of the Commission (SRCC) to Somalia.The mandate of the panel is to work with all Sudanese stakeholders, including women and the youth, in order to ensure an inclusive process towards the restoration of peace and stability, as well as the establishment of a civilian-led political transition.The Panel is also engaging the neigbouring countries on their efforts in implementing the AU Roadmap in the interest of peace in Sudan.

SUSTAINING SUPPORT FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVITALIZED PEACE AGREEMENT IN SOUTH SUDAN


The African Union (AU) continues demonstrating its commitment to supporting the people of South Sudan and the Reconstituted Transitional Government of National Unity in implementing the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS). The agreement is seen as a viable path to peace, security, stability, and development in Africa's youngest nation.

The process has further seen the personal efforts of the African Union Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Peace and Security Council, and the Ad Hoc High-Level Committee on South Sudan (C5) in extending their support to reinforce the mediation efforts led by the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), aimed at achieving lasting peace. In December 2023, H.E. Domitien Ndayizeye, former President of Burundi and Chairperson of the AU Panel of the Wise, led a delegation of the Panel to South Sudan to assess the progress, challenges, and opportunities related to the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement. During the visit, the Panel emphasized the critical need for collaborative efforts and constructive dialogue, among other things.

As the country prepares to hold its first-ever general election in December 2024, the African Union, in close collaboration with IGAD and the UN within the Trilateral Mechanism framework, is supporting the South Sudanese government in its constitution-making and electoral processes. In addition, the AU Commission has deployed a DDR/SSR Expert to the AU Mission in South Sudan to contribute to the implementation of the transitional security arrangements with a view to addressing the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in the country.

In 2023, the government reconstituted three institutions: the Political Parties Council, the National Elections Commission, and the National Constitutional Review Commission to facilitate the electoral process based on the extended transitional period of 24 months as agreed in 2022.

The AU Commission has reiterated its readiness to support the National Elections Commission in its preparations for the development of the election roadmap to provide support for the holding of elections in December 2024. In addition, the Commission is supporting the South Sudanese parties to fully implement the outstanding tasks of the agreement through constructive and inclusive dialogue to pave the way for the holding of peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections to end the long transition.

In January 2024, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, following up on the Panel's visit, further engaged with the South Sudanese stakeholders in support of the electoral process. On the margins of the 37th AU Summit South Africa, the C5 Ministerial consultative meeting also reiterated its commitment to supporting the holding of elections in South Sudan in December 2024.

NORTHERN AFRICA REGION

2024

Libya at a Crossroads: AU’s Diplomatic Efforts and the Path to Stability



AU High-Level Delegation Visits Tripoli

In a significant diplomatic engagement, an African Union (AU) high-level delegation visited Tripoli from 10 to 11 October 2024. The delegation met with senior Libyan authorities who expressed gratitude for the AU’s steadfast support since 2011. Leading the delegation was H.E. President Mohamed Ould Sheikh Al-Ghazouani of Mauritania, Chair of the AU for the year. He was accompanied by H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), and H.E. Jean-Claude Gakosso, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Congo, representing H.E. President Denis Sassou N’Guesso, Chair of the AU High-Level Committee on Libya (HLC). This meeting was critical for Libya and its people, who have faced significant uncertainty since the unsuccessful elections of December 2021.

Security Situation The ceasefire agreement established on 23 October 2020 continues to hold, and the risk of a large-scale war remains low. Local mediation has succeeded in containing occasional threats of violence from armed factions in the western part of the country. Improved security conditions have facilitated progress in economic and humanitarian areas, although significant challenges persist due to the lack of national consensus on resolving the political conflict.

Political Stalemate

Libya is mired in a political stalemate between the internationally recognised Government of National Unity (GNU), based in Tripoli and led by Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeiba, and the eastern-based Government of National Stability (GNS), backed by the House of Representatives andthe Libyan National Army under Marshal Khalifa Haftar. Despite the House of Representatives passing two laws in October 2023, drafted by the 6+6 Committee regarding presidential and parliamentary elections, the conflicting parties have yet to settle their disputes over organising national polls. A key issue is establishing a unified interim government responsible for organising elections or reshuffling the current government. Recent Political Confrontations 2024 saw intensified political confrontations, particularly during the summer between the House of Representatives and the Executive authorities. On 13 August 2024, for the fourth time since 2021, Parliament voted to end the GNU’s term and designate the eastern government as Libya’s “legitimate government” until a unified interim government is appointed. The House of Representatives also named its Speaker, Aguila Saleh, the Supreme Commander of Libya’s armed forces. However, the Presidential Council, designated by the Libyan Political Agreement of 2015, continues to serve as the “Supreme Commander” of the army.

Unilateral Decisions and Economic Impact

Unilateral decisions have exacerbated the conflict. On 18 August 2024, the Head of the Presidency Council issued a decree to change the Governor of the Central Bank of Libya (CBL) and the board of directors. In response, the eastern region declared a “force majeure” on all oil and gas fields and installations. This crisis has significantly impacted citizens’ daily lives and trade transactions, as the CBL serves as the depository for public revenues and is one of the few state institutions that cater to both governments. However, a return to normalcy was achieved when Eastern and Western actors reached an agreement on 26 September 2024, following two rounds of UN-brokered talks. A new governor has assumed office after a swearing-in session conducted by the House of Representatives.

Conclusion

The African Union (AU) is committed to fostering national consensus and alleviating political tensions in Libya. Despite setbacks, the AU remains resolute, especially in its quest for enduring peace and stability in the country. The AU appreciates the Libyan authorities’ cooperation and acknowledges H.E. President Denis Sassou N’Guesso’s leadership in restoring peace and stability. Libya continues to be a priority, with successful negotiations in 2024 to relocate the AU Liaison Office to Tripoli, thereby enhancing the AU’s visibility and support for Libyan stakeholders.

2023


THE QUEST FOR PEACE IN LIBYA: THE PATH TO RECONCILIATION


Since the war broke out in Libya in 2011, the AU has been preoccupied with the situation in the country and its impact on the region. It has set up several mechanisms to support the Libyan parties in returning Libya to peace, security, and stability, including through national reconciliation and the strengthening of state institutions.

Despite the ongoing political situation in Libya, the 6+6 Commission has been working to review electoral laws to support constitutional and presidential elections. The two conflicting governments in the West and East are still vying for power and legitimacy. Still, the Commission's efforts remain focused on addressing critical issues related to the law and criteria for presidential candidates.

