Context:
The African Union (AU) is facing major challenges in the face of increasing conflicts, unconstitutional changes of government and the consequences of climate change. Violent extremism, ongoing internal government crises and climate-induced tensions are increasing state instability and jeopardising the livelihoods of many people. To counter these threats to peace and security, the AU has created a broad range of instruments in the form of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) and the African Governance Architecture (AGA). Now the task is to implement them.
Objective:
The AU has effective structures for peace and security, recognises crises at an early stage and can effectively manage conflicts and counteract climate-induced tension.
Approach:
The project supports the AU Commission in coordinating and implementing policies and strategies with member states and regional organisations. Specifically, this includes organisational and reform processes at the AU Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), greater involvement of civil society in crisis early warning and the inclusion of climate security risks in national strategy documents.The project trains experts and managers from the AU and civil society, and specifically involves women as mediators for conflict prevention and peacebuilding processes. Through a network of think tanks, African perspectives also flow into political decision-making processes, linking local experience and evidence-based knowledge. This will strengthen the AU’s ability to fulfil its responsibility as a central actor for peace, security and governance on the continent in a visible, effective and forward-looking manner.