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Amb. Bankole Adeoye

Women, Peace & Security

Engendering The Peace and Security Discourse




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Highlights

At a Glance

WOMEN GENDER PEACE SECURITY

Agenda 2030

Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls


Agenda 2063

Goal 17: Full Gender Equality in All Spheres of Life

Aspiration 6: An Africa whose development is people driven, relying on the potential offered by African people; especially its women and youth, and caring for children


The African Union has been at the forefront, working with the women’s movement on the continent, in pushing forward the agenda for the rights of women and girls, and for gender equality. As a continental body, we recognize the critical and dynamic nexus between gender, development, and peace and security. This is clearly articulated in Agenda 2063, which aims to achieve an integrated, peaceful and prosperous Africa for all. Agenda 2063 does not only aim to ‘silence the guns’, but move further to create positive peace. It is only when we secure women—who make up more than half of the continent’s population—holistically that we can start to realize this vision.

Since its inception, the PSC has taken major strides in promoting inclusive, sustainable peace and security in Africa, by ensuring that marginalised groups, especially women and youth, play a central role in leading and contributing to conflict prevention, resolution and post conflict reconstruction efforts across the continent.

The Commission continued to enhance its efforts to integrate gender and advance the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda at the continental level, in partnership with the Office of the Special Envoy on WPS.

The Department’s Gender, Peace and Security Programme (GPSP) adopted a comprehensive approach based on the four pillars of prevention, protection, participation and, recovery and relief for the full and effective implementation of gender equality and the WPS agenda, taking into consideration the unique contexts of countries in armed conflict or those emerging from it.

PAPS Commissioner: Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Nigeria (elected in February 2021)
Governance and Conflict Prevention Directorate - Director: Patience Zanelie Chiradza, Zimbabwe
Conflict Management Directorate - Director: Dr. Sarjoh Bah, Sierra Leone

@AUC_PAPS Hashtags: #WGPS #MaputoProtocol #femwise #gender #1325

"We also urge all Africans, especially women and youth, to actively engage in policy-making and peacebuilding initiatives. Together, let us build on the African values of Ubuntu, solidarity, dialogue, and cooperation and to concretely build peace." Amb. Bankole



Introduction

The contribution of women as a powerful force for peace has long been acknowledged. In 2003 and 2004, African Heads of States adopted the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa ("the Women’s Protocol”) and the Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa (SDGEA) which endorse the provisions of year 2000 UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women Peace and Security.

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) landmark resolution 1325 not only highlighted the differentiated impact of conflict on men and women, but also emphasized the significant role of women in the prevention and peaceful resolution of conflicts. Since then, nine UNSC resolutions have been adopted, together constituting the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.

In recognition of the important role that women play in peace-making and peace-building, in 2010, the PSC decided to have a session on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) as a standing session every year, in order to take annual stock of the implementation and domestication of this important agenda across the continent. This was an important decision towards ensuring that a gender-sensitive approach to peace and security in Africa is fully integrated, in line with the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR) and the AU’s Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa, commonly known as Maputo Protocol .

These important frameworks affirmed the critical role that women play in the prevention of conflict and in sustaining peace, and called for increased women’s leadership and participation in peace and security processes.

Major steps in advancing the implementation of the WPS agenda:

Institutionally, the African Union (AU) has taken major steps in advancing the implementation of the WPS agenda.

  • It appointed a Special Envoy on WPS in 2014, mandated to ensure that the voices of women and the vulnerable are heard much more clearly in peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
  • A Gender, Peace and Security Program (GPSP) (2015-2020) was adopted, with the aim of mainstreaming gender in all peace and security programs.

  • The first five-year Gender peace and Security Strategy, 2015-2020, addressed the following four components:
    • (i) Enhancing the Capacities of African Institutions Working in the Areas of Peace and Security and Human Rights to Mainstream Gender into the Continental Peace and Security Agenda
    • (ii) Strengthening Advocacy, Partnership and Promoting Research and Dialogue on Gender, Peace and Security,
    • (iii) Strengthening Women's Roles in Peace and Security in Africa, and
    • (iv) Preventing and Responding to Women, Men, and Children Vulnerabilities in time of conflict and post-conflict situations and ending impunity.
  • In 2016, AUC developed an Operational Guidance Note on Gender & SSR which guides the AU,RECs/RM & Member States on actions for the implementation of gender sensitive and gender responsive SSR.
  • The endorsement by the PSC for the establishment of the Network of African Women in Conflict Prevention and Mediation (FemWise-Africa) in 2017, with the objective to upscale the meaningful role and participation of women in mediation and peace processes;
  • The adoption by the PSC of the Continental Results Framework (CRF) on WPS in 2018 which tracks the continental performance on WPS;
  • The adoption of the African Union Strategy on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) 2018-2028 is based on an inclusive and multi-sectoral approach and builds on the lessons learned from the implementation of the AU Gender Policy (2009).
  • PSC support for the revitalization of the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) in 2023.



Core Women, Peace, and Security commitments and instruments

The following commitments and instruments, while not exhaustive, highlights that Africa, at regional and continental levels has been at the forefront of normative developments around WPS. A number of legislative and policy instruments subsequent to UNSCR 1325 have integrated its principles, but moved beyond it by addressing socioeconomic development as well as conventional security issues as part of the WPS agenda.

