Head MDD Dr. Akok Madut
"Transformative Mediation for Africa's Effective Governance and Peace Dividends"
At a Glance
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
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 African Union (AU) mediation support mandate is currently under the auspices of the Mediation and Dialogue Division (MDD) ,located within the Conflict Management Directorate of (CMD) of the Political Affairs, Peace, and Security Department (PAPS). The Division is designed to strengthen and institutionalize the AU's preventive diplomacy and mediation efforts by establishing a systematic, professional, and comprehensive mechanism that offers the necessary technical, logistical, and operational support to the work of AU-designated mediators and AU-led/supported mediation processes.
PAPS Commissioner: Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Nigeria (elected in February 2021) CMD - Director: Dr. Sarjoh Bah MDD – Head: Mr. Akok @AUC_PAPS Hashtags: #AUPSC #PanelofTheWise #PanWise #au_ayaps #COHA #YouthforPeaceAfrica #Youth4PeaceAfrica #Y4PAfrica #AGA #APSA #silencingtheguns #NeTT4Peace
Signing a peace agreement is just the start of a peace process
Amb. Bankole
About
Background
The five regions of the Continent are affected by protracted conflicts, complex political transitions, humanitarian crises, terrorism and violent extremisms, climate change and governance challenges. The regions are experiencing long-standing conflicts or relapse of conflicts that often exacerbated by governance issues and socio-economic disparities, which hinder efforts to achieve lasting peace. These conflicts have also fueled regional instability, with cross-border issues complicating peace efforts. Addressing the root causes of conflict, including political exclusion and socio-economic inequalities, is essential for achieving lasting peace. Regional cooperation is key to addressing these interconnected challenges, and efforts to promote dialogue and reconciliation are critical for healing divisions, fostering social cohesion, and building a stable future in Africa. Dialogue and reconciliation efforts are crucial for addressing historical grievances, rebuilding trust, and creating an inclusive environment that supports sustainable peace and promoting long-term peace across the continent. This initiative reflects the AU’s commitment to proactive and context-sensitive interventions, ensuring that each region's unique needs are met with the appropriate expertise and support. Through these deployments, the AU seeks to strengthen its role as a key actor in mediation and reconciliation efforts across the continent. Pursuant to the Constitutive Act of the African Union , particularly, Article 3 (f), on the promotion of “peace, security, and stability on the Continent”, the African Union Commission (AUC) has undertaken various strategic initiatives to support member states in their efforts to prevent and resolve violent conflict. Mediation and facilitated dialogue are powerful conflict resolution tool , largely rooted in African culture and traditions, with a long history of success not only in the AU, dating back to the Organization of African Unity (OAU), but also in regional bodies, including Regional Economic Communities, Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs), and AU member states in their efforts to prevent and resolve conflicts on the continent. In order to effectively conduct or support peaceful conflict resolution processes, mediation remains a science and an art that requires mediators to have a good grasp of history, culture, and politics, amongst others. As a professional field , the provision of technical support to help mediators identify and engage key stakeholders, facilitate shuttle diplomacy and undertake conflict analysis and mediation process design remain critical to bringing parties to the table, incentivizing them to reach agreement, as well as supporting and monitoring their implementation of peace agreements is critical to successful mediation. As has been recently witnessed in countries like Comoros, Chad, Ethiopia and the Central African Republic, Member States there are renewed efforts to use national dialogue as a conflict resolution and prevention tool .
The nature of conflict and its root causes continue to change and evolve, with mediation, and more increasingly dialogue needed across the entire conflict spectrum. Relatedly, whether as a preventive measure to address latent, emerging or manifesting conflicts, or supporting conflict management and resolution through negotiations for the cessation of hostilities and ensuring humanitarian access, or as part of accompanying and supporting complex political transitions, and consolidating peace in the post-conflict stages, the role of mediation cannot be overstated. With the AU currently supporting various Member States across all five regions, and most notably in the Horn of Africa, the Sahel and the Central African region , it is critical for AU mediators to reflect and exchange on the state of play, the progress made, challenges faced and best practices that can be replicated and enhanced for positive and peaceful outcomes. Underpinning all considerations on the role of mediation and dialogue in addressing conflict should be the question of inclusivity , particularly ensuring the meaningful participation of youth and women in peace processes. Guided by empirical evidence that more inclusive peace processes are more effective and sustainable, as a norm-setting institution, the AU has taken unprecedented steps in ensuring the inclusion of women, and more recently youth considerations in Track 1 and Track 2 mediation processes throughout the continent.
Africa's decision-making bodies have reiterated the need for the AU to develop capacities to prevent conflicts in order to promote peace, security and stability. To this end, the AU has invested heavily in tools and mechanisms for dialogue to prevent and de- escalate conflicts. These include a robust system for early warning, the Panel of the Wise, the use of the good offices of the Commission Chairperson, the appointment of Special Envoys and High Representatives, and other emissaries. A dedicated division for supporting the efforts of these mechanisms and facilitating dialogue and mediation has been created within the Department of PAPS. Consistent efforts have been made to support the strengthening of our Organisation's facilitation, dialogue and mediation mechanisms to enable the effective delivery of their mandates. The Panel of the Wise (PanWise) , the pre eminent consultative body of the Union for conflict prevention, management and resolution, has been revitalised. As part of our early response measures, members of the Network of African Women in Conflict Prevention and Mediation - FemWise - have been incorporated into election-related deployments to accompany the dialogue and mediation efforts of the Commission to prevent and de-escalate election-related disputes. As part of implementing the Continental Framework for Youth, Peace and Security, the Department facilitated the establishment of WiseYouth , a platform developed to promote the inclusion and participation of young people in national, regional and continental peacebuilding processes. A lot is required to support the effective functioning of these initiatives. Capacity development, innovation, dedicated backup that enables medium- to long-term engagements needed to support long-term peacemaking efforts, and a willingness by member states to harness the potential of these mechanisms are critical to attaining success. 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. The integration of the MSU and the PoW Secretariat forms part of the AUC’s efforts to enhance the effectiveness of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and the Africa Governance Architecture (AGA), among others. The primary mandate of the MDD is to spearhead the design and implementation of preventive diplomacy, mediation and dialogue strategies and operational plans for the AU Commission. This is premised on the Communique of the 665th meeting of the PSC, which requires the Division to provide relevant technical support to African mediation efforts on different levels, including through the Panel of the Wise and its subsidiary mechanisms.
