Attachments
Distinguished readers,
The second edition of the Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department’s Conflict Management Annual Digest provides a comprehensive compilation of significant developments, trends, and contributions by the African Union in 2024 aimed at advancing and maintaining peace, stability, and security across Africa.
Peace and security in many African nations continue to be threatened by several factors, including armed conflicts, terrorism, violent extremism, transnational crime, geopolitical tensions, human rights abuses, the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, climate-related risks, challenges in governance, and deficiencies in human security. These issues have been worsened by unconstitutional changes in government (UCG).
This year’s Digest delves into issues in the Horn of Africa, the Sahel, the Great Lakes region, the Lake Chad Basin, and parts of Northern and Southern Africa. It highlights the complexities and interconnected dynamics of peacemaking on the continent.
Navigating these complex political and security environments requires strong political resolve. This includes fostering inclusive governance, building robust institutions, ensuring accountability, enhancing communication, and promoting tolerance and reconciliation. To assist Member States in addressing the root causes of conflict and realising their shared vision of sustainable peace, development, and prosperity—as outlined in AU Agenda 2063— the African Union (AU), regional economic communities and mechanisms (RECs/RMs), the United Nations, and bilateral and multilateral partners must strengthen their collaborations.
The second edition of the Conflict Management Annual Digest highlights the key engagements of the AU Peace and Security Council, the Chairperson of the Union and the Commission, the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, High Representatives, Envoys, Special Representatives, and the Conflict Management Directorate within the PAPS Department. This edition offers valuable insights into the African Union’s peacemaking and stabilization strategies.
The AU’s efforts prioritise peacebuilding initiatives, support for inclusive development policies, empower women and youth, and foster strategic partnerships to deliver peace dividends and ensure human security, all aimed at achieving a peaceful and secure Africa.
Policy and decision-makers, representatives of AU Member States, the diplomatic community, practitioners, scholars, students of international relations, and peace enthusiasts will find this publication to be an invaluable resource. May it rekindle the spirit of Africa and inspire innovative thinking to further African agency, ultimately paving the way for a future where peace becomes a reality for all Africans.