Global Commitments and Instruments

  • UNSCR 1325 (2000): First recognition of unique role, and active agency, of women in conflict, peace and security.
  • UNSCR 1820 (2008): Recognition of sexual violence as weapon of war.
  • UNSCR 1888 (2009): Reiteration of the threat of sexual violence and call for deployment of experts to areas where sexual violence is occurring.
  • UNSCR 1889 (2009): Focus on the importance of women as peacebuilders at all stages of the peace process.
  • UNSCR 1960 (2010): Reiteration of the importance of ending sexual violence in conflict.
  • UNSCR 2122 (2013): Focus on stronger measures and monitoring mechanisms to allow women to engage in conflict resolution and recovery.
  • UNSCR 2242 (2015): Refocus on 1325 and its obstacles, including incorporation of 1325 in the UN itself.
  • UNSCR 2272 (2016): Provides measures to address sexual exploitation and abuse in peace operations CEDAW General Recommendation 30: Links the women, peace and security agenda to CEDAW including measures to ensure protection of women during and after conflict.

Continental Commitments and Instruments (African Union)

  • Gender Parity Principle (2002)
  • Protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa (2003)
  • Solemn Declaration on Gender Equality in Africa (2004)
  • Common African Defense and Security Policy (2004)
  • Framework for Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development (2006)
  • African Union Gender Policy (2009)
  • African Women’s Decade 2010-2020 (2009)
  • African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons in Africa (2009)
  • Policy Framework for Security Sector Reform (2011)
  • African Union Aide Memoire on the Protection of Civilians (2013)
  • Agenda 2063; First 10 Year Implementation Plan (2015)
  • African Union Declaration on 2015 Year of Women’s Empowerment and Development Towards Africa’s Agenda 2063 (2015)
  • Policy on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse
  • Code of Conduct
Regional Instruments and Commitments
  • Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
  • COMESA Gender Policy (2002)
  • COMESA Gender Mainstreaming Strategic Action Plan (2008)
  • East African Community (EAC)
  • EAC Gender and Community Development Framework (2012)
  • EAC Protocol on Peace and Security; Regional Strategy for Peace and Security (2006)
  • Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS)
  • ECCAS Gender Policy and Implementation Action Plan
  • Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
  • ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance (2001)
  • ECOWAS Conflict Prevention Framework; Women, Peace and Security Action Plan (2008)
  • Plan of Action for the Implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 & 1820
  • ECOWAS Parliament Gender Strategy 2010–2020 (2011)
  • Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD)
  • IGAD Gender Strategy and Implementation Plan 2016-2020 (2015)
  • IGAD Strategy for Higher Representation of Women in Decision Making Positions (2013)
  • IGAD Regional Action plan for the Implementation of the UNSC Resolution 1325 and 1820 (2012)
  • IGAD Gender Policy Framework (2012)
  • Declaration on the Enhancement of Women’s Participation and Representation in Decision Making Positions (2009)
  • International Conference of Great Lakes (ICGLR)
  • International Conference Protocol for the Prevention and the Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, War Crimes and Crimes against Humanity and All forms of Discrimination (2006)
  • Protocol on the Prevention and Suppression of Sexual Violence against Women and Children (2006)
  • The Goma Declaration on Eradicating Sexual Violence and Ending Impunity in the Great Lakes Region (2008)
  • Kampala Declaration on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (2011)
  • Southern African Development Community (SADC)
  • SADC Declaration on the Prevention and the Eradication of Violence against Women and Children (1998)
  • SADC Gender Policy (2007)
  • SADC Protocol on Gender and Development (2008); Regional Strategic Implementation Framework on Gender and Development