Objectives The core objectives of the MDD are to:
- Provide enhanced technical and operational support to the AU’s mediation efforts and mediation support activities throughout the mediation process's planning, implementation, and evaluation phases. This includes enhancing the functional capacity and technical expertise of the MDD to support AU mediation processes and the ability of the AU mediators, mediation teams, and RECs/RMs to plan, deploy, manage, support, and monitor mediation interventions.
- Develop AU’s mediation knowledge production, management, and communication processes; ensuring that Africa’s knowledge products (including policies, guidance documents, lessons learnt, and best practices) are documented, disseminated, utilized, and made available to other mediators and researchers.
- Serve as the continental nerve center for networking with the mediation mechanisms of the RECs/RMs, the UN, and other mediation actors, focusing on enhancing coherence, coordination, and complementarity of mediation and mediation support approaches between AU RECs/RMs and the UN.
- Coordinate and facilitate the effective implementation of the respective mandates of the Special Envoys, High Representatives, Panel of the Wise and its subsidiary mechanisms.
Approach
11 Key Lessons from the AU-led Peace Process in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia
AU’s Leadership
The AU’s frameworks for conflict prevention, management, and resolution are crucial through AGA-APSA. Leveraging legitimacy and political capital is vital to Silencing the Guns.
Promoting Ownership
Genuine involvement of conflict-affected parties in shaping the mediation process is essential for the practicality and sustainability of peace agreements.
Selection of Mediators
Choosing credible mediators with political and diplomatic experience enhances the legitimacy of the mediation process. A panel approach can mitigate perceptions of bias.
Media Management
Restricting media engagement to controlled press statements helps maintain process integrity, confidentiality, and a conducive environment for open conversation.
Engagement with Observers
A three-pronged approach to engaging observers—accepting 'friends' of the other group, keeping observers informed, and leveraging their influence—supports the peace process.
Financing of the Mediation Process
Financial independence, such as support from the African Development Bank, reduces susceptibility to external pressures and ensures consistency in the mediation process.
Selecting Venues for Hosting Mediation Events
Venue choice impacts perceptions of neutrality, impartiality, and confidentiality. The South African Government's non-disclosure of the venue provided additional security.
Leveraging the Agency of Focal Persons
Using strategic focal persons as central points of contact facilitates real-time adjustments, accurate communication, and confidentiality management.
Functional Delegation of Responsibilities
Delegating responsibilities within the AU allows experts to support the process effectively, ensuring strict confidentiality and robust management of the mediation.
Scope of COHA
Addressing complex issues and achieving a ceasefire were urgent priorities. The absence of guarantors in the agreement posed challenges for compliance and oversight.
Peace Agreement: A Means to an End
A peace agreement is a tool for restoring peace and stability, not an end in itself. The signing of the Permanent COHA is vital, but its successful implementation relies on ongoing, consistent engagement to ensure compliance. Strategic reflection sessions and robust monitoring are critical.
Panel of the Wise
Leveraging Wisdom for Peace
The original mention of the need for a continental Council of Elders can be traced back to the 1991 “Towards a Conference on Security, Stability, Development and Co-operation in Africa (CSSDCA)”, adopted by the Organization of African Unity’s Assembly of Heads of State and Government at the summit in Kampala, Uganda. It made a specific call for the establishment of an “Africa’s Elders Council for Peace” which would become today’s Panel of the Wise. The Panel was created through Article 11 of the “Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union”, primarily to support the efforts of the Council and the Chairperson of the AU Commission, particularly in conflict prevention. In creating the Panel of the Wise, the African Union recognized the importance of traditional conflict resolution mechanisms and their continued relevance in preventing and mediating disputes and conflicts in contemporary Africa. The Panel of the Wise, a critical pillar of the African Union's peace and security architecture, is mandated to play a pivotal role in offering advisory support to the Peace and Security Council (PSC) and the Chairperson of the Commission across all facets of peace and security, with a pronounced focus on conflict prevention.
The mandate of the Panel encompasses advising the Peace and Security Council (PSC) and the Chairperson of the Commission on all matters relevant to the promotion and maintenance of peace, security, and stability across Africa. The Panel is empowered to take actions deemed necessary to support the PSC and the Chairperson, as well as to express its views on issues concerning peace, security, and stability on the continent.
Since the inauguration of the first Panel in December 2007, five (5) Panels have served the AU. Fifth Cohort of Panel Members
- 1. H.E. Domitien Ndayizeye from Central Africa
- 2. Hon. Justice (Rtd) Effie Owuor from Eastern Africa
- 3. H.E. Amre Moussa from Northern Africa
- 4. Professor Babacar Kante from Western Africa
- 5. H.E. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka from Southern Africa.
- 1. Central Africa: Mrs. Honorine Nzet Bitéghe, former Minister of Social Affairs of Gabon
- 2. Eastern Africa: H.E. Dr. Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe, former vice president of Uganda
- 3. Northern Africa: H.E. Amr Moussa, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Egypt and Secretary General of League of Arab States
- 4. Southern Africa: H.E. Hifikepunye Pohamba, former president of Namibia
- 5. Western Africa: H.E. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former president of Liberia and 2011 Nobel Prize Winner.