The AU High-Level Committee for Libya, chaired by President Denis Sassou N'Guesso of the Republic of Congo, held the first preparatory meeting for the Inter-Libyan Reconciliation Conference from 8 to 12 January 2023 in Tripoli. Prior to this, the African Union team, led by H.E Jean-Claude Gakosso, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Congo, conducted substantive preparatory consultations in various regions of Libya. These efforts aimed to ensure broad support from Libya's political and social stakeholders for the ongoing efforts to achieve national consensus.

The Preparatory Committee of the Reconciliation Conference, with the support of the HLC in Libya, held several consultative meetings during 2023 in different regions of Libya, including Benghazi (14-15 November 2023), Sebha (14-15 December 2023), and Zuwara (14-15 January 2024). These meetings are part of the preparations for the upcoming National Reconciliation Conference among Libyan stakeholders, scheduled for 28 April 2024 in Sirte.

In its commitment to supporting Libyan stakeholders in their quest for peace, stability, reconciliation and reconstruction, the AU is in the process of relocating the AU Liaison Office to Libya from Tunis to Tripoli. A team undertook an assessment mission in Tunis and Tripoli from 29 July to 4 August 2023 to facilitate this process. The AU is also working with Libyan stakeholders to finalise the Host Country Agreement and outstanding processes per the Assembly’s decisions.

WESTERN AFRICA REGION

2024

Strengthening National Peace Infrastructures: Enhancing Resilience in Coastal Countries in the West Africa Region



The West African region continues to face a myriad of multi-layered security challenges. Prominent among these are terrorism, violent extremism, and the increasingly volatile operations of armed and insurgent groups, which continue to expand exponentially, particularly within the Gulf of Guinea. Notably, the escalating impacts of climate change— such as the depletion of vital resources like water, land, food, fisheries, and biodiversity— have significantly affected livelihoods in the region, especially in the Sahel. This fosters competition and often leads to ethnic conflicts, inter-communal violence, and farmer-herder disputes. These interconnected trends underscore vulnerabilities and exacerbate the region’s state and human security fragilities.
Despite various interventions by stakeholders, including the African Union, ECOWAS, Member States, civil society organisations (CSOs), and other external actors, the threats continue to evolve, raising critical questions about the efficacy of existing response mechanisms. While legal instruments like the OAU Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism (1999) and its related protocols have been implemented as preventive and mitigatory measures aimed at combating terrorism and violent extremism across the continent, there appears to be a sustained proliferation of terrorism. Terrorist groups, including Boko Haram, al-Shabaab, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS), among others, have intensified their offensive operations with sophisticated artillery against defenceless populations.
To address this trend, the African Union Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security is currently undertaking projects to strengthen the resilience of National Peace Infrastructures within the West Africa region to enhance peace and stability. Indigenous structures play a crucial role in conflict prevention, mediation, and resolution, promoting social cohesion, addressing community and cultural grievances, and fostering sustainable recovery and development.
Most coastal countries in the region have taken measures to reinforce their national peace infrastructures in line with the AU Continental Early Warning System. For instance, Ghana established the National Peace Council, which plays a vital role in conflict prevention and community dialogue. Benin initiated community policing initiatives and integrated counter-terrorism measures into its national security policies. Meanwhile, Togo implemented the “Inclusive Approach to Security” strategy, emphasising community involvement in early warning and counter- extremism efforts. Furthermore, due to their shared northern border with the Sahel, many of these coastal countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, have bolstered their military presence to deter infiltration by extremist groups.
Despite progress, several challenges continue to hinder the full realisation of community resilience, safe borders, social cohesion, and relative security and stability. Within this context, the AU Continental Early Warning System mechanism has been providing tailored support to strengthen the resilience of National Peace Infrastructures in Ghana and Benin.
From October to December 2024, the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security undertook a robust initiative to provide strategic and technical support to strengthen the capacities of National Peace Infrastructures. The project constituted technical support in capacity building and training for designated officials within the respective ministries to deepen peace and resilience building. The project provided requisite equipment, including laptops, desktops, printers, TV screens, internet router connectivity tools, and logistical and operational support to counterinsurgency. The package includes establishing a Situation Room and training the staff for practical data, signal, and indicator collection and analysis for early response and other early warning processes. It is worth mentioning that the African Union Peace Fund fully funds this project.
Although coastal West Africa’s challenges are daunting, actionablestepscanleadtosustainable peace. Fostering collaboration, leveraging technology, and empowering local communities are essential strategies. The Commission will continue supporting peacebuilding efforts and local initiatives and advocating for increased investment in resilience-building actions. The future holds challenges and opportunities; by acting together, a secure and peaceful Africa is within reach.

2023

AU'S ENGAGEMENTS IN ADDRESSING POLITICAL TRANSITIONS IN WEST AFRICA


The African continent is confronted with increased threats to multilateralism, compounded by security threats such as violent extremism, terrorism, proliferation of small arms and light weapons and governance challenges like Unconstitutional Changes of Government (UCGs) in Africa. From 2020 to date, the African Continent has witnessed eight military coups, with the West Africa region alone recording six coup d’etats, attempted coups and other socio-political tensions. This concerning situation requires new approaches in mitigating political instability in the region. These include among others, strengthening state institutions, and promoting shared values, such as democratic governance, sustainable civic and inclusive political participation, dialogue, reconciliation, and accountability and the rule of law.

While these countries remained sanctioned in line with African Union normative frameworks on UCGs, the PSC communiques, including PSC/PR/COMM.(1001(2021)) on the situation in Mali, PSC/PR/COMM.1030(2021), on the situation in the Republic of Guinea, PSC/PR/COMM.1/1062(2022), on the Situation in Burkina Faso, and PSC/PR/COMM.1168 (2023), on the Situation in Niger, requested the AU Commission to continue to provide political, technical and financial support to the affected countries towards the return to constitutional order.

In this regard, the AU, in collaboration with ECOWAS, scaled-up its collective engagements and support to the affected countries, including Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Niger. These included the deployment of preventive diplomacy efforts by the PSC, the AU Panel of the Wise, the AU Commission Chairperson and other senior functionaries. In July 2023, the PSC paid a solidarity visit to Burkina Faso to engage directly with the transition authorities and other stakeholders for a return to constitutional order, following a similar PSC visit to Mali in 2021 in the aftermath of the coup.