Footprint of Success

2021
  • The GPSP, in collaboration with the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) developed the first ECOSOCC Advisory Opinion group (AOG) on WPS Agenda in Africa, which takes stock of the progress made in the implementation of the WPS Agenda on the Continent, the challenges and recommendations to address the identified challenges.
  • The program also enhanced coordination and cooperation with AU Liaison Offices (AULOs) for the implementation of the WPS agenda at national level in Somalia, CAR, Burundi and Cote d'Ivoire. In particular, the support focused on strategic initiatives for the prevention of sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) and protection of survivor, the implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) on UNSCR 1325 and the participation of women in election, dialogue, social cohesion and peacebuilding processes.
  • The GPSP also documented success stories; lessons learnt, and recommendations of CSOs, women's groups/Networks in implementing UNSCR 1325 across the four aforementioned areas of action.
  • Furthermore, in accordance with the 407th communique of the PSC meeting held on 4 December 2013 (PSC/PR/BR/CDVII), the PAPS Department has embarked on the development of various tailored capacity building tools, including a curriculum training package on Gender mainstreaming in Security Sector Reform (SSR) and a Gender-Responsive Toolkit for reporting to the PSC.
2022
PAPS capacity building to mainstream gender in activities and programme
  • In accordance with the PSC communiqué adopted at its 407th meeting held on 4 December 2013 (PSC/PR/BR/CDVII), which stressed the need to develop African capacity, the PAPS Department embarked on the development of tailored capacity building tools including an operational guidance note (OGN) on gender mainstreaming in early warning mechanisms (EWM) to promote the application of gender sensitive approaches in early warning data collection, analysis and formulation of response options in AU and RECs/RMs.
  • Others are a toolkit for women human rights defenders' engagement with the African human rights systems to provide technical guideline for Women Networks on how to interact with the African human rights system; and an online course on gender sensitive conflict analysis to strengthen the effectiveness of conflict prevention frameworks, tools, methodologies, and processes and provide material and practical strategies to guide the development of gender-responsive conflict analysis in all stages of conflict.
  • The Gender Peace and Security Program within DPAPS continued to advance the women, peace and security (WPS) agenda through different activities and initiatives. Given the fact, that female civil society actors are often in the best position to connect and share local issues, bringing the perspectives of women and girls at the grassroots to the national, regional and global levels, GPSP in collaboration with the Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) launched the first Civil Society Working Group on Women Peace and Security.
  • This is expected to continuously improve the flow of information and analyses to the PAPS Department as well as the PSC with respect to women, peace and security in country-specific situations.
2023
  • The Commission supported the commissioning of the new Headquarters of the African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) in Abuja, Nigeria, as a key step toward promoting the Peace Mission's organizational efficiency and sustainability under the auspices of the then First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Aisha Muhammadu BUHARI, then President of AFLPM. Furthermore, an MoU between AFLPM and AU was signed. The Commission has initiated consultations with the new President of the AFLPM, the First Lady of Burundi, H.E. Angeline Ndayishimiye, on the partnership.
  • In collaboration with UN Women, Women International Peace Center, and the Femwise-Sudan Desk, the Commission established a Women Technical Working Group on Sudan. Several virtual meetings of the working group have been organised, leading to the development of a project proposal titled "Strategic Engagement to Promote Women's Meaningful Participation in Political Dialogue and Peace Efforts for Sudan" to raise funds through the United Nations Women's Peace and Humanitarian Fund, Rapid Response Window on Women's Participation in Peace Processes and the Implementation of Peace Agreements. The project seeks to support eight women- led Sudanese peace coalitions, representing around 80 different and diverse groups, coalitions and networks of Sudanese women from different parts of Sudan, including young women. These coalitions also have a representation of people living with disability. This group of women briefed the AU-PSC on 17 November during the open session on Women, Peace and Security on the impact of the current situation in Sudan on women and called on the members of the PSC to adopt initiatives to end the war immediately.
  • The Commission has embarked on the development of a set of training tools, including a training package on gender mainstreaming in the Security Sector and an operational guidance note on gender mainstreaming in Early Warning Mechanisms. These training tools aim to develop the knowledge of a critical mass of actors in the security sector environment to facilitate the implementation of international and regional commitments for gender equality.
  • In furtherance of the Communique of the 987th meeting of the PSC, the Gender Peace and Security programme within PAPS, in partnership with the Office of the Special Envoy on WPS, established a platform for Member States and RECs/RMs to share experiences and best practices in promoting gender equality and the WPS agenda. The aim is to address the complexities associated with implementing the WPS agenda and foster collaboration between the AU, RECs, and Member States to strengthen cooperation towards expediting the fulfilment of Africa's commitments to the WPS.
2024

(iii) Women, Peace and Security



  • 330. The AU Commission has made notable progress in advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda by integrating gender considerations into its peace and security framework. Through a comprehensive approach based on the four pillars of prevention, protection, participation, and recovery and relief, the Commission has ensured that these principles are embedded in conflict management and peacebuilding efforts across the continent. This approach is tailored to the specific needs and realities of countries affected by armed conflict or those transitioning from conflict.
  • 331. By taking into account the unique contexts of these Member States, the Commission has worked to ensure that gender equality is not only a theoretical goal but a practical one that is effectively implemented through policy, programming, and strategic interventions.
  • 332. Following the Conclusions of the Swakopmund High-Level Seminar, which requested for the development of a gender parity policy to be applied to all AU-led and co-led mediation efforts, the AU Commission is in the process of developing the policy which would aim to ensure equal representation and participation of women in peace negotiations, mediation processes, and other critical peacebuilding activities by institutionalizing the Swakopmund Process as a biennial event, the PSC has created an important platform for engaging local, national and continental actors fostering dialogue and collaboration on women, peace and security issues, thus, taking a significant step toward making women, peace and security an integral part of the AU peace and security agenda.
  • 333. In collaboration with relevant AU bodies including the Office of the Special Envoy on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), the PAPS Department supported, in 2024, the implementation of the WPS agenda in a number of African countries, whose list is provided in the PAPS report (https://papsrepository.africa-union.org/handle/123456789/2276).
  • 334. The primary focus was on implementing National Action Plans (NAPs) on UNSCR 1325, boosting women's participation in elections, peace dialogues, and governance, promoting gender parity, and activating the Maputo Protocol domestication. Key efforts include fostering women's roles in constitution-making, enhancing democratic governance, and social cohesion, and aiming for a more inclusive and peaceful Africa.
  • 334. The primary focus was on implementing National Action Plans (NAPs) on UNSCR 1325, boosting women's participation in elections, peace dialogues, and governance, promoting gender parity, and activating the Maputo Protocol domestication. Key efforts include fostering women's roles in constitution-making, enhancing democratic governance, and social cohesion, and aiming for a more inclusive and peaceful Africa.
  • 335. In line with the PSC Decision [PSC/HoGSG/COMM.1140 (2023] at the level of Heads of State and Government, the revitalization of the Peace and Security Cooperation Framework (PSCF) in eastern DRC, held on 17 February 2023, was prioritized through the action plan of the Technical Support Committee (TSC), with a clear emphasis on reinforcing the role of CSOs, particularly women and youth, in monitoring and ensuring the effective implementation of the PSC Framework.
  • 336. In this context, the AU Commission, from 4 to 5 December 2024 in Addis Ababa at the Headquarters of the African Union Commission, convened the Civil Society Dialogue Forum which focused on the revitalization of the PSC Framework, engaging in particular, with women’s and youth networks to propose initiatives aimed at enhancing the framework’s impact on the stabilization and development of the region. This dialogue acknowledged the persistent challenges posed by the unequal participation of marginalized groups in peace and security processes. The active engagement of women is particularly crucial, as their involvement, leadership, and perspectives are essential to shaping a more holistic and resilient approach to peacebuilding in the Great Lakes region.
  • 337. As part of efforts to integrate gender dimension in early warning and conflict prevention efforts, the Commission, in collaboration with the RECs/RMs developed a guidance note in order to strengthen conflict prevention by ensuring gender-sensitive data is collected, analyzed, and acted upon. This approach recognizes that conflict impacts men, women, boys, and girls differently, and by incorporating gender perspectives, early warning systems can more effectively anticipate and address risks.
  • 338. The ultimate goal is to build more resilient, inclusive conflict prevention mechanisms, promoting peace and security across the continent. In this regard, the Commission supported an orientation exercise in December 2024 for women affected by Boko Haram’s terrorist activities in northeast Nigeria under the auspices of Abuja-based African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM).
2025

