The African Union Commission (AUC) successfully concluded the Fourth Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) Awareness Week, held from November 18 to 24, 2024. Under the theme “Advancing Africa’s Peacebuilding Agenda through the revised AU PCRD Policy”, the Awareness Week reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to fostering sustainable peace and development in Africa’s conflict-affected regions.

This year’s Awareness Week brought together key stakeholders, including Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), Regional Mechanisms (RMs), Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and international partners, to deliberate on critical challenges in post-conflict settings. The activities were designed to raise awareness, mobilize support, and strengthen collaboration for effective implementation of the revised AU PCRD Policy.

Key Highlights of the Week

The Awareness Week opened with a pre-event workshop focusing on mental health and psycho-social support (MHPSS) for victims of conflict. The AU Guidelines on MHPSS was finalized during the session, setting a framework for addressing the psychological and emotional needs of communities in post-conflict recovery.

High-level messages from AU leadership and Member States marked the official launch of the Awareness Week. Video messages by the Egyptian Foreign Minister and the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security underscored the importance of collective action and solidarity in achieving sustainable peace.

The Annual Meeting of the Peace and Security Council on PCRD, held in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, provided a platform for Member States to engage in discussions on key peacebuilding priorities, including Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR), Security Sector Reform (SSR), and transitional justice.

Another notable highlight was the launch of the inaugural AU Journal on Peacebuilding in Africa. This publication serves as a vital resource for sharing research, best practices, and innovative solutions for PCRD challenges.

The Week also featured a high-level dialogue on the 2025 Peacebuilding Architecture Review (PBAR), amplifying African perspectives and shaping a Common African Position on the global peacebuilding framework. Discussions emphasized sustainable financing, stronger AU-UN partnerships, and Africa’s leadership in international peacebuilding efforts.

Media Engagement and Visibility

The Fourth PCRD Awareness Week received widespread media coverage across traditional and digital platforms. National and international news outlets, social media platforms, and online portals extensively covered the events, highlighting the AU’s leadership in peacebuilding. The use of hashtags such as #PCRDAwarenessWeek and #Peacebuilding further broadened engagement with a diverse global audience.

H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security of the African Union Commission, hosted an interactive session with international media based in Addis Ababa. The session focused on critical issues related to peacebuilding, conflict management, and political transitions in Africa.

Conclusion

The Fourth PCRD Awareness Week was a resounding success, demonstrating the AU’s dedication to promoting peace and development in Africa. By addressing critical issues such as mental health, gender equality, and education, with a focus on the new pillars of the revised PCRD Policy, namely Youth Inclusion, Child Protection and Environmental Sustainability, the event reinforced the importance of inclusive and holistic peacebuilding strategies.

As Africa continues to face complex challenges in post-conflict recovery, the AU remains steadfast in its commitment to implementing the Revised PCRD Policy and fostering collaborative partnerships. These efforts reflect the AU’s vision for a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Africa.

 

For more information:

Mr. Adil El Badmoussi, Principal Policy Advisor on Peacebuilding & PCRD, the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security | African Union Commission | BadmoussiA@africa-union.org

 

For media inquiries:

Ms. Limi Mohammed, GCP Communications focal point and Web Administrator | Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security | African Union Commission | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Email: shashlm@africa-union.org

 

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