Furthermore, the 2023 Chair of the African Union, H.E. President Azali Assoumani of Comoros and the AU Commission Chairperson, equally conducted diplomatic and mediation initiatives including a visit to Mali from 23 to 24 June 2023, to take stock of the progress of the transition process, underscore key challenges and milestones towards the conduct of the elections. Likewise, the AU High Representative for Mali and Sahel (MISAHEL), H.E. Maman Sambo Sidikou, equally deployed his good offices, especially within the Local Follow-up Committee of the Transition and the Peace Agreement in Mali, among others. The MISAHEL Office also supported critical mediation, development and human rights processes, such as the development of the transition roadmap and electoral calendar in Mali and the operationalization of the transition support mechanism for both Mali and Guinea.

As part of coordinated support efforts, the AU in collaboration with ECOWAS and its respective partners, such as the UN, CENSAD, bilateral and multilateral partners organized the Third Transition Monitoring and Support Group for Mali in September 2022 in Lome, Togo. The meeting aimed at taking stock of the progress of the transition process including political, institutional, security and socio-economic updates from the Malian authorities and agreed on ways the international community could support the country towards a return to constitutional order. The meeting equally agreed to replicate the processes in Guinea and Burkina Faso, to continue ensuring political, technical and financial support to the transition processes in these countries, towards the full delivery of the transition roadmap, conduct of inclusive and credible elections towards a return to civilian rule within the agreed timeframes.

Furthermore, the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) undertook a review mission on UCGs in Guinea. This informed the African Governance Report (AGR), prepared by the APRM in collaboration with the African Governance Architecture Secretariat (AGA) and presented to the African Union Assembly of Heads of State and Government for consideration.

Currently, the Commission, through the Emergency Response Mechanism, is providing support, mainly to Mali and Burkina Faso, in the areas of preventive diplomacy, addressing youth radicalization, income-generating capacity development endeavors, stabilization and local community initiatives, especially within the Liptako-Gourma epicentre, bordering Mali, Guinea and Niger.

SOUTHERN AFRICA REGION

SUPPORTING THE SADC MISSION IN MOZAMBIQUE


The security and humanitarian situations in Mozambique remains volatile, particularly the province of Cabo Delgado. The region has experienced escalating violence and displacement due to insurgency attacks. This has had a significant impact on the civilian population, with thousands of people being forcibly displaced and facing urgent humanitarian needs. The security situation in the affected areas poses challenges to the delivery of humanitarian aid and support to those in need. This requires coordinated responses of national and international actors, including Government authorities, humanitarian organizations, and development partners to effectively address the humanitarian crisis in northern Mozambique.

Addressing the root causes of the conflict and providing immediate assistance to affected populations are crucial priorities. The AU and the whole international community have an important role in supporting Mozambique in addressing these complex challenges and fostering peace and stability in the region. The AU has been working closely with SADC to address Mozambique's security and humanitarian situation, particularly in response to the crisis in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, including support to the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM). In 2023, the AU Commission donated equipment and materials to SAMIM, including protective assault vehicles, military utility trucks, mine detectors, and other accessories from the AU Continental Logistic Base.

Governance & Conflict Prevention Directorate
Milestones



Democracy, Elections and
Constitutionalism Division

Democracy at Work


Governance & Human Rights Division

Human Rights for All


DDR SSR

Silencing the Guns


AU PCRD

Building and Sustaining Peace


AGA-APSA Synergies

Silencing the Guns Through Building Resilient Democracies and Accountable Governance


Conflict Management Directorate
Milestones



AU Peace and Security Council
Secretariat

At the heart of Decision-Making


Mediation and Dialogue Division

"Transformative Mediation for Africa's Effective Governance and Peace Dividends"


Peace Support Operations Division

An instrument for stability


Early Warning and Conflict Prevention

Enhancing Informed Decision-Making


AU Peacemaking Programmes
Milestones


Climate Change, Peace & Security

For a Common African Position on Climate Security


African Union Border Program (AUBP)

From Border to Bridges


Protection of Children in Conflict Situations

Protecting the Future







Women, Peace & Security

Engendering the Peace and Security Discourse


Youth for Peace (Y4P) Africa Programme

Enhancing Youth Agency in Peacebuilding



Initiatives Milestones

Silencing the Guns
2024
  • DAR ES SALAAM DECLARATION ON THE PSC 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AUPSC:
  • RECALLING the Statement of Commitment to Peace and Security in Africa, adopted in Addis Ababa by the Heads of State and Government of the Members of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, PSC/AHG/ST.(X), on 25 May 2004, during the launching of the PSC, reaffirming our commitment to realize the objectives enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the Union and the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council, the noble goal of silencing the guns in Africa by 2030, and aspiration 4 of AU Agenda 2063;
2023
  • To speed up the implementation of the AU Master Roadmap on Silencing the Guns by 2030, in January 2023the Chairperson of the Commission appointed H.E. Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas as the High Representative for Silencing the Guns, tasked with galvanizing support to end violence and promote sustainable peace on the continent.
  • In fulfilment of his mandate, the High Representative engaged with stakeholders in various Member States and partner countries towards peace in the continent. In N\'djamena, Chad the High representative consulted with H.E. Mahamat Idriss Deby, the Transitional President of the Republic of Chad, on AU's response to the war in neighbouring Republic of Sudan, and on the need to strengthen the search for a common regional approach to the deepening crisis in Sudan.
  • The Commission, through the Silencing the Guns program, continued to support Member States in the commemoration of Africa Amnesty Month (AAM) . This year, the AAM was commemorated in Maputo, Mozambique from 11 to 12 September 2023 under the theme "Disarmament as a key opportunity for silencing the Guns," in recognition of Mozambique's efforts to silence the guns in Africa through the 2019 peace and reconciliation agreement and the successful completion of the DDR process in June 2023. The commemoration witnessed an open event of the PSC with the participation of the Government of Mozambique, the High Representative for Silencing the Guns, SADC, the United Nations, the 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.
  • As part of enhancing the participation and involvement of CSOs in the Silencing the Guns Initiative, a five-day virtual training for African Artists from across the five regions of Africa was organized by the Commission from 18 to 22 September 2023, under the theme, "Leveraging the Arts for Peace", in recognition of the power and influence that the artists hold when engaging the masses, and the influential role that they play in the peace and governance processes at national, regional and continental levels. The training, which brought together twenty-five (25) young artists from across the continent, helped deepen the artists' understanding of how to contribute to a cohesive society through conflict prevention, conflict resolution and reconciliation. Held during the commemoration of Africa Amnesty Month, the training sought the artists' support to encourage, through their art, African citizenry in possession of illicit firearms to voluntarily surrender them to designated authorities.
  • A High-level Engagement Plan for sub-regional organizations to enhance domestication of the Master Roadmap at the regional and Member States levels was established, culminating in a meeting with the leadership of ECOWAS in Abuja, Nigeria, on 10 May 2023, where the High Officials explored collaborative ways of realizing the goal of silencing the guns in Africa.
  • Milestones 3
2022
  • In consolidating peace, security, governance and democracy, the AU undertook several initiatives, including the adoption of the AU Master Roadmap to Silence the Guns in Africa, and the AU theme of the year 2020, “Silencing the Guns in Africa”, which resulted to the extension of the implementation of the AU Master Roadmap from 2020 to 2030.
  • The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), while underscoring the critical importance of silence the guns initiatives, adopted the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework with the aim of expediting the implementation of the AU Roadmap.
  • In this respect, the full operationalization of the peace fund and the PCRD are of critical importance.
2021
Achievements and progress made include, inter alia, the following:
  • (i) In contribution to the theme of the Year 2021: “Arts, Culture and Heritage: Levers for Building the Africa We Want”, the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) engaged African artists from the five regions of the continent at a High Level Seminar in Accra on measures to utilize “Arts, Culture, and Heritage as Levers for Silencing the Guns in Africa”.;
  • (ii) Adoption by the PSC of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Mechanism of the implementation of the AU Master Roadmap on Practical Steps to Silence the Guns in Africa by the year 2030;
  • (iii) Improved engagement with all stakeholders including Member States, Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution (RECs/RMs), civil society organizations (CSOs), youth and women on the implementation of silencing the guns initiative. The High-Level Debate on Silencing the Guns held in Nairobi, Kenya in November 2021 identified practical steps to advance the implementation of the AU Master Roadmap within the new decade (2021-2030).
Operationalization of the Peace Fund and Financing AU Peace and Security Activities
2024


