Introduction:

In the framework of the commemoration of the 2^nd PCRD Awareness Week and as a follow-up to the adoption of the revised PCRD Policy framework, the AU Commission launched an AU Journal on Post-conflict Reconstruction, Development and Peacebuilding in Africa in 2024. Developed within the context of the review process of the AU PCRD Policy framework adopted in 2024, the journal serves as a crucial platform for policy-relevant research and dialogue aimed at advancing conflict prevention and peacebuilding practices across Africa. It focuses on repositioning Post-conflict Reconstruction and Development in Africa and on retooling peacebuilding and conflict prevention frameworks on the continent.

In line with the AU's commitment to Agenda 2063 and its aspirations for a peaceful, secure, and stable Africa, the second edition of the PCRD Journal will examine the intersection between peacebuilding and the right to development. This year’s theme, “Peacebuilding in Practice: The Right to Development, Imperative or Impetus,” will critically assess how the right to development functions both as a moral and legal obligation (imperative) and as a strategic driver (impetus) for sustainable peace and stability across Africa.

Accordingly, the AUC would like to invite contributors to submit their papers for the Second edition of the AU PCRD Journal. The call for proposals is open to researchers, experts, and individuals from the African Union, the United Nations, think tanks, civil society organisations, academia, the private sector, and other relevant stakeholders interested in and having expertise on the theme of this edition of the journal.

Authors wishing to contribute to this edition of the journal should submit the full text of their papers to Mr. Adil El Badmoussi, Principal Policy Advisor on Peacebuilding, AU PAPS Department, via elbadmoussi.a@gmail.com and Ms. Libakiso Matlho, Executive Secretary of the PCRD Centre, MatlhoL@africa-union.org, copying Dawit Yohannes at dyohannes@issafrica.org and Emmaculate Liaga at eliaga@issafrica.org.

Submission: Authors should submit their papers no later than July 13, 2025, with the subject line “2^nd AU PCRD Journal”. Submissions must meet all the requirements listed under the “writing instructions” section of this call.

Scope and Content:

The 2nd edition of the AU Journal will feature articles, essays, and case studies that address the following key areas:

• The legal framework of the right to development and its application in post-conflict reconstruction and development settings in Africa.
• The role of development in addressing the root causes of conflict as well as promoting social cohesion on the Continent
• The integration of the right to development into national and regional peacebuilding strategies.
• The impact of economic development, infrastructure, and social services on peace and stability.
• The importance of national ownership and participatory approaches in development-driven peacebuilding.
• The trajectory of international partnerships and financing in supporting the right to development.
• Lessons learnt in the ramifications underlying the right to development imperative or impetus in post-conflict countries.

• The importance of artificial intelligence (AI) as a strategic catalyst for prosperity and a key driver for the strengthening of the digital economy in support of peace and stability in Africa, especially in countries undergoing transition.

Writing Instructions:

• Articles should be 10-15 pages maximum (including bibliography).
• Include a 150-word abstract with five keywords.
• Font: Times New Roman, Size: 12; Line spacing: Single; Footnote: Size 10.

For more details on the content of this journal edition and writing style, please refer to the following links: Terms of Reference and style guide. 

Publication Timeline:

• Call for Papers: June 1^st 2025 – July 13, 2025
• Review and selection of Papers: July 14 - 25, 2025
• First round review: July 28 – August 8, 2025
• Submission of revised paper: August 11 - 29, 2025
• Second round review: August 29 -  September 6, 2025
• Submission of final paper: September 8 - 21, 2025
• Copy editing and layout: September 22 - October 25, 2025
• Publication: October 31, 2025

For any inquiries, please contact Mr. Adil El Badmoussi at BadmoussiA@africa-union.org and copy Dawit Yohannes at dyohannes@issafrica.org and Emmaculate Liaga at eliaga@issafrica.org.

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