b) Women, Peace and Security



  • 286. During the reporting period, the African Union (AU) made significant progress in advancing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda through the implementation of strategic initiatives. Guided by the comprehensive framework of prevention, protection, participation, and recovery/relief, the Women Peace and Security's work focused on translating continental commitments into actionable and impactful outcomes across all levels.
  • 287. A cornerstone of this work is the commissioning of a landmark Continental Study on the implementation of the WPS in Africa, marking the 25th anniversary of UNSCR 1325 in 2025. Developed in partnership with UN Women, GIZ, and Nett4Peace, this evidence-based assessment will provide a comprehensive evaluation of Africa's progress over the past 25 years. It will analyze persistent gaps in women's participation and protection now exacerbated by emerging threats like digital insecurity, climate change, and violent extremism to produce forward-looking recommendations on policy, financing, and accountability.
  • 288. From April to October 2025, the landmark Continental Study was grounded through a comprehensive series of regional consultations, ensuring it reflects diverse and inclusive perspectives. This initiative directly fulfils the PSC directive from its 987th Ministerial Meeting in 2021 to establish collaborative platforms, as well as its subsequent call from the 1187th meeting in November 2023 for a dedicated platform to exchange knowledge and best practices among the AU, Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), the United Nations (UN), and partners. The consultation process was strategically designed to capture a full spectrum of insights, beginning with initial consultations with Member States and RECs to gather policy- level perspectives. This foundation was then critically enriched through a subsequent series of five regional dialogues that integrated the indispensable, on-the-ground expertise of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), women's networks, and academia, thereby ensuring the study is built upon a comprehensive and truly inclusive evidence base.
  • 289. The program has significantly amplified the impact of the WPS agenda by building a powerful, multi-stakeholder coalition. A cornerstone of this collaborative effort will be the establishment of a Community of Practice on Integrating Gender in Early Warning Systems with RECs, which will significantly enhance preventive capabilities across the continent. Building on this foundation and in direct response to the AU PSC's directives from its 364th meeting (2013) and 659th meeting (2017) emphasizing women's participation in peace operations, the Inter-Continental Knowledge Exchange & Dialogue in Algiers, Algeria (16-17 December 2025) achieved a key milestone: the launch of the Annual AU Forum on Women in Security Sector Leadership. This flagship platform, conceived from this pivotal meeting and developed in partnership with RECs and Member States, is dedicated to advancing women's meaningful participation in military and police institutions, solidifying a permanent continent-wide mechanism for shared learning, strategy, and accountability.

b) Women, Peace and Security continued



  • 290. On 16-17 October 2025, the Government of the Republic of Namibia hosted a high-level meeting in Windhoek, organized in close collaboration with the AU Commission, including the Office of the Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, to mark the 25th anniversary of UNSCR 1325. The meeting, convened by the nation that presided over the original resolution's adoption, culminated in the Windhoek+25 Declaration, a forward-looking framework that reaffirms Africa's leadership through concrete commitments to institutionalize women's roles in peace processes, ensure predictable financing, strengthen youth engagement, and integrate gender perspectives across critical security domains, including climate-related security. This declaration charts an ambitious course for the next 25 years of WPS in Africa.
  • 291. The program advances the WPS agenda by providing Member States with comprehensive technical and financial support for implementing and monitoring their National Action Plans (NAPs) on the UNSCR 1325, with a core strategic focus on localizing these plans to translate global commitments into tangible impact. This approach is demonstrated by two flagship initiatives: in Guinea Conakry (July 2025), a project strategically mobilizes key influencers including religious and traditional leaders, media, and youth networks to foster a grassroots ecosystem that champions increased women’s participation in governance; while in Nigeria (June 2025), a targeted initiative directly supports the relief and recovery pillar of the NAPs on UNSCR 1325 by empowering 250 women from conflict-affected communities in Maiduguri through intensive vocational training in market-relevant sectors coupled with start-up equipment. This "training + tools" model seeks to generate sustainable livelihoods, enhance women's economic agency, and strengthen community resilience, with a comprehensive end-of-year assessment to document its impact as a replicable model for WPS recovery. It should be noted that the Office of Special Envoy launched the Digital Continental Results reporting platform to facilitate easier and effective reporting by Member States on the implementation of the National Action Plans on the Women, Peace and Security for 2024.
  • 292. The Office of the Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security has continued to provide regular briefings to the PSC, and in partnership with the Republic of Tunisia, convened the 6th High-Level Africa Forum on Women, Peace and Security from 9–10 December 2025, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. The Assembly may wish to acknowledge the Tunis Declaration and its Call to Action adopted at the 6th High-Level Africa Forum on Women, Peace, and Security, and encourage the African Union Commission to operationalize the Office of the Special Envoy on Women, Peace, and Security, ensuring its structures, resources, and mandate are strengthened to support the effective implementation of the WPS agenda across the continent.