  • 394. Pursuant to the Assembly Decision, Assembly/AU/Dec.2(XXXVI) of February 2023 approving the immediate use of the AU Peace Fund and its Crisis Reserve Facility (CRF), the Commission under the auspices of the Chairperson commenced operationalization of the Peace Fund with the utilization of the CRF.
  • 395. In this regard, the Commission through the Department of PAPS, collaborated closely with the relevant organs and statutory bodies of the Union particularly the Assembly, Executive Council, PSC, PRC, Board of Trustees (BoT) and the Peace Fund Executive Management Committee (EMC) to operationalize the Fund in 2023. Thus, the Commission secured approval of USD 7 million as CRF level for the 2023 financial year, which the Commission disbursed as follows:
  • 396. USD 2 Million to support the East African Community (EAC) Regional Force deployed to Eastern DRC for stabilization operations. This disbursement was effected through the signing of a Grant Agreement between the AU Commission and the EAC Secretariat in June 2023 in Luanda, Angola on the sidelines of the Quadripartite Summit on Eastern DRC. Thus, EAC became the first REC/RM beneficiary of the AU Peace Fund.
  • 397. USD 3.5 Million as AU support to address the funding gap arising from the extension of the drawdown in ATMIS military personnel, through two tranches of USD 2 Million and USD 1.5 Million in July and December 2023 respectively, in addition to USD 19 million to bridge the financing gap of ATMIS.
  • 398. USD 1 Million to support DDR program of the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Tigray region as an integral part of the implementation of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. This disbursement was realized through the signing of a Grant Agreement between the AU Commission and the Government of Ethiopia in December 2023 in Addis Ababa. Significantly, Ethiopia became the first AU Member State to benefit directly from the AU Peace Fund.
  • 399. The balance of USD 500,000 from the approved CRF USD 7 Million was approved by the Chairperson of the Commission and set aside to support the Sudanese Peace process including the AU/IGAD political dialogue. However, this funding could not be utilized due to the ongoing protracted consultations with Sudanese civil actors on the modalities and dates for the Dialogue already endorsed by the AUPSC.
  • 400. Furthermore, the AU Assembly through Decision, Assembly/AU/Dec.842(XXXVI) at its thirty-sixth Ordinary Session in February 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, approved the utilization of the Crisis Reserve Facility (CRF). Subsequently, the 43rd Executive Council in Nairobi in July 2023, through Decision EX.CL/ Dec.1218 (XLIII), approved a US$ 10 million CRF Level for 2024.
  • 401. On 06 September 2024, the Chair of the EMC and Chairperson of the Commission approved the disbursement of US$ 7 million (70%) to meet the critical needs of AU Member States including the following:
    • i. Support to South Sudan transition process US$ 1 Million
    • ii. Sudan Peace Process/Political Dialogue US$ 500,000
    • iii. Support to SADC Mission in Eastern DRC (SAMIDRC) US$1 million
    • iv. Reinforcing Lake Chad Basin Stabilization through the MNJTF (Benin, Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria) – US$ 1 million
    • v. Support to Libya – National Reconciliation, Dialogue and Stabilization Initiatives US$ 500,000
    • vi. Support to stabilization efforts as part of Niger’s Transition US$ 500,000
    • vii. Burkina Faso – Capacity support to Counter Terrorism US$1 million
    • viii. Support to stabilization efforts as part of Mali’s Counter Terrorism initiatives US$500,000
    • ix. Support to Mozambique – Strengthening Counterterrorism Initiatives towards Stabilization in Cabo Delgado US$1 million
  • 402. It is pertinent to mention that the CRF implementation in future will continue to spread across all regions and as per the guidance from policy organs.
  • 403. It is important to note that the disbursement of the aforementioned funds will only happen in 2025. Therefore, the Commission has submitted a request to the Joint sitting of the Subcommittee on General Supervision and Coordination on Budgetary, Financial and Administrative Matters (GSCBFAM) and F15 Experts for their consideration and approval for a rollover of US$7m from 2024 to 2025.
  • 404. Based on experience from 2023 and 2024 in the use of the CRF and due to increase in the emerging crisis situations on the continent the Commission, envisages a similar crisis reserve need for 2025. In this regard the AU Commission proposes the level of CRF for 2025 as US$10 million with a carry-over of US$7 Million from 2024 to 2025.
  • 405. The AU Policy Organs approved USD$5 million for pilot projects in 2024. The implementation rate of the Peace Fund Pilot Projects Budget Performance from 1 January to 31 November 2024 is at 32%. The low execution is due to US$1 million allocated to Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs) which the grant agreement has just been signed and a request has also been submitted to the joint sitting of the subcommittee on GSCBFAM and F15 Experts for their approval to roll over the disbursement and implementation by RECs/RMs in 2025.
  • 406. Most importantly, the operationalization of the revitalized AU Peace Fund is in fulfilment of the AU’s commitment to promote African ownership and leadership by contributing substantially to financing its own agenda for peace, security and stability, in compliance with relevant Assembly Decisions. This has not only provided a political signal that Africa is committed to improving on its self-reliance targets but will also provide the Commission with the capacity to operationalize its early response mechanism, which further helps bridge the gap between early warning and early response.
2023