- 1. Central Africa: Mr. Albina Faria de Assis Pereira Africano, former adviser of oil and industry on Regional Affairs to the president of Angola
- 2. Eastern Africa: H.E. Dr. Speciosa Wandira Kazibwe, former vice president of Uganda
- 3. Northern Africa: H.E. Lakhdar Brahimi of Algerian, former Special Envoy to Libya
- 4. Southern Africa: H.E. Luísa Diogo, former prime minister of Mozambique and the first woman to chair the Panel
- 5. Western Africa: Late H.E. Edem Kodjo, former Secretary General of OAU.
- 1. Central Africa: Mrs. Marie Madeleine Kalala-Ngoy, former minister of human rights in DRC
- 2. Eastern Africa: H.E. Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim of Tanzania, former OAU Secretary-General
- 3. Northern Africa: H.E. Ahmed Ben Bella, former president of Algeria
- 4. Southern Africa: H.E. Kenneth Kaunda, former president of Zambia
- 5. Western Africa: Mrs. Mary Chinery-Hesse, former vice-chair of the National Development, Commission of Ghana.
- 1. Central Africa: H.E. Miguel Trovoada, former president of São Tomé and Príncipe
- 2. Eastern Africa: H.E. Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim of Tanzania, former OAU Secretary-General
- 3. Northern Africa: H.E. Ahmed Ben Bella, former president of Algeria (was elected first chairperson the Panel at the inauguration on 18th Dec 2007
- 4. Southern Africa: Mrs. Brigalia Bam, former Chairperson of the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa
- 5. Western Africa: Mrs. Elisabeth Pognon, former President of the Constitutional Court of Benin.
As part of efforts to strengthen the Panel’s engagements at regional and national levels and foster the inclusivity of relevant stakeholders, three subsidiary mechanisms of the Panel have been established by the AU Assembly, including i. the Pan-African Network of the Wise (PanWise) in 2013 that fosters coordination with similar mechanisms at the RECs/RMs; the Network of African Women in Conflict Prevention and Mediation (FemWise-Africa) in 2017; and the Network of African Youth in Conflict Prevention and Mediation (WiseYouth) in 2022 respectively.
First Cohort of Panel Members – December 2007 to 2010:
- Oversaw the operationalization of its mandate and transformation of its modalities of operation into realities on the ground.
- Establishment of “horizon scanning” to monitor, reflect and pronounce itself on key emerging threats to peace and security, bringing them to the attention of the AU organs in a yearly thematic report.
- Engage directly with preventive diplomacy and peacemaking, especially through numerous missions to countries holding elections.
- Demonstrated the centrality of this mechanism, which is characterized by an expanding portfolio of activities, the development of closer relations with other institutions within the Union, and the diffusion of the Panel through the creation in May 2013 of the Pan-African Network of the Wise (PanWise), a continental net work of mediation actors and institutions.
- The Panel and its secretariat became key in the development of the now traditional “Cairo Retreats”, and in acting as a mediation support unit within the Commission by facilitating training, capacity-building and knowledge generation, among others, to the Union’s Special Envoys, Special Representatives and mediators on the ground.
- Devoted significant efforts to the facilitation and provision of mediation functions to political dispute processes very high on the agenda of the AU PSC, as well as the United Nations Security Council, advancing the women, peace and security agenda by convincing the AU Assembly to permanently mainstream women’s participation in the APSA structure, through the establishment of the African Network of Women in Conflict Prevention and Peace Mediation (FemWise).
Subsidiary Mechanisms
FEMWISE-AFRICA NETWORK: Promoting Women's Agency in Peace-Making
The role of women and the gender dimensions of conflict remain marginal in conflict resolution and post-conflict reconstruction processes, despite several resolutions, such as United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325, and commitments made to increase women’s participation in mediation and peace processes. At the continental level, while Africa has made significant progress towards gender equality and protection of women’s rights at the policy level - with the adoption of various legal instruments, as well as their realization at the national, regional and continental level, implementation is largely lacking. The absence of and lack of African women’s participation in formal mediation processes and at the peace table, in particular, is an important area of the 1325 agenda that remains poorly implemented. In addition, women’s significant contribution to and strong role in sub-national and local mediation and conflict prevention initiatives continues to be largely unrecognized and weakly supported. There is no doubt that women should take an integral part in decision-making during peace processes. In order to contribute to an increase in women’s access to and participation in peace mediation and negotiation in Africa, women’s capacity in mediation and negotiation skills needs to be improved and extended to all areas of work including security sector reform, financing and power-sharing; the impact of conflict on women and their role in peace processes need to be better exposed and reflected on; and the implementation of various policies related to Women, Peace and Security needs to be accelerated and monitored. A comprehensive response from all stakeholders is necessary to ensure gains made are not reversed.
Against this backdrop, the African Union (AU) has taken three landmark decisions, that ultimately led to the establishment of FemWise-Africa: the 2010 Decision of the Peace and Security Council asking the Panel of the Wise to undertake a study on women in armed conflicts; the 2014 Decision of Ministers of Gender calling for the creation of an association of women in mediation; and the 13 March 2017 Decision of the AU Peace and Security Council endorsing the modalities for the Network. Further endorsement was given by the UN Security Council on 27 March 2017 as part of their Arria Formula meeting . FemWise-Africa aims to strengthen the role of women in conflict prevention and mediation efforts in the context of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) . The Network provides a platform for strategic advocacy, capacity building and networking aimed at enhancing the implementation of the commitments for women’s inclusion in peacemaking in Africa. The Network’s operations are in fulfillment of the decision of the Assembly of Heads of States and Government on 4 July 2017 Assembly/AU/Draft/Dec.21 {XXIX}, establishing FemWise-Africa as a subsidiary mechanism of the Panel of the Wise within the context of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA); as well as the AU’s commitment to implementing the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 Women, Peace and Security Agenda of 2000 , the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Right on the Rights of Women in Africa (The Maputo Protocol of 2003), and the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa of 2004 .