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Deliver as One.


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PARTNERSHIP FOOTPRINT OF SUCCESS

No one institution is capable of meeting all the continent's governance, peace and security needs. The progress made so far has been possible through joint efforts between the Commission, the RECs and RMs, Member States, multilateral and bilateral Partners and international, continental and national civil society organisations. Our ability to effectively and efficiently deliver on our mandate is dependent on deepening our strategic partnerships, understanding the strengths and limitations of each Partner and maximising the opportunities each presents.
Smart partnership and cooperation to enhance global governance, peace and security organisations
In our new business model, co-creation is the hallmark of our partnerships. At the multilateral level, technocrats in the Department are working with their counterparts in other organisations, particularly the UN, in setting up joint task teams on critical elements in governance, peace and security. These joint task teams allow for collaborative analysis, horizon scanning and scenario development to guide decision makers in their organisations.

To harness the opportunities provided by the continental free trade regime to promote peace, security and stability, we collaborated with the Department of Economic Development, Tourism, Trade, Industry and Mining, and other multilateral organisations, to organise a continental policy conference on Promoting the Peace, Security, and Development Nexus: The Promise of Regional Integration. The outcome of the policy conference offers concrete recommendations for promoting inclusive growth and development to minimise inequalities that could be mobilised to foment insecurity and proactively use the opportunities of Africa's free trade regime to promote peace and security.

"In our new business model, co-creation is the hallmark of our partnerships"

As part of our determination to use evidence­ based knowledge for policy development and implementation, we have instituted formal structures of engagement with African civil society organisations. The idea is to provide a platform to strategically interact and use civil society expertise to generate evidence­ based policy-oriented research to guide the Department's work, thereby ensuring use of the various studies being conducted.


2021

2021

United Nations


  • Significant progress has been recorded in the implementation of the Joint UN-AU Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security of April 2017 despite increasing threats to peace, security and good governance on the Continent amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes sustained policy dialogue, horizon scanning and clustered meeting, joint high-level missions, coordinated messaging including during electoral processes, and country-level coordinated action.
  • The 18th Joint Task Force in peace and security was held on 5 November 2021. The PAPS Commissioner and the UN Under Secretary Generals for the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs; Peace Operations as well as Operational Supports respectively (DPPA, DPO and DOS) discussed peace and security challenges on the Continent. Joint technical-level conflict prevention cluster meetings also held virtually with increased frequency in 2021 on country-specific situations, including in Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Sudan, Mozambique, eSwatini as well as on elections.
  • The Commissioner for PAPS and the UN USG-DPO undertook a joint mission to CAR in June 2021 , in collaboration with ECCAS and the EU. The AU and UN have also worked closely with regional organizations such as IGAD in Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia. They also worked with ECOWAS for unified messaging on the situations in Mali and Guinea and are closely engaging in the Libya peace process. The Commission and the OSE-WPS collaborated with the UN to organize the annual Africa Women's Leadership Network (AWLN) Third Women Leaders Forum.
  • Through the joint project between AUC and UNDP on enhancing AU's capacities on Conflict Prevention , several programmes were implemented in line with the Project Initiation Plan (PIP). This include the CSVRA/CSVMS processes in the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire, Zambia and Ghana, with ongoing efforts to ensure sustained support for the implementation of the mitigation strategies as well as operationalization of peace architectures in Member States; capacities of CSOs in Eastern and Southern African regions were also enhanced on early warning; as well as the conduct of a training of trainers course by the Youth4Peace programme on "Art, Culture and Heritage" for peace, leveraging the AU theme of the year 2021.
  • The Commission also collaborated with the UN to develop its strategic documents such as policy guidelines, monitoring and reporting and accountability mechanisms for the Maputo Five-Year Work plan to operationalize the ASF. In collaboration with the RECs/RMs, as well as the African Peacekeeping Training Centres of Excellence (TCEs), the AU and UN enhance capacities of RECs' planning and management of peace operations as well as supported the operationalisation of the Continental Logistics Concept and Continental Movements Control Centre.
  • Collaboration between both institutions also facilitated the development of the training curriculum on gender mainstreaming for PSOs, the revision and harmonisation of the gender training package for AU PSOs; and the production of "She Stands for Peace" Podcast series on different thematic issues of the WPS agenda. In addition, the two organisations have worked together in the implementation of the Gender, WPS agenda, implementation of the AU Compliance Framework on the Conduct and Discipline and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse; and the finalization of the AU Board of Inquiry policy for AMISOM.
  • Furthermore, the AUC Department of PAPS and the UN developed the AU Safety and Security Policy and Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs) for AUC staff and installations in the field missions, as well as the AU policy on the management of recovered weapons in PSOs. Under the DOS Knowledge Experience Exchange Program (KEEP), the AU has been allocated licenses to access the Supply Chain schoolhouse, training facilities and opportunities. Medical support to AMISOM troops, including personal protective equipment and COVID-19 vaccines were enhanced.