  • Pursuant to the Assembly Decision, Assembly/AU/Dec.2(XXXVI) of February 2023 approving the immediate use of the AU Peace Fund and its Crisis Reserve Facility (CRF), the Commission under the auspices of the Chairperson commenced operationalization of the Peace Fund with the utilization of the CRF.
  • In this regard, the Commission through the Department of PAPS, collaborated closely with the relevant organs and statutory bodies of the Union particularly the Assembly, Executive Council, PSC, PRC, and the Peace Fund Executive Management Committee (EMC) and the Board of Trustees (BoT) to operationalize the Fund in 2023. Thus, the Commission secured approval of USD 7 million as CRF level for the 2023 financial year, which the Commission disbursed as follows:
    • a) USD 2 Million to support the East African Community (EAC) Regional Force deployed to Eastern DRC for stabilization operations. This disbursement was effected through the signing of a Grant Agreement between the AU Commission and the EAC Secretariat in June 2023 in Luanda, Angola on the sidelines of the Quadripartite Summit on Eastern DRC. Thus, EAC became the first REC/RM beneficiary of the AU Peace Fund.
    • b) USD 3.5 Million as AU support to address the funding gap arising from the extension of the drawdown in ATMIS military personnel, through two tranches of USD 2 Million and USD 1.5 Million in July and December 2023;
    • c) USD 1 Million to support DDR program of the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in Tigray region as an integral part of the implementation of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. This disbursement was realized through the signing of a Grant Agreement between the AU Commission and the Government of Ethiopia in December 2023 in Addis Ababa. Significantly, Ethiopia became the first AU Member State to benefit directly from the AU Peace Fund.
  • The balance of USD 500,000 from the approved CRF USD 7 Million was approved by the Chairperson of the Commission and set aside to support the Sudanese Peace process including the AU/IGAD political dialogue. However, this funding could not be utilized due to the ongoing protracted consultations with Sudanese civil actors on the modalities and dates for the Dialogue already endorsed by the AUPSC.
  • Furthermore, the PRC approved in November 2023 the Commission's proposals for the 34 Pilot Projects covering 15 priority areas under the AU Peace Fund amounting to USD 5 million in 2024. The Commission is poised to fully operationalize the Peace Fund with these projects, which are complementary to the 2024 regular budget and the CRF for peace, governance and security, and in line with the approval of relevant organs/bodies. The pilot projects are spread across the 3 eligible windows of the peace fund namely
    • (a) Preventive Diplomacy and Mediation;
    • (b) Institutional Capacity and
    • (c) AU PSOs, and programmed to cover all 5 regions of the continent,
  • In 2024, a CRF level of USD10 million has been approved by relevant organs for use by the Commission to respond to emerging peace and security related crises on the continent.
  • Most importantly, the operationalization of the revitalized AU Peace Fund is in fulfilment of the AU's commitment to promote African ownership and leadership by contributing substantially to financing its own agenda for peace, security and stability, in compliance with relevant Assembly Decisions. This has not only provided a political signal that Africa is committed to improving on its self-reliance targets but will also provide the Commission with the capacity to operationalize its early response mechanism, which further helps bridge the gap between early warning and early response.
  • Relatedly, the African Representatives in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), following consultations with relevant stakeholders including the Commission, the AUPSC and UNSC members, on 21 December 2023 in New York authored and sponsored a resolution on financing of African Union-mandated/led Peace Support Operations (PSOs). The framework resolution 2719 (2023), unanimously adopted by the UNSC, "Agrees to consider on a case-by-case basis, while aiming at early action and rapid deployment to prevent violent conflict and its escalation, requests from the African Union Peace and Security Council seeking authorisation from the United Nations Security Council for African Union-led peace support operations under chapters VII and VIII of the Charter to have access to United Nations assessed contributions.......".
  • With this resolution, AU-led PSOs authorized by the UNSC could receive funding from the UN assessed contributions, by up to 75 percent of their annual budgets, with the remaining amount to be mobilized from the international community jointly by the AU and UN as extra-budgetary resources.
  • The UNSC also commits to consider all viable options in the event of significant shortfalls in resource mobilization.
  • Whereas the UNSC resolution 2719 (2023) is an initial step , it falls short of 100% access to UN assessed contributions that Africa had pushed for, as a way of guaranteeing predictable, adequate and sustainable financing of AU peace and security activities. The Resolution is inconsistent with the guidance provided by the Assembly decision Assembly/AU/Dec.842(XXXVI) of February 2023 which adopted the African Consensus Paper on Adequate, Predictable and Sustainable Financing of Peace and Security Activities (Consensus Paper) , and was also contrary to the guidance provided by the PSC to the A3. It should be noted that the AU Consensus Paper did not commit Africa to finance 25% of any AUPSO. It however, indicates that AU Member States will contribute towards AU peace and security efforts in the continent.
2022