The structure of FemWise-Africa includes the FemWise-Africa Steering Committee , the FemWise-Africa Assembly , and the FemWise-Africa Secretariat . The Steering Committee provides inputs to the annual work plans of the Network. The Committee includes as core members: the Panel of the Wise, counter parts from the RECs, the Peace and Security Department and ten pre-selected women mediators with proven mediation skills (2 per region). Associate members, without voting privileges, are relevant Departments and Directorates of the Commission (Office of the Special Envoy for Women, Peace and Security, the Gender Directorate, etc), UN Women country office, ACCORD, the Africa Leadership Centre, and, as necessary, thematic experts to provide regular substantive guidance and advice to the Secretariat of FemWise. The Assembly is made up of all members of the Network; responsible for approving annual work plans and a regular platform for the exchange of lessons learned and best practices), which will meet at least once a year and at any other time as may be deemed necessary to validate and adopt the annual Action Plan of the Network. It should be recalled that Members of the FemWise-Africa may include women and girls who have served and aspire to serve in preventive actions and mediation activities, drawn from a variety of different backgrounds The Secretariat of FemWise is based at the African Union Commission Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, within the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department (PAPS). The Secretariat coordinates, harmonizes and monitors the activities of the Network and tables annual and other reports on the activities of the Network through relevant structures within PAPS, and to the Panel of the Wise through PanWise. The members of the network can request operational technical support from the Network through the Secretariat, and the Secretariat will coordinate the response and support in consultation with the AU and RECs/RMs. The Secretariat is responsible for managing the Network’s relations with other pillars of APSA, the African Governance Architecture (AGA) and the AU Gender Architecture, training, research and policy institutions and any other categories of relevant stakeholders as shall be determined by the Network. The Secretariat shall furthermore implement the Network’s communication and outreach strategy. The Secretariat shall perform any other duties as may be articulated by the AU Chairperson, the PSC, Network members or any other appropriate stakeholders.
Priorities of FemWise-Africa : Drawing on deliberations that took place in the Constantine meeting, the briefing to the PSC, the UNSC, and the Assembly, FemWise-Africa priorities were formulated as:
- 1. Professionalizing the role of women in preventive diplomacy and mediation at Tracks 1, 2 and 3 levels;
- 2. Ensuring a channel for women’s meaningful and effective participation in peace processes, including as heads of official high-level mediation missions;
- 3. Initiating women’s action that will catalyse and mainstream the engagement of women in mediation in line with the African Union’s “Agenda 2063” and the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs);
- 4. Bridging the gap between Tracks 1, 2 and 3 mediation and synergizing efforts towards inclusive peace processes with sustainable outcomes.
- 5. Strengthening the mediation interventions of FemWise-Africa with the facilitation of Quick Impact Projects and the establishment of local and national peace infrastructures as foundations and Launchpad for medium and longer term initiatives that will ensure that stability and development take root.
The PAN-AFRICAN NETWORK OF THE WISE (PanWise Network) and WISEYOUTH
It may be recalled that the PanWise Network is an umbrella network that brings together mechanisms similar to the Panel of the Wise, namely: the ECOWAS Council of the Wise; the SADC Panel of Elders; the COMESA Committee of Elders; the ECCAS Council of the Wise; the EASF Panel of Elders; and the IGAD Reference Group whose mandate emanates from the Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms. Since 2022, the Panel of the Wise has been reflecting on ways to revitalize the PanWise Network, and towards this effort during its 26th Statutory Meeting approved the Revitalization Framework of the PanWise Network and the Terms of Reference for the PanWise Steering Committee. To further this effort, the Panel approved the establishment of a Steering Committee composed of the respective Chairpersons of the AU’s Panel of the Wise and those from the regional mechanisms. The Co-Chairs of FemWise-Africa and the designated representatives of the WiseYouth Network also participate in the meetings. The AU Commission and one representative from each REC/RM will facilitate the provision of requisite support and serve as the secretariat. The PanWise Steering Committee will support the full operationalization of APSA with particular reference to enhanced coordination and collaboration on preventive diplomacy and mediation efforts; promotion of political buy-in from Member States for the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts; strengthen coordinated support to national peace infrastructures on conflict prevention and mediation efforts; undertake joint missions, and issue joint statement/pronouncement on key issues threatening governance, peace and security on the continent; commission joint research to enrich joint horizon scanning briefings to the PSC and similar policy-making organs at RECs/RMs. Towards the objective of enhanced coordination, and given the joint deployments undertaken by the AU-RECs/RMs during elections, the 8th PanWise Network Retreat was held from 7 - 8 December 2023 in Kigali, Rwanda, centered around the theme "Enhancing Electoral Preventive Diplomacy during Elections: Best Practices and Lessons Learnt." This gathering brought together distinguished members of the Panel of the Wise, regional mechanisms, and National Peace Infrastructures from African Member States to address the critical imperative for proactive strategies in ensuring peaceful and credible electoral processes across the African continent. 19. The primary objective of this gathering was to address the critical imperative for proactive strategies in ensuring peaceful and credible electoral processes across the African continent. Recognizing the profound impact of elections on regional stability, the retreat aimed to foster collaboration, share best practices, and formulate a cohesive approach to preventive diplomacy during electoral periods.
