• Lessons Learned Report from the AU-Led Peace Process for the Tigray Region of Ethiopia.

    Lessons Learned Report from the AU-Led Peace Process for the Tigray Region of Ethiopia. Conflict Management Directorate The conflict between Ethiopia's federal government and the TPLF erupted in November 2020. The AU initially deployed Special Envoys to mediate, followed by the appointment of H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo as AU High Representative in 2021, later joined by H.E. Uhuru Kenyatta and H.E. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka in 2022. Their mediation efforts led to direct talks in Pretoria, culminating in the signing of the COHA on 2 November 2022. The agreement ensured a cessation of hostilities, humanitarian access, and restoration of services. Key lessons from the process included AU neutrality, ownership of the mediation by Ethiopia, confidentiality management, strategic observer engagement, financial independence, and logistical flexibility. Despite the absence of guarantors, AU monitoring mechanisms maintained progress. The AU’s leadership in the process has been widely commended, and lessons from this mediation will inform future peace efforts on the continent.

  • Communiqué of the 1261st Meeting of the Peace and Security Council, held on 14 February 2025 at the level of Heads of State and Government, on the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

    Communiqué of the 1261st Meeting of the Peace and Security Council, held on 14 February 2025 at the level of Heads of State and Government, on the situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Peace and Security Council The Peace and Security Council, acting under Article 7 of its Protocol, expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in eastern DRC, emphasizing the need for collective action. It reaffirmed respect for DRC’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while unequivocally condemning the activities of M23, ADF, FDLR, and other armed groups, demanding their immediate withdrawal. The Council endorsed key regional communiqués, called for humanitarian access, and stressed the importance of diplomatic engagement. It commended mediation efforts, urged armed groups to participate in the P-DDRCS, and supported merging the Luanda and Nairobi processes. The AU Commission, EAC, and SADC were tasked with enhancing coordination, establishing funding mechanisms, and ensuring harmonization. The Council urged respect for IHL and IHRL, condemned attacks on civilians and peacekeepers, and called for addressing the root causes of the conflict. It pledged to remain actively seized of the matter.

  • Communiqué of the 1261st Meeting of the Peace and Security Council, held on 14 February 2025, on the Consideration of the Situation in Sudan.

    Communiqué of the 1261st Meeting of the Peace and Security Council, held on 14 February 2025, on the Consideration of the Situation in Sudan. Peace and Security Council The Council expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), highlighting its devastating impact on Sudan and the wider region. The Council particularly condemned the siege and intense fighting in El Fasher, which severely affected livelihoods. It strongly urged both parties to observe a humanitarian truce during Ramadan in March 2025 and reiterated the call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, emphasizing that a military solution was neither viable nor sustainable. The Council condemned war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other grave human rights violations, warning that perpetrators would be held accountable. It also denounced external interference, urging all state and non-state actors to cease military and financial support to the warring parties. The Council further called for safe and unhindered humanitarian access, stressing the importance of opening multiple humanitarian corridors. Additionally, it reaffirmed that a Sudanese-led, inclusive political dialogue remained the only viable path to resolving the crisis. The Council welcomed progress in the PSC Ad Hoc Presidential Committee on Sudan, commending President Yoweri Museveni for his leadership in facilitating dialogue. It also praised the AU High-Level Panel (HLP) on Sudan for its efforts in conflict resolution and urged continued collaboration with IGAD and neighboring countries to engage civilian actors in an inclusive peace process. The PSC reaffirmed its commitment to actively monitor and engage in resolving the Sudanese conflict.

  • Provisional Programme of Work of the African Union Peace and Security Council for February 2025 Under the Chairship of the Republic of Equatorial Guinee.

    Provisional Programme of Work of the African Union Peace and Security Council for February 2025 Under the Chairship of the Republic of Equatorial Guinee. Peace and Security Council The Provisional Programme of Work of the African Union Peace and Security Council for February 2025, chaired by Equatorial Guinea, outlines key engagements on security issues across Africa. The agenda includes discussions on maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, the situation in Sudan, and the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo at the Heads of State level. A PSC mission to Gabon will engage with ECCAS (COPAX), while efforts to combat child soldier recruitment will also be addressed. Additionally, updates on Somalia and AUSSOM deployment will be reviewed, alongside an orientation workshop for the Committee of Experts on the Continental Early Warning System.

  • Communiqué of the 1258th Meeting of the Peace and Security Council, held on 31 January 2025, on the Third Commemoration of Africa Day of Peace and Reconciliation.

    Communiqué of the 1258th Meeting of the Peace and Security Council, held on 31 January 2025, on the Third Commemoration of Africa Day of Peace and Reconciliation. Peace and Security Council The Council welcomed the 3rd Commemoration of the Africa Day for Peace and Reconciliation, emphasizing the need to promote peace, tolerance, justice, forgiveness, and reconciliation, especially in post-conflict communities. It underscored the commitment of all stakeholders to restorative justice, healing, and accountable governance, while commending President João Lourenço for his role as AU Champion for peace. The Council highlighted the importance of strengthening early warning systems, democratic institutions, and AU peace frameworks, including PCRD. It called for domesticating the commemoration at national levels, aligning it with the AU Transitional Justice Policy. The role of inter-generational dialogue, traditional conflict resolution, and peace education in fostering reconciliation was also stressed. Further, the Council urged enhanced cooperation among AU entities, Member States, RECs, civil society, and media in supporting peace efforts. It emphasized the importance of monitoring peace agreements, encouraged parties to conflicts to embrace dialogue, and reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable peace and political transitions in Africa while remaining actively seized of the matter.