  • In demonstrating their commitment to ensure predictable and sustainable financing for peace and security activities in Africa, AU Member States have so far contributed about USD279 million since 2017. The amount has increased through interest earned and proceeds from Legacy Peace Fund to a total of USD322 million. The Peace Fund is expected to increase to USD 400 million with further member contributions during the course of 2023. Meanwhile, the PSC, has identified 20 strategic priority pilot projects to be implemented using the Peace Fund, as soon as the budget for the projects has been approved by AU policy organs in 2023.
  • The AUC in 2022, under the auspices of the Chairperson, continued to work towards the operationalisation of the revitalized AU Peace Fund in fulfilment of the AU's commitment to promote African ownership and leadership by contributing substantially to financing its own agenda for peace, security and stability, in compliance with relevant Assembly Decisions. The full operationalisation of the AU Peace Fund, in addition to providing a political signal that Africa is committed to improving on its self-reliance targets, will provide the Commission with the capacity to operationalise its early response mechanism, which further helps bridge the gap between early warning and early response.
  • In this regard, the D-PAPS working closely with the Peace and Security Council (PSC), and the existing governance and management structures of the AUPF including the Executive Management Committee (EMC) and the Board of Trustees (BoT), have taken institutional steps towards pilot utilization of the Fund. To this effect, proposed budget based on the priorities and costed programs, relating to the three (3) eligible windows - (a) Mediation and Preventive Diplomacy; (b) Institutional Capacity Building and (c) Peace Support Operations, were submitted for the consideration of the relevant policy organs, as well as the Fund's Crisis Reserve Facility (CRF).
  • While the Commission awaits the consideration and approval of the costed programs and priorities under the AUPF, it is pertinent to underscore that the Executive Council at its 41st Ordinary Session in Lusaka, Zambia in July 2022 approved the Crisis Reserve Facility level of USD 5 Million, with effect from 2023, as proposed by the AU Commission and endorsed by the Board of Trustees, to respond to emergency crisis situations in the continent using the CRF eligibility criteria. The Crisis Reserve Facility is envisioned to address the challenges of financing start-up costs of PSOs, emergency mediation and preventive diplomacy initiatives, and other unplanned and unbudgeted activities until they can be incorporated into the AU's regular Peace Fund budgeting cycle. Essentially, the CRF is geared towards providing the AU with the flexibility to address rapid onset crises that erupt without sufficient warning. However, the policy organs are expected to finalize the modalities for the replenishment of the CRF before actual use in 2023, including the conclusions of the consultative process between the AUC and the Member States that have entered reservations on the adopted methodology of replenishing of the Peace Fund.
  • Relatedly, the AU Commission is engaging relevant Organs within the Union, spearheaded by the PSC, towards collating inputs for the finalization of the Consensus Paper on predictable, adequate and sustainable financing for AU peace and security activities. Apart from offering clarity on the scope of the Peace Fund, the paper dwells on the strategy to address the inadequate, irregular, unbalanced, unsustainable and unpredictable financing of AU-led, mandated and authorized peace support operations. It thus, proposes Africa's agreed position based on models for the AU to gain immediate access to the UN assessed contributions as a fresh and viable framework to address the financing gap. The draft consensus paper will be considered and adopted by relevant policy organs.
  • In this regard, taking into consideration the current security situation in the Continent, which includes the expansion of terrorism, there is need to expedite the use of the Peace Fund to cover the financial gap, including in supporting the countries in transition and the recently signed peace agreements and ensure Africa's ownership of peace and security agenda in the Continent.
2021


  • The Commission in 2021 worked towards the full operationalisation of the AU Revitalized Peace Fund to fulfil the AU’s commitment to self-financing and owning its agenda and in compliance with the 605th Decision of the Assembly held in Kigali in June 2016 (Assembly/AU/Dec.605 (XXVII).
  • Since 2018, crucial administrative and legal structures such as the recruitment of Fund managers and the appointment of the Board of Trustees have laid the foundation for utilizing the funds. In line with the AU reform process, the creation of the Peace Fund Secretariat, has been finalized, and the recruitment of the Director for the Peace Fund has been initiated, an important step towards the full operationalisation of the Fund .
    The proposed Financial Rules and Regulations for the Fund will include an annex allowing for enhanced oversight and accountability for the fund management.
  • The key legal, operational and governance mechanisms relating to the Fund as outlined in the adopted “Instrument operationalizing the AU Peace Fund” are now in place, including:
    • a. Governance and oversight mechanisms such as the Board of Trustees, the Executive Management Committee are established and are operational. A key outcome of the January 2020 retreat of the AU Peace Fund was the adoption of the modalities for the recruitment of the Independent Evaluation Panel, and the fund managers.
    • b. The boarding process of the two shortlisted Fund managers Sanlam and Old Mutual are almost completed
    • c. While the Peace Fund Secretariat is yet to be fully established, under the leadership of the Deputy Chairperson of the Commission, appropriate administrative responsibilities have been re-assigned to various entities within the Commission to ensure appropriate oversight, management and coordination of the Fund
    • d. Since May 2021, the PSC has deliberated extensively on the priorities for the utilization of the Peace Fund. The process of drawing programs and costing the priority areas has now been finalized by the PAPS Department.
  • Status of Endowment: As of September 2021, the Peace Fund stands at $240M: total assessed contributions are now at $230 million; voluntary contributions are $499,463.45, and interest generated is at $9.492 million.
  • Subject to the approval of the Executive Management Committee (EMC) and Board of Trustees, the PAPS Department is set to launch a pilot utilization of the AU Peace Fund and its Crisis Reserve Facility, through costed programs/projects endorsed by the PSC. The full operationalisation of the AU Peace Fund, in addition to providing a political signal that Africa is committed to attaining self-reliance, provides the Commission with the capacity to operationalise its early response mechanism, which further helps bridge the gap between early warning and early response. In this regard, the Assembly may wish to note with satisfaction, the substantial progress on contributions made by Member States to the AU Peace Fund, which reflects the shared commitment to sustainably finance the AU Peace Fund. In this regard, the Assembly may wish to acknowledge the efforts of the Chairperson of the AU Commission, in his capacity as Chair of both, the EMC and Board of Trustees of the Peace Fund towards the pilot utilization of the Peace Fund in 2022 through costed and prioritized programmatic activities to address urgent peace and security challenges on the Continent.

2013-2020



AU Peace Fund
  • Milestones 1
  • Milestones 2
  • Milestones 3
AFSIT
2024
  • 233. Pursuant to the decision by the 2022 16th AU Extraordinary Assembly of Heads of State and Government on Unconstitutional Changes of Government and Terrorism, the AU Commission and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) co- created the Africa Facility to Support Inclusive Transition (AFSIT). Launched on 15 July 2023, the AFSIT seeks to strengthen governance and uphold development gains during complex political transitions. The AU Peace Fund contributed financially to the AFSIT program implementation in 2024.
  • 234. In 2024, AFSIT deployed a strategic support mission to Niger, provided support to women parliamentarians and the National Transition Council in Mali, facilitated dialogue platforms between citizens and the National Council of the Transition in Guinea, provided technical assistance to the transition process in Chad, and deployed assessment missions to South Sudan and Burkina Faso; and the deployment of an AU solidarity mission of experts to monitor the Referendum on the new Constitution of the Gabonese Republic held on 16 November 2024.
  • 235. At the regional level, AFSIT facilitated three (3) regional dialogues in 2024 which convened senior representatives from the AU, UN, RECs/RMs, and non- governmental stakeholders. The dialogues focused on reimagining cooperation during transition periods, building understanding about complex political transitions, exchange of experiences, best practices, and lessons learned, and strengthening collaboration between state and non-state actors — including opposition parties and civil society.
  • 236. In addition, AFSIT supported the development of the Africa Transition Index (ATI), which provides robust and data-driven analysis of political transitions. In partnership with UNDP, AFSIT is currently developing a Futures Forecast Study for Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali, Niger, and Gabon, leveraging the Integrated Futures forecasting tool to provide a detailed analysis of development trajectories and potential outcomes. The study will align with the Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, presenting macro-level projections up to 2030 and 2043.