It is recalled that the Network of African Youth on Conflict Prevention and Mediation (WiseYouth), was established through a decision of the 35th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in February 2022 (Assembly/AU/Dec.815(XXXV), as a subsidiary mechanism of the Panel of the Wise, to ensure and promote a focused and strategic engagement of youth in preventive diplomacy, mediation and dialogue across the Continent. The WiseYouth Network was subsequently launched at the 13th High-Level Retreat of Special Envoys, High Representatives and Special Representatives of the Chairperson of the Commission in October 2022, in Windhoek, Namibia. Towards enhancing its Operationalization, the AU Commission convened a Consultative Meeting with all RECs, RMs, the LCBC and the G5-Sahel, on 31 August – 01 September 2023 in Bujumbura, Burundi, where the Operational Modalities and Terms of Reference for Members of the Network were finalized and validated. Premised on this, the Commission is now in the process of launching an Open Call for Applications for the 1st Cohort of the WiseYouth Network, with this process expected to be completed in 2024.
MDD FOOTPRINT OF SUCCESS
2010s
Panel of the Wise activities:
- The Panel has been involved in several preventive diplomacy missions, including in:
- Guinea (2010)
- Egypt and Tunisia (during the post-“Arab Spring” transition)
- DRC (2011)
- Senegal (2012)
- Sierra Leone and Ghana (2012)
- Kenya (2013)
- South Sudan (2014)
- Burundi (2014)
2010s
- Kenya (2013)
- South Sudan (2014)
- Burundi (2014)
2021
MDD
- The Commission supported political transition and peace efforts in Chad, the Horn of Africa region, and Comoros:
- Chad: coordinated the AU Support Mechanism (AUSM), which was established by the PSC in the aftermath of the death of President Idriss Deby Itno.
- Comoros: prioritized support for the planned National Dialogue with a strong capacity-building component.
- Horn of Africa Region: supported peacemaking efforts in Ethiopia, led by the AU High Representative to the region, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo.
2021
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- Similar efforts were made to support the peace processes in Somalia, Sudan and South Sudan
- Two preventive diplomacy initiatives were deployed to the August 2021 elections in Zambia as well as The Gambia in December 2021.
- Facilitated the nomination of new members of the 5th Panel through the Overall and Regional Deans of Ambassadors/Permanent Representatives accredited to the AU
- Revitalized the Pan-African Network of the Wise (PanWise).
- Made efforts to capacitate and engage women and youth mediation actors.
- 197. Under the Mediation and Dialogue Division (MDD) of the PAPS, the Commission provided Member States with political, technical, and financial assistance to promote the prevention and resolution of intra and inter-state conflicts in Africa. In particular, the AU-led Support Mechanism (AUSM) for the Political Transition in Chad , through the EU ERM funding, deploying six (6) technical experts to the AULO in Chad with expertise in Political Analysis, Gender and Inclusivity, Constitutional Drafting, Strategic Security, Electoral Affairs and strategic advisory support. In view of implementation delays encountered, the Commission secured a one-year no-cost extension for the AU-led Support Mechanism (AU-SM) until 30 September 2023.
- 199. Similarly, the PanWise was revitalized through the convening of the 7th Retreat between members of the Panel and similar mechanisms from the RECs in October 2022 in Windhoek, Namibia. The Commission also sustained efforts to enhance the capacities of women and youth in conflict prevention, mediation, dialogue and other peace processes through basic and advanced trainings on thematic issues on mediation. It also facilitated deployment of FemWise-Africa members, including short term engagements in support of AU electoral-related activities, as well as long-term deployment to enhance the mediation capacities of the Commission and AU Liaison Offices to Chad, South Sudan and Madagascar.
- 200. In line with the decisions of the FemWise-Africa Steering Committee meeting of April 2019, the Commission has continued to advance engagements for the reconceptualization of the Network in order to decentralize it at regional and national levels. On strengthening youth inclusivity, the Commission officially launched WiseYouth-Africa on 23 October 2022 in Windhoek, Namibia, which was performed by H.E Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International relations and cooperation of Namibia; and the Chairperson of the AU Commission.
2023
Panel of the Wise activities:
- Deployed a preventive diplomacy mission of the Panel of the Wise in CAR;
- Reviewed the progress of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation (APPR-CAR);
- Undertook a fact-finding mission to the Republic of Chad to evaluate Chad's political and security processes;
- Covered elections in Sierra Leone;
- Undertook a consultative mission to South Sudan to complement the efforts of the AU Ad-Hoc High-Level Committee for South Sudan (C5) in supporting the ongoing peace process;
2023 (continued)
Panel of the Wise-Subsidiary Bodies, PanWise Network/Femwise Activities:
- AU's collaboration with Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs) was bolstered by the 2nd Annual Technical Coordination Meeting on Preventive Diplomacy and the 8th Retreat of the Pan-African Network of the Wise (PanWise Network);
- Involvement of the FemWise-Africa Network in Guinea-Bissau during post-election phases and Sierra Leone.
- FemWise-Africa Networks continue to maintain their long-term presence at the AU Liaison Offices in Sudan, South Sudan, and Chad.
- Covered elections in Sierra Leone;
- Secretariat role for the Global Alliance of Women Mediator Networks; will have the convening power for women mediators globally for the period of 2023-2024. In addition to FemWise-Africa, the Global Alliance also brings together five other regional networks, including the Arab Women Mediators Network (AWMN), the Mediterranean Women Mediators Network (MWMN), the Nordic Women Mediators (NWM), the Women Mediators across the Commonwealth (WMC), and the Southeast Asian Network of Women Peace Negotiators and Mediators (SEANWPNM).
