Peace and Security Department, African U

Peace and Security Department, African Union, ending conflicts and sustaining peace in Africa Peace and Security, African Union, RSS Feed en Thursday 23 April 2026 Thursday 23 April 2026 Peace and Security Department, African Union, ending conflicts and sustaining peace in Africa /images/logo-african-union-peace-and-security-by-kodjo-en.gif Opening Statement at the Annual Retreat of the Group of African Ambassadors in China (GAAC), H.E. Ambassador Alhaji Sarjoh Bah, PhD AU Permanent Representative to the People's Republic of China, Beijing | 23 April 2026 /en/article/opening-statement-at-the-annual-retreat-of-the-group-of-african-ambassadors-in-china-gaac-h-e-ambassador-alhaji-sarjoh-bah-phd-au-permanent-representative-to-the-people-s-republic-of-china-beijing-23-april-2026 His Excellency Martin Mpana, Ambassador of the Republic of Cameroon to China and Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in China His Excellency Telesphore Irambona, Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to China and Chairperson of African Union Her Excellency Dr. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of the AU Development Agency (AUDA-NEPAD) and your formidable team His Excellency Cyprien Mamina, Ambassador of the Republic of the Congo and Co-Chair of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation Distinguished and Esteemed Ambassadors of AU Member States in China and diplomats His Excellency Han Yong, Director General, Department of the World Trade Organization of the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China and Representatives of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Commerce, the General Administration of Customs of China and the China Development Bank. His Excellency Dr. Stephen Jackson, the UN Resident Coordinator in China Representatives of the Secretariat of the African Continental Free-Trade Area and the Department of Economic, Development, Trade, Tourism and Minerals Invited Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good morning It is a pleasure to welcome you to this year’s Annual Retreat of the Group of African Ambassadors in China. From the onset let me on behalf of His Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission commend President Xi Jinping and the people of China for the successful adoption of the 15th Five Year Plan. Please convey the compliments of the Chairperson of the Commission to the Chinese government and people on the new year of the Horse! 2026-04-23 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/opening-statement-at-the-annual-retreat-of-the-group-of-african-ambassadors-in-china-gaac-h-e-ambassador-alhaji-sarjoh-bah-phd-au-permanent-representative-to-the-people-s-republic-of-china-beijing-23-april-2026 European Union confirms the largest contribution to the AU mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) /en/article/european-union-confirms-the-largest-contribution-to-the-au-mission-in-somalia-aussom The European Union (EU) and its Member States adopted the financial contribution to the African Union (AU) Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) with an amount of EUR 75 million, confirming the EU as its largest supporter. This brings the EU total support to successive AU-led missions over the last two decades to almost EUR 2.8 billion. Read <a href="https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2026/04/21/european-peace-facility-support-for-the-military-component-of-the-african-union-support-and-stabilisation-mission-in-somalia/">here</a> the full Council press release. Ambassador Javier Niño Pérez, Head of the EU Delegation to the AU, emphasized: "At the<a href="https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/african-union-au/seventh-african-union-european-union-summit_en?s=43"> AU-EU Summit</a> in Luanda, we jointly committed to strengthen African-led peace missions and we are delivering. The EU confirms once again being a reliable partner to Africa. We also commend the efforts made by troop-contributing countries. It is crucial to strengthen security for the people of Somalia and for the whole region. The EU continues to work together with the AU and African countries to ensure a solid foundation for their aspiration for a peaceful, stable and prosperous continent, the main aim of the AU-EU Partnership.” 2026-04-23 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/european-union-confirms-the-largest-contribution-to-the-au-mission-in-somalia-aussom Keynote Address by H.E. Mrs. Nardos Bekele-Thomas, CEO AUDA-NEPAD at the Annual Retreat of the Group of African Ambassadors in China /en/article/keynote-address-by-h-e-mrs-nardos-bekele-thomas-ceo-auda-nepad-at-the-annual-retreat-of-the-group-of-african-ambassadors-in-china <ul> <li>Excellencies, </li> <li>H.E. Dr. Alhaji Sarjoh Bah, Permanent Representative of the African Union to China, </li> <li>H.E. Mr. Martin Mpana, Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in China, </li> <li>H.E. Mr. Cyprien Sylvestre Mamina, Co-Chair of FOCAC, Honourable Ambassadors, </li> <li>Distinguished representatives of the Government of the People’s Republic of China, </li> <li>Colleagues, friends, ladies and gentlemen,</li> </ul> It is a great honour to join you today at this important retreat of the Group of African Ambassadors in China. At the outset, allow me to express my sincere appreciation to H.E. Dr. Alhaji Sarjoh Bah for his leadership and foresight in convening this retreat at such a strategic moment in Africa–China relations. He has created an important space for Africa to reflect collectively, engage candidly, and think more deliberately about how we respond to this evolving trade opportunity. I also wish to acknowledge H.E. Mr. Martin Mpana, H.E. Mr. Cyprien Sylvestre Mamina, and the entire African diplomatic community in Beijing for your continued commitment to advancing Africa’s common voice and shared interests. 