2021

The European Union


  • The strategic partnership between the AU and EU continued to bolster and benefited from the guidance of the 2018 MoU on Peace, Security and Governance. Within the implementation of this MoU, key notable achievements were recorded. The political dialogue between the two institutions increased in frequency, scope and depth. In 2021, the Ministerial Meeting in Kigali among other things reaffirmed the need to reinforce the cooperation and work towards the effective delivery of the MoU. Furthermore, the Commissioner for PAPS engaged with EU counterparts on the strategic priorities to strengthen key partnership issues in the peace and security arena especially continuous EU support to AMISOM especially in the post-2021 period.
  • Despite the decade of flourishing engagement between the EU and the AU, concerns have been raised about the dissolution of the African Peace Facility (APF) and the creation of the European Peace Facility (EPF). The global nature of the EPF funding mechanism implies enhanced competition for resources which could potentially diminish support to the AU. Furthermore, the political role of the AU in disbursing funds from the APF to the RECs/RMs and Member States has been removed in the EPF structure; thereby allowing the EU to fund African Member States and RECs/RMs directly without consulting the AU.
  • These concerns were raised in Kigali and during the Commissioner's engagement with EU counterparts. The AU continues to call on the EU to reconsider the political nature of the EPF disbursement and to uphold the principle of responsive partnership. Looking ahead, the AU-EU Summit on 18 to 19 February 2022 is an opportunity to re-engage on these issues while strengthening the partnership.
2022

2022

Partnerships for Peace


  • Several activities were implemented to strengthen the AU's partnership with multilateral regional and subregional organisation on peace and security. Through sustained policy dialogue, joint high-level missions, coordinated messaging and country-level coordinated actions, for instance, significant progress was recorded in the implementation of the Joint UN-AU Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security. Further, in the context of AU-UN Partnership, there were regular engagements between the President of the UNSC and the Chair of the AUPSC between the AUPSC and UNSC on region-specific, as well as thematic issues.
  • Recognizing the challenge that political instability poses to sustainable development, the AU Commission was supported and joined by the UN and partners in organizing a Reflection Forum on Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa, in March 2022 in Accra, Ghana. The outcome of the Forum fed into the Malabo Declaration on Terrorism, and Unconstitutional Changes of Government adopted by the 16th Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly held on 28 May 2022, in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea as well as the adoption of the Accra Declaration on Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa.

2022

Partnership for Peace


  • In partnership with the UNDP, the PAPS department established the African Facility to Support Inclusive Transitions (AFSIT) during the year under review. AFSIT will support countries going through complex political transitions to peacefully navigate their pathway back to more stable democratic development, with a specific focus on ensuring the inclusion of women, young people and other marginalized groups. AUC and UNDP worked to operationalize the AFSIT and, guided by the Accra Declaration and various PSC directives, articulate the specific scope, structure, programmatic interventions, and criteria for supporting transitions.
  • The AUC-PAPS and ETIM, in partnership with UNDP, UNECA, African Development Bank and Afrexim Bank, the convened the inaugural AUC Policy Conference on Promoting the Peace, Security and Development Nexus in Africa, from 25 to 27 October 2022 in Tangier, Kingdom of Morocco. The Policy Conference allowed the AUC and its partners to reflect on measures and strategies to promote development, regional integration, and peace and security. The Conference adopted the Tangier Declaration. The joint organization of the Policy Conference demonstrated strong partnership between the AUC and development partners.
2023

2023

Strengthening Partnerships for African Peace and Security


  • Milestones
    • The PSC and the European Union Political and Security Committee (EUPSC) held their 6th Informal Joint Seminar and the 14th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting (AJCM) and the from 2-3 May 2023, respectively, in Brussels, Belgium, to exchange views on their joint efforts to address the threats to peace and security in Africa. The Informal Joint Seminar discussed peace support operations in Africa and the global consequences of geopolitical development, while the Consultative meeting discussed the situations in the Horn of Africa, The Sahel and Lake Chad Basin and the Great Lakes Region. However, the PSC with the EUPSC did not reach commonly agreed conclusions for the second time.
    • Article 17 of the PSC Protocol provides for the PSC to cooperate and work closely with the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and other relevant international organizations on the issues of governance, peace and security in Africa. In this context, the PSC and the UN Security Council convened their 8th Informal Joint Seminar and 17th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting (AJCM) on 5 and 6 October 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and adopted a Joint Communique. The Informal Joint Seminar discussed, among others, the issue of financing AU Peace Support Operations and the Consultative Meeting discussed the situations in Sudan, the Sahel region, the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Somalia, as well as the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). While underscoring the primary responsibility of the UN Security Council for the maintenance of international peace and security, the two Councils reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to working together to address the challenges in these theatres in a coordinated manner.
    • Underscoring the importance of post-conflict and reconstruction activities in Member States emerging from conflict, the PSC convened a consultative meeting with the UN Peacebuilding Commission (UN-PBC) on 13 November 2023 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The session focused on enhancing collaboration between the two bodies and coordinating peacebuilding efforts on the continent.