The Panel of the Wise and Subsidiary Mechanisms
- 295. In 2024, the Panel of the Wise advanced its mandate of preventive diplomacy, mediation, and advisory support, engaging deeply in conflict resolution, governance transitions, and peacebuilding initiatives. The Panel’s activities, undertaken in accordance with the 2002 Protocol for the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council (PSC), emphasized its critical role in fostering peace and stability across Africa.
- 296. Comprising Hon. Justice (Rtd) Effie Owuor (Eastern Africa), H.E. Domitien Ndayizeye (Central Africa), H.E. Amre Moussa (Northern Africa), H.E. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka (Southern Africa), and Professor Babacar Kante (Western Africa), the current 5th Panel of the Wise has concluded its tenure with significant contributions to Africa’s peace and security framework. The Panel’s engagements reflected its commitment to addressing complex challenges in political transitions, electoral processes, and natural resource governance.
Supporting Political Transitions
- 297. On 26 April, 2024, the Panel held consultations in Addis Ababa, with representatives of Member States undergoing political transitions. This platform served to assess governance reforms, security challenges, and humanitarian concerns in the countries going through political transition. Notably, issues raised include: delays in electoral timelines, the imperative of security sector reforms, and the impact of sanctions and arms embargoes. This engagement reaffirmed the Panel’s pivotal role in guiding the AU in supporting Member States through fragile and protracted transitions.
Strengthening Peace in South Sudan
- 298. The Panel has actively been seized of the South Sudan situation. In July 2024, the Panel of the Wise organized a High-Level Reflection Roundtable in Addis Ababa , as part of fostering trust and confidence-building measures critical for the implementation of the R-ARCSS . With only 10% of the Agreement implemented, the meeting aimed to provide the Panel with an informed strategy to address the challenges impeding progress. The roundtable attracted South Sudanese experts, representatives from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), IGAD, and other envoys, to explore mechanisms for addressing persistent trust deficits among stakeholders.
- 299. The Panel underscored the importance of aligning peace initiatives, particularly the Tumaini Initiative , with the R-ARCSS framework to ensure a unified approach to South Sudan’s governance and peacebuilding transition.
- 300. To strengthen regional support, the Panel undertook shuttle diplomacy missions to Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa, engaging key leaders and stakeholders to advance the South Sudan peace process. In Ethiopia, the Panel met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs to discuss regional cooperation and the broader implications of South Sudan’s transitional challenges. In Uganda, the Panel held discussions with H.E. Yoweri Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda, focusing on consolidating Uganda’s role as a key partner in supporting South Sudan’s stability. In South Africa, the Panel engaged with the Deputy President, who also serves as the Special Envoy of the President for South Sudan, to explore ways to align regional and international efforts to support the peace process.
- 301. In Kenya, the Panel was received in the audience by H.E. William Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Principal Mediator of the Tumaini Initiative. The Panel also convened with Tumaini Consensus mediators, non-signatory groups, the South Sudanese government delegation, and representatives from civil society organizations. These engagements were instrumental in fostering inclusivity and promoting cooperation among all parties involved in South Sudan's transition.
- 302. The Panel of the Wise emphasized the critical need for the Tumaini Initiative to complement the R-ARCSS, which has served as the foundation for peace and stability in the country over the past six years. By aligning efforts, the Panel underscored the importance of creating a unified and coherent approach to South Sudan’s governance and peacebuilding agenda.
- 303. In November 2024, the Panel conducted a field mission to Juba to evaluate the implementation of the R-ARCSS and assess South Sudan’s readiness for the 2026 elections. Key findings included slow progress on constitutional reforms, inadequate technical and financial resources for electoral preparations, and gaps in voter registration and civic education. Additionally, the mission highlighted the need for inclusivity, particularly the participation of women, youth, and marginalized communities in governance and electoral processes.
- 304. It was underscored that the necessity of sustained international and regional support would ensure the successful implementation of R-ARCSS as it remains the cornerstone for South Sudan’s stability and governance transition.
Electoral Observations and Governance Initiatives
- 305. The Panel of the Wise played a pivotal role in supporting credible electoral processes and addressing governance challenges in key Member States during 2024. These efforts underscored the Panel’s critical role in promoting democratic integrity, preventing electoral violence, and fostering inclusive governance as essential components of peace and stability across the continent. Specifically, the Panel of the Wise engaged in the elections in Comoros (January 2024), Senegal (February 2024), and Ghana (October and December 2024). In these elections, the Panel of the Wise led efforts to mitigate electoral tensions, engaging key stakeholders to address concerns over potential irregularities and promote transparency.
Fostering Synergies
- 306. The Pan-African Network of the Wise (PanWise), which encompasses the AU Panel of the Wise and similar mechanisms at the RECs/RMs, presented a critical platform for the Panel’s engagements in 2024. In collaboration with the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), the Panel of the Wise convened the First Joint Retreat of the ECCAS Committee of Elders from 25–26 November 2024, in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. This retreat focused on cross-border challenges and the complex regional dynamics in Central Africa, thereby serving as a vital step in strengthening cooperation between the AU and ECCAS to enhance peace and security in the region.
2024
FemWise-Africa
- 311. The Network of African Women in Conflict Prevention and Mediation (FemWise- Africa) continued to advance the implementation of its decentralization process toward strengthening the meaningful role of women in preventive diplomacy, mediation, and dialogue at national, regional, and continental levels.
- 312. At the national level, FemWise-Africa established the South Sudan national chapter, its fourth after Uganda, Malawi, and Ethiopia, while at the regional level, the establishment of the Southern Africa Regional Women Mediators Network by SADC marked the third regional network after ECOWAS and ECCAS.
