The Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) Department of the African Union (AU) Commission held a meeting from 5 to 7 November 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa, to establish a network of civil society organisations (CSOs) for peace, security, and development in the Southern African Region and to integrate it into the Pan-African Civil Society Network on Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PANPAPS). This aligns with the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) Protocol, especially Articles 12 and 20 on the Continental Early Warning System (CEWS) and the role of civil society organisations (CSOS) in promoting peace, security, and stability, as well as the PSC's 1163rd Ministerial Meeting, which emphasised the importance of inclusive, community-based responses to multidimensional threats such as transnational organised crime, climate change, security risks, and socio-economic inequalities. It also aligns with the Maseru Conclusions, Livingstone Formula and the Lomé Declaration.

The meeting aimed to facilitate the integration of Southern African CSO networks into PANPAPS structures, strengthen coordination and information-sharing among regional CSOs for peace, security, and development, identify opportunities for joint advocacy on regional policy issues, enhance CSO capacities to engage effectively on continental platforms, and develop actionable strategies, joint frameworks, and follow-up mechanisms for sustained engagement and accountability. It brought together representatives from Southern African member states: Angola, Botswana, Kingdom of Eswatini, Kingdom of Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, as well as experts from regional economic communities and bodies (RECs/RMs), SADC/REWC, COMESA, ECCAS/COPAC, AU affiliated entities, AU-ECOSOCC, CSOs and networks, ECONET, WANEP, SACCORD, ACCORD, SADC Council of NGOs, SAPPC, and the GIZ Office to the African Union, to build on best practices in establishing a harmonised Pan-African approach to strengthen conflict prevention and mitigation in the implementation of Agenda 2063.

On behalf of the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Mr. Cecilio Jesus Mba Mesi Akele, stated that “The establishment of this regional CSO network into PANPAPS is not merely an institutional exercise — it is a call to action. It represents a renewed commitment to African solidarity, local ownership, and collective responsibility for peace and development in the region,” urging participants to reaffirm the shared values of unity, collaboration, and inclusivity, and “ensuring that the voices of our communities are heard in shaping the policies and decisions that affect their security and well-being.” He underscored the importance of forming a coherent and complementary network of African peace actors united in purpose and vision. On his part, Brigadier General Percy Nyathi, Defence Attaché at the South African Permanent Mission to the AU, emphasised the spirit of Ubuntu as a continental value for humanity and collaboration. Participants reaffirmed the role of CSOs in bridging the AU discourse and grassroots realities, empowering them as intermediaries, and addressing fragmentation. They agreed to develop proactive strategies, emphasising the importance of early response mechanisms and the need for state recognition of CSO contributions.

Key recommendations included developing a Southern Africa CSO Integration Roadmap for PANPAPS engagement, detailing roles, timelines, and exploring the establishment of a desk at the AU PAPS. The meeting also involved establishing regional coordination mechanisms, such as shared leadership through a co-chair model and peer learning sessions. It emphasised the importance of institutionalising documentation, reporting, monitoring and evaluation strategies. CSOs should self-organise, form coalitions, and align with national, regional, and continental goals. Other priorities included addressing intellectual property, resource mobilisation, and enhancing visibility through websites and impact showcases. Notable insights highlighted that integration requires strategic mapping of CSO capacities and advocacy needs; unified CSO voices enhance credibility and impact; alignment with regional and continental agendas (Agenda 2063) positions CSOs as proactive partners; youth agency and technology remain key and demand context-specific responses; positive impacts encompass improved data for early warning, community participation, legitimacy, and mutual capacity development.

Recognising the importance of coordination among regional CSOs for unified representation, influence, and capacity-building on national, regional, and continental policy processes, as well as advocacy tools to improve CSO effectiveness, participants agreed to establish a Southern Africa Coalition of CSOs on Peace and Security. They also decided to integrate this coalition into PANPAPS, create coordination mechanisms, and organise a follow-up meeting, hosted by PANPAPS and the AU, to define operations and broaden membership. This gathering marked a significant step in rethinking CSO-state relations and promoting unified action for peace and security. Including Southern African CSOs into PANPAPS lays the foundation for sustainable collaboration, early response, and progress towards Agenda 2063. Follow-up mechanisms will ensure accountability and measurable impact.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Mr. Paschal Chem-Langhee I Communication Coordinator, Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) I African Union Commission I Email: Chem-LangheeP@AfricanUnion.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
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