The African Union (AU) possesses a well-established framework for peace and security, with the Peace and Security Council (PSC) serving as its central decision-making body for conflict prevention, management, and resolution. This architecture is critical given the scale and persistence of conflicts across the continent.
According to the Institute for Economics and Peace’s 2023 Global Peace Index, 23 of the 30 least peaceful countries in the world are in Africa. Such statistics underscore the urgent need for effective conflict resolution mechanisms. Despite progress, significant gaps remain, particularly in the AU’s ability to address conflicts comprehensively and sustainably.
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The Scope of the Challenge
Africa’s security challenges are vast and complex. The Africa Center for Strategic Studies reported over 40 active armed conflicts across the continent in 2022, leading to widespread displacement, loss of life, and economic stagnation. These conflicts also inhibit long-term development and erode regional stability.
Former AU Chairman Hailemariam Desalegn captured this urgency in 2018, stating: “We must silence the guns in Africa and create an environment conducive to development.” However, achieving this vision requires a stronger, more effective AU capable of transcending political divisions and prioritising collective security.
Strengthening the AU: A Multi-Pronged Approach
Enhancing the AU’s role in conflict resolution calls for a comprehensive strategy that addresses funding, capacity building, and collaboration. Key steps include:
Increased Funding for the PSC: The PSC requires sustained financial support to fulfil its mandate effectively. Greater funding can enable the council to strengthen its early warning systems, improve logistical capabilities, and deploy peacekeeping missions rapidly.
Capacity Building: Investing in the training and equipping of peacekeeping personnel is essential. The AU must bolster its mediation and negotiation expertise while improving its ability to deploy resources efficiently. This approach ensures the AU can better anticipate crises and de-escalate conflicts before they escalate.
Preventive Diplomacy: Proactive measures, such as mediation and dialogue, must take precedence over reactive interventions. Late Namibian President Hage Geingob, another former AU Chair, emphasised this, stating: “We must invest in early warning systems, preventive diplomacy, and mediation efforts to nip conflicts in the bud.”
Fostering Cooperation and Partnerships
A central pillar of a stronger AU is fostering cooperation among member states. African nations must prioritise collective action and solidarity to address shared security challenges. Greater unity can strengthen the AU’s ability to resolve disputes and build sustainable peace.
Equally critical is the need to deepen partnerships with regional organisations, international actors, and civil society. By collaborating with entities such as the United Nations, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and non-governmental organisations, the AU can leverage additional resources, expertise, and support.
Civil society groups, in particular, play an indispensable role in peacebuilding. Engaging these organisations ensures that the needs and perspectives of affected communities are integrated into conflict resolution efforts.
Looking Ahead
Africa’s stability hinges on the AU’s ability to fulfil its conflict resolution mandate effectively. Strengthening the AU will not only foster peace but also create a foundation for sustainable development. Former AU Chairman Alpha Omar Konaré succinctly observed: “There can be no development without peace, and there can be no lasting peace without development: they are two sides of the same coin.”
To achieve this vision, African leaders, policymakers, and citizens must collaborate in empowering the AU to overcome current limitations. A stronger and more proactive African Union can lead the way towards a more peaceful and prosperous continent.