- 313. At the continental level, FemWise-Africa commenced the preparations for the 2nd Cohort of members of the Network, who will begin their mandate in 2025, and be expected to advance the AU’s gender mainstreaming efforts in its mediation processes. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Gender Peace and Security Program and the Office of the Special Envoy on Women, Peace, and Security, the Network welcomed the directive of the PSC to develop a policy framework to guarantee gender equity and equality in all AU-led mediation and peace processes. Concurrently, FemWise-Africa continued to systematically deploy women mediators and peacebuilders to all AU Election Observation and Preventive Diplomacy missions and further promoted peace dialogue platforms for women in countries affected by conflict, including Sudan.
- 314. Globally, through its role as the Secretariat of the Global Alliance of Women Mediator Networks, FemWise-Africa led high-level discourse and advocacy amongst member states and policymakers on the need to strengthen the role of women mediator networks and their contributions to more inclusive peace processes. These multi-track efforts, collectively, aim to strengthen mechanisms and policies aimed at advancing women’s strategic contributions to peacebuilding, peacemaking, and mediation efforts at all levels.
2024
WiseYouth Network
- 316. The PAPS Department finalized the selection of the 1st Cohort of members for the Network of African Youth in Conflict Prevention and Mediation (WiseYouth Network), who will serve for a three (3) year mandate. This is in line with the Assembly's Decision to fully operationalize the WiseYouth Network as a subsidiary mechanism of the Panel of the Wise, with the objective of promoting a focused and strategic engagement of youth in preventive diplomacy, mediation, and dialogue across the continent.
- 317. Since its full formation, WiseYouth members have carried out a number of preventive diplomacy engagements, including with youth to discuss pertinent issues of peace and security in line with contextual relevance, and further amplify their role in shaping youth-inclusive peace efforts for sustainable impact.
D. MEDIATION AND DIALOGUE EFFORTS
- 211. During the reporting period, the AU Commission advanced its preventive diplomacy mandate through mediation and dialogue engagements aimed at supporting political stability, inclusive dialogue and peaceful political processes across the continent. Guided by early warning analysis and relevant decisions of the Peace and Security Council (PSC), these efforts were undertaken within the framework of the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the PSC, the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance (ACDEG), and applicable Assembly decisions. Engagements were conducted in accordance with the principles of consent, discretion, impartiality and national ownership, and in coordination with Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs), with a view to accompanying Member States during periods of political challenges.
- 212. In line with Article 11 of the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the PSC, Assembly/AU/Dec.254(XIII) Rev.1 on election-related conflict prevention, and PSC Communiqués PSC/PR/COMM.1264 (2025) on the activities of the Panel of the Wise and PSC/PR/COMM.1303 (2025) on re-energising preventive diplomacy and early action, the Panel of the Wise served as the Union’s primary mechanism for preventive diplomacy during the reporting period. The Panel’s engagements focused on early political accompaniment, confidence-building and discreet dialogue before, during and after key political moments, in support of African-owned approaches. During the period under review, four (04) members of the sixth Panel of the Wise—H.E. Domitien Ndayizeye, Hon. Justice (Rtd.) Effie Owuor, H.E. Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka and Prof. Babacar Kanté—were appointed through decisions of the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly and the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, enabling the Panel to operate at near full capacity for the 2025–2028 mandate cycle.
- 213. In implementing the decisions of the Peace and Security Council and at the request of the Chairperson of the Commission, H.E. Domitien Ndayizeye and Justice (Rtd.) Effie Owuor, members of the Panel of the Wise, undertook a high-level engagement in the Republic of South Sudan from 31 March to 2 April 2025. The engagement aimed to encourage calm, support continued dialogue among key national stakeholders, and reinforce confidence in nationally agreed political mechanisms. In line with the principles of discretion and national ownership, the Panel held consultations with senior leadership, including H.E. President Salva Kiir, and sought engagement with other key actors to support constructive dialogue and continuity of political processes.
- 214. Recognising elections as important moments for consolidating political trust and institutional continuity, the Commission prioritised preventive diplomacy in electoral contexts through a sequenced approach combining early engagement, election observation and post-electoral accompaniment. In this regard, the AU, jointly with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), deployed a high-level preventive diplomacy mission to the Republic of Malawi in August 2025 ahead of the general elections of 16 September 2025. The mission was led by Hon. Justice (Rtd.) Effie Owuor, Member of the Panel of the Wise, and Ambassador Ashraf Rashed of the COMESA Council of Elders, and engaged political actors, electoral institutions and civil society stakeholders to support dialogue and confidence-building, while highlighting the value of timely engagement ahead of key electoral milestones.
- 215. Post-electoral accompaniment formed an integral part of the AU’s preventive approach. In Malawi, follow-up engagements undertaken alongside the African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) led by H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn focused on sustaining dialogue among political actors and supporting nationally led mechanisms for continued engagement, with the aim of reinforcing confidence and institutional continuity. Post-election follow-up efforts led by Hon. Justice Owuor and Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi encouraged continued dialogue through nationally owned platforms.
- 216. Preventive diplomacy efforts during the reporting period also included engagement in the United Republic of Tanzania. From 11 to 21 June 2025, a pre- electoral assessment was undertaken under the leadership of H.E. Phumzile Mlambo- Ngucka and Hon. Justice Effie Owuor, to engage stakeholders and identify areas requiring attention to sustain confidence in the electoral process. The assessment contributed to early engagement with relevant institutions ahead of subsequent electoral activities.
- 217. In the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, in the context of the presidential elections held on 25 October 2025, the AU deployed a preventive diplomacy mission of the Panel of the Wise from 23 to 29 October 2025 in support of the AUEOM. The mission was led by Prof. Babacar Kanté, Member of the Panel of the Wise, and focused on dialogue with political actors and institutions, confidence-building measures and the identification of areas requiring continued attention. Joint debriefings with regional and international observation missions reflected shared assessments regarding the overall conduct of the process, while also identifying areas for further strengthening in future electoral cycles.