2023

Launch of AFSIT
  • The AU Commission, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) co-established the Africa Facility to Support Inclusive Transition (AFSIT) . The AFSIT was launched on 15 July 2023 at the margins of the AU Mid-year Coordination Meeting in Nairobi. The Facility responds to complex political transitions, broadly defined, with an initial focus on preventing and responding effectively to military coups.
  • The key objective of AFSIT is to strengthen governance and uphold development gains during complex political transitions. Leveraging the regional leadership of the AU and the RECs/RMs as well as the country presence of UNDP as a premier development agency of the United Nations system, AFSIT supports countries in political transitions.
  • Effective support for complex political transition equates to protecting development. AFSIT represents an opportunity to uphold and safeguard development as a primary objective during transitions. This requires a clear recognition of the need to prioritize the restoration, and strengthening, of accountable and responsive governance as a key component of the transition agenda.
  • AFSIT is positioned as a continental tool to support the implementation of comprehensive governance reform in critical areas such as constitutional review, justice sector reform, support to electoral processes, and the overall quest for rebuilding vertical and horizontal trust between the state and citizens and amongst communities. AFSIT also seeks to advance women and youth participation in transition processes, primarily by increasing the quantity and quality of women and youth participation in dialogue and political decision-making processes.
  • AFSIT has benefitted from extensive collaboration with AU Policy Organs including stakeholders in the African Governance Architecture (AGA) and the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) . Most notably, AFSIT has consistently engaged with the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), and the AU Peace and Security Council.
  • The Accra Declaration of March 2022 on Unconstitutional Changes of Government endorsed by the 16th AU Extraordinary Assembly of Heads of State and Government on Terrorism and UCG in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea in May 2022, duly acknowledged the important contribution to be made by the AFSIT. AFSIT as a joint AU/UNDP tool responds to the evolving findings of the assessment of the comprehensive and objective analysis of the structural root causes of UCG i.e. the AGR report and the UNDP's Soldiers and Citizens report which examined the resurgence of coups.
  • The momentum on AFSIT implementation has been commendable. The pilot phase kicked off with a joint UNDP-AUC mission to Mali from 6 to 15 November 2023. The mission consulted with several Malian authorities, including ministries of foreign affairs, territorial administration, women and family affairs, youth and culture, health and national solidarity, and state reforms, as well as the transitional national council), the AU (MISAHEL) and ECOWAS missions and several UN agencies in the country as well as a consortium of civil society organisations. The mission identified entry points for supporting the transitional process in Mali towards the restoration of constitutional order especially through the focus on women and youth in the transition process. Burkina Fasso will also be supported in the pilot phase.
  • Both AU and UNDP are mobilizing support from African stakeholders and partners for the Facility to robustly serve as an effective tool in promoting the restoration of democratic order in the continent.
I-RECKE
2024
  • I-RECKE 3RD POLICY SESSION ON MARGINS OF 6TH MID-YEAR COORDINATION MEETING
  • I-RECKE, in collaboration with the Network of Think Tanks for Peace (NETT4Peace), held its 3rd Policy Session on 20 July in Accra, Ghana, on “Joint Resource Mobilization for Regional and Continental Governance, Peace and Security Initiatives”.
  • The meeting aimed to provide the Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs) with timely and accurate information on available funding, processes and procedures for accessing the AU Peace Fund. It aimed to facilitate experience sharing between the RECs/RMs and AU on successful resource mobilisation strategies, and consult on a comprehensive joint strategy to strengthen AU-REC/RM cooperation in resource mobilisation for regional and continental governance, peace and security initiatives.
  • The session was attended by the AU Peace and Security Council, REC and RM chief executives, AU Commission experts, NeTT4Peace strategy group members, and partners. Participants discussed strategies and initiatives to mobilise resources for governance, peace, and security efforts at both the continental and regional levels, to achieve greater impact and align implementation efforts.
2023