2023 (continued)

  • In December 2023, the PSC and the three elected African Members of the UNSC (A3) participated at the Tenth High-Level Seminar on Peace and Security in Africa: Assisting Incoming African Members of the United Nations Security Council (A3) in Preparing to Address Peace and Security Issues on the Continent, in Oran, Algeria, pursuant to communiqué [PSC/AHG/COMM/1.(CCCXCVII)], adopted by the PSC at its 397th meeting held at the level of Heads of State and Government on 23 September 2013. Key outcomes centred on enhancing PSC-A3 cooperation in advancing and promoting Africa's agenda and interests in the UNSC agenda.
  • The PSC and A3 commemorated its 10th Anniversary and considered the Manual on Modalities for Enhancing Coordination between the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and the African Members of the United Nations Security Council.
  • The Manual aims at providing guidance on how the PSC and A3 can promote and defend common African positions within the UNSC in accordance with the UN Charter, AU legal instruments and relevant decisions of the AU Policy Organs. The Conclusions of the 10th High Level Seminar on Peace and Security in Africa, the Oran Process, have been adopted by the PSC at its 1193rd meeting of 22 January 2024, and attached herewith as Annex III.
2024
Partnerships for Peace, Security and Governance
429. Inclusive, smart, and mutually beneficial partnerships continue to be the topmost priority for the PAPS Department. To this end, the Department pursues enhanced interconnectivity with all stakeholders and partners toward promoting good governance, peace, and security. Furthermore, the department seeks to continue to engage think tanks, do-tanks, the academia, and CSOs within and outside the continent, towards rethinking and proposing the pragmatic role of women and youth in peace and security as well as on other thematic areas, to make peace happen.
United Nations
  • 430. Significant progress has been recorded in the implementation of the Joint UN- AU Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security of April 2017 despite increasing threats to peace, security, and good governance on the continent. AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security and DPAPS senior staff held a strategic dialogue with UNOAU on 20 February 2024 which reflected on the experiences of the AU-UN partnership in peace and security in 2023 and the priorities for 2024.
  • 431. The 23rd Joint Task Force of USGs and CPAPS consulted at the UN Headquarters on 16 April 2024, comprising the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security and the UN Under Secretaries General for Political & Peace Building Affairs; Peace Operations and the Special Representative of the Secretary- General to the African Union; along with the Assistant Secretaries-General (Africa) and Operational Support.
  • 432. The consultative platform examined the peace and security developments in the CAR, DRC, Ethiopia, Libya, Mozambique, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan, as well as West Africa and the Sahel region. It also considered the way forward, following the adoption of UNSC Resolution 2719 (2023). A senior-level Joint Task Force was established to coordinate the efforts of the Secretariat and its engagement with the AU towards the implementation of UNSCR 2719.
  • 433. The Joint Working Group on PSOs and Ad-hoc Security Initiatives continued interaction and coordination throughout the year. The AUC and the UN Secretariat maintained technical-level contacts on regional, country-specific, and thematic files. As part of the revitalization of the AU climate security cluster and the UN climate security mechanism , the first interdepartmental retreat on climate, peace, and security convened on 11 May 2024; the Retreat built on the consultative process conducted as part of the African continental climate security risk assessment, as requested by the AU PSC, as well as collaboration towards the development of the common African position on climate, peace and security. This includes sustained policy dialogue, horizon scanning and clustered meetings, joint high-level missions, coordinated messaging including during electoral processes, and country-level coordinated action.
  • 434. The Commission also collaborated with the UN to develop strategic documents namely; policy guidelines, monitoring and reporting, and accountability mechanisms for the Maputo Five-Year Work plan to operationalize the ASF. In collaboration with the RECs/RMs, and the African Peacekeeping Training Centers of Excellence (TCEs), the AU and UN contributed to enhancing the capacities of RECs/RMs’ planning and management of peace operations and supported the operationalization of the Continental Logistics Concept and Continental Movements Control Centre.
  • 435. AU/UN Partnership also resulted in the development of the training curriculum on gender-mainstreaming for PSOs, the revision and harmonization of the gender training package for AU PSOs; and the production of “She Stands for Peace” Podcast series on different thematic issues of the WPS agenda.
  • 436. In addition, the two organizations worked together in the implementation of the Gender, WPS agenda , and implementation of the AU Compliance Framework on the Conduct and Discipline and Sexual Exploitation and Abuse ; and the finalization of the AU Board of Inquiry policy for ATMIS .
  • 437. The UN and AU continued to hold strategic dialogues , both at Headquarters and in the field, to assess conflict situations, complementarities, and coordination of actions, and explore areas for common messaging. In this regard, the Annual Conference also officially established the High-Level Strategic Dialogue on Sustainable Development, to be chaired by the Deputy Secretary-General and the Deputy Chairperson. The High-level Strategic Dialogue held its 3rd meeting on 29 May 2024, at which they reviewed implementation mechanisms for the operationalization of the five “college-to-college” formations as a new method of working between AU Commissioners and their United Nations counterparts in the context of AU Agenda 2063 and SDGs 2030.
  • 438. On 8 July 2024, the Military Staff Committee of the AUPSC and representatives of the Military Staff Committee of the UN engaged in their first informal consultations at the AU headquarters. This enabled the two Committees to better understand their respective mandates, working methods, and challenges while laying the foundation for more effective collaboration to provide timely and informed advice to the two Councils.
  • 439. On 15 October 2024, the Peacebuilding Commission and the AUPSC scheduled at the UN Headquarters, their seventh annual consultative meeting, which explored the opportunities for enhancing cooperation with a view to supporting the African Union’s PCRD and peace-building efforts.
  • 440. The 18th AUPSC / UNSC Annual Joint Consultation took place on 18 October, in New York, preceded by the 9th Informal Joint Seminar on 17 October 2024. The deliberations considered matters about financing AU-led Peace Support Operations (PSOs), Youth, Peace and Security, and the working methods of the joint meetings and other engagements; as well as the review of the conflict situations in the Sudan, Sahel, Somalia, and eastern DRC.
  • 441. The meetings of the two Councils were preceded by two-day consultations of the AUPSC Committee of Experts and the Security Council’s Ad-hoc Working Group on Peace and Security in Africa, which included comprehensive briefings by the AU Commission.
  • 442. The eighth Annual Conference between the Secretary-General and the AUC Chairperson took place on 21 October 2024. The Secretary-General and Chairperson reviewed progress in the implementation of the “UN-AU Joint Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security” and the “AU-UN Framework for the Implementation of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” and signed the AU-UN Joint Framework on Human Rights. Then discussions covered Unconstitutional changes of government and political transitions on the continent; the coordination of peace efforts in the Sahel, the Horn of Africa (Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan) and the Great Lakes region; the progress on Security Council negotiations on predictable financing of the AU-led peace support operations; Africa’s socio-economic recovery and the reform of the international financial architecture. The annual conference also endorsed the jointly developed roadmap for the implementation of UNSCR 2719 (2023) on the financing of AU-led PSOs.
European Union
  • 443. The strategic partnership between the AU and EU continued to bolster and benefit from the guidance of the 2018 MoU on Peace, Security, and Governance . The formulation of the combined EU support programme for the AGA and APSA is nearing completion. Set to begin in January 2026, the programme is designed to capitalize on the synergies between the AGA and APSA, with a planned duration of four years. Key areas of cooperation include early warning, mediation, climate and security, human rights, and the promotion of good governance and democracy. This integrated programme will enhance human rights adherence in AU-led Peace Support Operations and will place a strong emphasis on increasing citizen participation in governance, peace, and security. Additionally, EU support through the Early Response Mechanism will be redirected to support the initiatives under the Crisis Reserve Facility of the AU Peace Fund.
  • 444. The Joint Financing Arrangement (JFA) has evolved into a non-binding coordination framework, now referred to as the "Joint Framework Arrangement (JFA)." The JFA is designed to strengthen coordination among all stakeholders involved in managing and supporting AU Commission initiatives. This framework encompasses both partners contributing earmarked funding and those providing non-earmarked funding for the Commission 's activities, with the coordination platform now extended to include AUC Member States. The JFA is set to remain in place until December 2028, with Canada, Denmark, the EU, Germany, Ireland, Norway, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom, already committed to it.
TICAD Ministerial