- 218. In the Republic of Guinea-Bissau, the AU deployed an AUEOM to accompany the elections held on 23 November 2025, while the Panel of the Wise undertook parallel preventive diplomacy engagements in coordination with regional actors. Hon. Justice (Rtd.) Effie Owuor worked closely with the Head of the AUEOM, members of the West African Elders Forum—including H.E. Goodluck Jonathan and Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas—and the ECOWAS Head of Mission, Ambassador Issifu Baba Braimah Kamara. Engagements included consultations with the National Electoral Commission and exchanges with political actors across the spectrum, aimed at encouraging dialogue, restraint and adherence to constitutional processes. Subsequent coordinated messages by the Heads of Missions underscored the importance of peaceful and lawful approaches to addressing post-electoral concerns.
- 219. In Madagascar, and in accordance with PSC Communiqués PSC/PR/COMM.1305 (2025) and PSC/PR/COMM.1306 (2025), H.E. Domitien Ndayizeye and Prof. Babacar Kanté engaged with national stakeholders in coordination with the Chairperson of the Commission’s Special Envoy, H.E. Ambassador Mohamed Idris Farah. The engagement supported continued dialogue among national actors and accompanied nationally led efforts aimed at maintaining institutional continuity and constructive political engagement, in line with PSC guidance.
- 220. In recognition of the role of religious and traditional leaders in fostering social cohesion, and consistent with PSC guidance on inclusive approaches to preventive diplomacy, the members of the Panel of the Wise convened a consultative roundtable with civil society actors from different regions of South Sudan on 11 - 13 June 2025 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; and religious and traditional leaders from West Africa and the Sahel from 15 to 16 December 2025 in Dakar, Senegal. The exchanges provided a platform for listening and reflection, strengthened early-warning linkages with community-level actors, and enhanced understanding of evolving social and governance dynamics.
- 221. From 21 to 22 October 2025 in Aswan Egypt, the African Union Commission through its Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), in collaboration with the Government of the Arab Republic of Egypt, convened the 16th High-Level Retreat on the Promotion of Peace, Security and Stability in Africa under the theme “Reframing AU Mediation- Consolidating African Leadership and Ownership”, back to back with the 5th edition of the Aswan Forum for Sustainable Peace and Development held on 19-20 October 2025.
- 222. Taken together, these engagements illustrated the importance of early, coordinated and discreet preventive diplomacy across both electoral and non-electoral contexts. Experience during the reporting period reaffirmed that timely political accompaniment, sustained dialogue and coordinated engagement with regional partners can support confidence-building, reinforce constitutional processes and contribute to peaceful political transitions, in line with the objectives of the African Peace and Security Architecture.
D. MEDIATION AND DIALOGUE EFFORTS continued
xi. FemWise-Africa Network and WiseYouth Network
- 223. FemWise-Africa continued to strengthen its role as a continental mechanism for advancing women’s leadership in mediation, preventive diplomacy and peace processes. Working in close collaboration with the Gender, Peace and Security Programme (GPSP), the Office of the Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security (OSE-WPS), RECs/RMs which have a governance, peace and security mandate and international partners, the Network delivered strategic interventions that enhanced coordination, expanded the pool of women mediators and reinforced partnerships in support of the Women, Peace and Security Agenda.
- 224. A significant milestone in 2025 was the successful onboarding of the second cohort of FemWise-Africa members at continental level, conducted in collaboration with RECs/RMs which have a governance, peace and security mandate and NeTT4Peace. A total of 50 experienced women mediators were selected, enhancing regional representation and expanding the continental pool available for deployment. This also marked the conclusion of the re-conceptualisation of the Network to strengthen its effectiveness in supporting AU-led mediation and dialogue processes.
- 225. The annual coordination engagement on the implementation of the African Women, Peace and Security Agenda, convened with GPSP, provided a platform for Member States and AU stakeholders to review progress, identify gaps and refine context-specific strategies to advance women’s participation in mediation and peace processes.
- 226. In line with the AU Commission’s commitment to strengthening women’s participation in preventive diplomacy, FemWise-Africa and WiseYouth members continued to be deployed alongside the Panel of the Wise to AU-led missions in 2025, including in Gabon, Malawi, Tanzania and Côte d’Ivoire. These deployments ensured that gender-sensitive and youth-sensitive perspectives informed engagements with national stakeholders and have become a standard feature of AU preventive diplomacy.
- 227. In May 2025, FemWise-Africa supported the participation of Hon. Justice Effie Owuor, Co-Chair of FemWise-Africa, and women mediators in a multi-stakeholder electoral preparedness consultation in Malawi, co-led with the AU Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security. The engagement assessed barriers to women’s political participation and identified priority areas for AU support to enhance safe and meaningful participation.
- 228. In June 2025, FemWise-Africa supported participation in the Pre-Election Assessment Mission to Tanzania, led by H.E. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, with a focus on institutional preparedness and mechanisms to prevent Violence Against Women in Politics. FemWise-Africa continued to expand its reach through the establishment of national and regional chapters, including in Morocco, South Africa and SADC, reinforcing the institutionalisation of women’s mediation within the African Peace and Security Architecture.
- 229. At the global level, FemWise-Africa concluded its tenure as Secretariat of the Global Alliance of Women Mediator Networks and continued high-level advocacy through engagements with the UN Peacebuilding Commission and during the UN Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security.
xii. Deepening Youth Engagement in Mediation and Preventive Diplomacy
- 230. The WiseYouth Network convened the first African Youth Consultation on Mediation, Preventive Diplomacy and Peace Processes in October 2025, bringing together youth mediation practitioners to consolidate learning and strengthen youth participation across Tracks 1, 2 and 3 of mediation.