  • I-RECKE held its inaugural policy session in March 2023 centred on "Silencing the Guns: The Conceptual, Strategic and Operational Issues." The inaugural policy session resolved that I-RECKE would serve as a policy-to-practice-knowledge tool and coordination mechanism to re-energize early warning systems, preventive diplomacy and peace-making efforts. It emphasized the importance of strengthening the collaboration of continental, regional and national mechanisms engaged in combating the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. This also includes engagements with border authorities to counter cross-border trafficking of arms.
  • Following the inaugural policy session, the I-RECKE platform in July 2023 on the sidelines of the Mid-Year Coordination meeting, held its Second Policy Session with the theme *"Cross Regional Strategies in Preventing Terrorism and Violent Extremism"* where country-specific success stories (Algeria and Egypt) and regional multi-country approaches (such as in the Lake Chad Basin) as well as initiatives of regional organizations (such as the SADC Mission in Mozambique) in countering terrorism were effectively discussed. Key lessons highlighted during the session included the following:
    • i. A robust multidimensional and comprehensive response works effectively, when such strategy is based on a durable strategic combination of well-defined legal framework; kinetic solutions and the whole of society approach;
    • ii. Adequate Research and Analysis at the level of Political Leaders Informed by Prompt and Real-Time Intelligence Sharing is Efficient In Defeating Terrorists;
    • iii. A Fundamental Way to Counter Terrorism Effectively is to Block the Sources of Financing by Terrorist Groups. Thus, IRECKE proposes the strengthening of internal and external financial systems in combating illicit financing of terrorism and violent extremism;
    • iv. The cross-regional and globalizing nature and scope of terrorism demands the necessity of effective coordination between continental and regional peace operations, and the building of integrated and requisite anti-terrorism offensive capabilities. It is critical for rapid and successful deployment of peace enforcement missions.
    • v. Any deployment of Counterterrorism Missions beyond 30 days is not a good practice and therefore not effective. This is a forward-looking lesson for the future operationalization and deployment of the African Standby Force;
    • vi. No Member State is spared from the scourge of terrorism. All the 5 regions are currently experiencing the specter of terrorism. Thus, no member state, no region can combat violent extremism alone. This calls for an effective collective security and seamless collaboration among all stakeholders;
2023 (continued)
    • vii. RECs & RMs under IRECKE showcased the good results usually associated with the adoption and implementation of counter terrorism legal and policy frameworks at country-level, premised on key thematic of prevention, protection, stabilization, and psychosocial support to victims to build resilient communities as well as the promotion of religious tolerance & addressing the hate perverted ideology of hate that violent extremism and radicalization fuels;
    • viii. Critical collaboration and coordination between continental,regional and national actors to implement counter terrorism strategies is vital in holistically addressing the scourge of violent extremism;
    • ix. That the value-driven Global Partnership be forged to Counter Terrorism with restructured focus on enhancing Africa's offensive capabilities;
    • x. That silencing the Guns, including the combat of terrorism, must take into account addressing the global threat posed by climate change which is a threat multiplier. Climate security is imperative to peace and stability.
2022
  • The AU Inter-Regional Knowledge Exchange (I-RECKE) on Early Warning and Conflict Prevention was co-created by the AU and RECs/RMs as a Pan-African initiative, to advance information and knowledge exchange, as well as co-learning on generating early action to prevent and respond effectively to conflicts. The AUC facilitated the pre-launch and official launch of I-RECKE at the 4th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Lusaka in July 2022.
  • In collaboration with the RECs/RMs, the DPAPS is expected to facilitate the implementation of I-RECKE through consultations and coordination of its activities for 2023. In this respect, on 31 October 2022, in Abuja the Commissioner, PAPS and the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of ECOWAS held consultations and called for closer collaboration and intensification of joint responses to critical issues including terrorism and violent extremism and unconstitutional changes of government.
  • The meetings also discussed implementation of the I-RECKE initiative and the revitalization of the ECOWAS-ECCAS inter-regional model on peace and security. A Roadmap is being developed for the consideration of RECs/RMs for the full operationalization of I-RECKE in 2023. The Commissioner DPAPS has also started desk to desk engagement with RECs/RMs to be rolled out in full in 2023. This will also help energize I-RECKE operationalisation.
NETT4Peace
2024
  • 464. To gain traction, the AU will need to work closely with other regional organizations and international partners to develop effective strategies to counter the threats. In this regard, the AU Commission will leverage its institutional stakeholders- related initiatives, including the Inter-Regional Economic Communities Knowledge Exchange (I-RECKE), Network of Think-Tanks for Peace (NeTT4Peace), as well as Pan-African Network for Political Affairs Peace and Security (PAN-PAPS).

2023

Launch of NETT4Peace
  • On 8 February 2023, the AU Network of Think Tanks for Peace (NeTT4Peace) was launched in Addis Ababa. This Network of Think Tanks for Peace initiative intends to drive the much-needed strategic partnership between African Knowledge Communities (focusing on governance, peace and security) and the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (DPAPS). Together with the I-RECKE platform, both initiatives are designed to address one of the priorities of promoting a knowledge approach to AU action and bridging the gap between research, policy, and practice.
  • One of the key outcomes during 2023 was a collaborative initiative between DPAPS and NeTT4Peace, in drafting and reviewing the AU's contribution in the form of an Advisory Note on the key priority areas for the UN Secretary General's New Agenda for Peace (NA4P). This contribution demonstrates the AU's vision for multilateral actions towards peace and security for a world in transition.
  • The Commission and the NeTT4Peace jointly held a webinar under the theme: "African Perspectives on the New Agenda for Peace", on 3 August 2023, to provide insights and inputs on the recommendations featured in the Policy Brief and ensure that the NeTT4Peace is fully aligned with the implementation of key AU strategies and programmes, including most notably Agenda 2063: the Africa We Want and the Silencing the Guns.
  • Panel of the Wise Engagements: From 1 to 15 April 2024, the Panel of the Wise (the Panel) received several briefings from the Network of Think Tanks for Peace (NeTT4Peace) on country contexts they are engaged in, including the Central African Republic (CAR), South Sudan, and Chad.

AU PAPS Data Story

Deliver as One.

Conflict Situations

Conflicts Per Region

Conflict East

Conflict West

Conflict Central

Conflict North and South

IDPs


Refugees

Conflict Prevention

Ratifications



PSOs

PSC Sanctions

AU-UN

Inclusive and Smart Partnership for Human Security

AU UN 2019-2020

AU UN 2020-2021

AU-UN 2021-2022

AU-UN 2022-2023

AU-UN 2023-2024




Related Contents





PAPS Related Content
931217.Jun.2026/Wed
927413.May.2026/Wed
927612.May.2026/Tue
919812.Feb.2026/Thu
914712.Dec.2025/Fri
911028.Oct.2025/Tue
907925.Sep.2025/Thu
904213.Aug.2025/Wed
903427.Jul.2025/Sun
903326.Jul.2025/Sat
901616.Jul.2025/Wed
900930.Jun.2025/Mon
897603.Jun.2025/Tue
896527.May.2025/Tue
895507.May.2025/Wed
893824.Apr.2025/Thu
891826.Mar.2025/Wed
890119.Mar.2025/Wed
889312.Mar.2025/Wed
889110.Mar.2025/Mon
882418.Dec.2024/Wed
881111.Dec.2024/Wed
880605.Dec.2024/Thu
880129.Nov.2024/Fri
879525.Nov.2024/Mon
879223.Nov.2024/Sat
879422.Nov.2024/Fri
878221.Nov.2024/Thu
878019.Nov.2024/Tue
877515.Nov.2024/Fri
876912.Nov.2024/Tue
876812.Nov.2024/Tue
877011.Nov.2024/Mon
876005.Nov.2024/Tue
874431.Oct.2024/Thu
872718.Oct.2024/Fri
869916.Oct.2024/Wed
869515.Oct.2024/Tue
873415.Oct.2024/Tue
870215.Sep.2024/Sun
864913.Sep.2024/Fri
863002.Sep.2024/Mon
862929.Aug.2024/Thu
862827.Aug.2024/Tue
862421.Aug.2024/Wed
869021.Aug.2024/Wed
860806.Aug.2024/Tue
859015.Jul.2024/Mon
865615.Jul.2024/Mon
856425.Jun.2024/Tue

PARTNERSHIP FOOTPRINT OF SUCCESS

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

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

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

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


2021

2021

United Nations


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

2021

The European Union


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

2022

Partnerships for Peace


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

2022

Partnership for Peace


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

2023

Strengthening Partnerships for African Peace and Security


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

2023 (continued)

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

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

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



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

Building an African

Narrative Towards

2063