  • 445. In preparation for the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) scheduled for August 2025, the PAPS Department participated in the TICAD Ministerial session in Tokyo, Japan, from August 24-25, 2024. This strategic engagement aimed to enhance partnerships and advance Africa's peace and security agenda. The session allowed stakeholders to deepen cooperation, sharpening collective approaches toward ensuring human dignity and security in Africa. While underscoring the imperative for robust Global multilateralism to achieve global security and the Peace we want in Africa, the following key reflections were highlighted (i) the free will of African citizens to build innovative capacity in the advanced age of the knowledge economy and new technologies particularly the youth for assured human security; (ii) Political will to boost democratic leadership In Africa evident In constitutionalism, rule of law, and building of resilient Institutions; (iii) Collective will that Is anchored on smart partnerships to achieve global sustainable security for all.
  • 446. The ministerial presented a platform to reaffirm the importance of prioritizing prevention while working to ensure lasting solutions to pervasive security threats including lingering conflicts, terrorism, and violent extremism by tackling the root causes. Overall, it highlighted the need to strengthen African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and African Governance Architecture (AGA) including support to AU-led peace support operations through UNSC Resolution 2719 (2023), sustainable and predictable financing, and capacity building for public institutions, as appropriate.

Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)



  • 447. In September 2024, President Xi Jinping hosted 34 African leaders to the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing. The AUC Chairperson, ably supported by the CPAPS and other Commissioners were also in attendance. Chinese President Xi announced China's readiness to work with Africa to implement China 's 10 partnership actions carefully crafted to jointly advance modernization in the two (2) continents and the overall characterization of China-Africa relations to be elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. Within the ten (10) partnership actions for modernization to deepen China-Africa cooperation, the PAPS related areas reflecting China's confidence and sincerity in promoting modernization with Africa are mutual learning among civilizations in state governance; development cooperation; people-to-people exchanges; and common security.

Building an African

Narrative Towards

2063