The Joint Steering Committee meetings of the Tenth European Union Support Programme to the African Peace and Security Architecture (EU-APSA IV) and the Sixth Early Response Mechanism (ERM) concluded in Nairobi, Kenya, with deliberations focused on the closure of both programmes and the transition to the upcoming Governance, Peace and Security (GPS) Programme under EU funding. 

Hosted by the East African Community (EAC) from 11 to 13 November 2025, the meetings brought together senior officials from the African Union Commission (AUC), the European Union, Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs), and AU Organs.

Opening the meeting on behalf of the Government of Kenya, Mr. Chege Kamau, Director of Political Affairs, Ministry of EAC Affairs, Arid and SemiArid Lands and Regional Development, highlighted the impact of APSA IV on regional stability and conflict prevention: 

“Through the Programme, we have witnessed tangible strides in conflict prevention, early response, and regional stability. As we reflect on the accomplishments of 2025 and transition to its successor, we acknowledge the foundational work achieved through joint dedication and partnership.”

On behalf of the EU, Mr. Gianluca Azzoni, the Head of Policy and Cooperation of the EU Delegation to the AU, highlighted that the ongoing negotiations on the next EU support programme comes with an engaging new approach objective, bringing formerly separate actions together under the GPS, and strengthening both coherence and AU ownership.

On behalf of the AU Political Affairs Peace and Security Department, Ambassador Salah Hammad, reflected on the journey travelled: 

“Through the ERM and APSA IV, we have strengthened early warning systems, enhanced the readiness of the African Standby Force, and deepened coordination between continental and regional actors.” As the EU-APSA IV and ERM programmes close, he noted, this is not an end but a transition — a moment to reflect, consolidate lessons and shape the successor GPS programme.

With the EU-APSA IV and ERM Programmes expected to conclude in December 2025, the Nairobi meetings provided a timely platform to review progress, exchange lessons learned and chart the way forward for the forthcoming GPS Programme, set to commence by early 2026. 

The meetings featured comprehensive presentations and discussions on the 15-year journey of the ERM Programme, including on programmatic and financial performance, achievements, challenges and lessons learned. Participants also explored the transition to the Crisis Reserve Facility (CRF), designed to institutionalize and sustain Africa-led crisis response mechanisms within the AU Peace Fund as well as reviewed the workplans for the 2026 EU successor GPS Programme.

With reference to the EU-APSA Programme, the Steering Committee meeting reviewed the 2025 achievements and the planned 2026 activities across the following key thematic areas: Conflict Cycle Management, Early Warning Systems, Mediation, Governance, Human Rights coordination and partnerships, child protection as well as enhanced engagement and inclusivity of youth, women, and civil society within APSA.

The meetings were preceded by the Experience Exchange Session on the EU-APSA IV Programme, held on 10 November 2025. This meeting provided implementing partners with an opportunity to share achievements and best practices, fostering collaboration among the AU, RECs/RMs, and the EU to ensure the continuity and sustainability of APSA IV gains under the new GPS framework. The meeting concluded with an Award Ceremony recognizing COMESA, EASF and SADC for their excellent performance from the start of the APSA Programme and their commendable contributions throughout its years of implementation. 

The next Joint Steering Committee Meeting is scheduled for February 2026 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Lulit Kebede | Communication Officer, Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department | Email: lulitk@africanunion.org

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org Web: au.int| Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

 

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