2026-04-23 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/keynote-address-by-h-e-mrs-nardos-bekele-thomas-ceo-auda-nepad-at-the-annual-retreat-of-the-group-of-african-ambassadors-in-china Opening Remarks: The AU Technical Consultation to Strengthen Prevention Strategies and Regional Interventions across Eastern and Southern Africa, Cape Town, South Africa, 20 – 23 April 2026, by Dr. Salvator Nkeshimana, Principal Officer, East and Southern Africa Regional Desk /en/article/opening-remarks-the-au-technical-consultation-to-strengthen-prevention-strategies-and-regional-interventions-across-eastern-and-southern-africa-cape-town-south-africa-20-23-april-2026-by-dr-salvator-nkeshimana-principal-officer-east-and-southern-africa Esteemed representatives of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), East African Community (EAC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), distinguished partners, and colleagues, good morning. On behalf of the African Union Commission, and in particular H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security and Madam Patience Zanelie Chiradza, Director, Governance and Conflict Prevention Directorate and Acting Director, Conflict Management Directorate, I am pleased to warmly welcome you to this important technical consultation. It is perhaps symbolic that we meet here in the beautiful town of Cape Town, the Legislative Capital of South Africa, at the meeting point of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, symbolizing the convergence of currents, much like the coming together of the Eastern and Southern Africa regions in our work. 2026-04-21 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/opening-remarks-the-au-technical-consultation-to-strengthen-prevention-strategies-and-regional-interventions-across-eastern-and-southern-africa-cape-town-south-africa-20-23-april-2026-by-dr-salvator-nkeshimana-principal-officer-east-and-southern-africa Press Release: Annual Retreat of the Group of African Ambassadors in China on Leveraging China’s 100% Tariff-Free Offer to Advance Africa’s Development and Prosperity /en/article/annual-retreat-of-the-group-of-african-ambassadors-in-china-on-leveraging-china-s-100-tariff-free-offer-to-advance-africa-s-development-and-prosperity Under the auspices of H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, the AU Permanent Mission to China, led by H.E. Amb. Alhaji Sarjoh Bah, AU Permanent Representative to the People's Republic of China, is convening the Annual Retreat of the Group of African Ambassadors in China on the theme “Leveraging China’s 100% Tariff-Free Offer to Foster Development and Prosperity in Africa”. The retreat’s primary objectives are to strengthen Africa’s coordinated capacity to operationalise China’s 100% tariff-free offer, enhance market access, and accelerate the implementation of Agenda 2063 and FOCAC outcomes. It will also align the implementation of China’s 100% tariff-free offer with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) priorities and Agenda 2063 flagship programmes, ensuring coherence between external partnerships and continental integration objectives.  2026-04-20 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/annual-retreat-of-the-group-of-african-ambassadors-in-china-on-leveraging-china-s-100-tariff-free-offer-to-advance-africa-s-development-and-prosperity Joint Statement on Progress Between the Representatives of Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and of the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) on the Protocol on Humanitarian Access and Judicial Protection, the Operationalization of the Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism, and the Release of Prisoners - 18 April 2026 /en/article/joint-statement-on-progress-between-the-representatives-of-government-of-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-and-of-the-alliance-fleuve-congo-march-23-movement-afc-m23-on-the-protocol-on-humanitarian-access-and-judicial-protection-the-operationalizatio The following statement was released by the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well as Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement, as well as the State of Qatar, the United States of America, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union mediator), the African Union Commission, and Switzerland, on the meetings held April 13 to April 17 in Montreux, Switzerland, on the implementation of the Doha Framework for a Comprehensive Peace Agreement. 2026-04-19 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/joint-statement-on-progress-between-the-representatives-of-government-of-the-democratic-republic-of-the-congo-and-of-the-alliance-fleuve-congo-march-23-movement-afc-m23-on-the-protocol-on-humanitarian-access-and-judicial-protection-the-operationalizatio Communiqué of the 1339th meeting of the PSC on “Artificial Intelligence: Governance, Peace and Security”, held on Thursday, 16 April 2026 /en/article/communique-of-the-1339th-meeting-of-the-psc-on-artificial-intelligence-governance-peace-and-security-held-on-thursday-16-april-2026 COMMUNIQUE? Adopted by the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) at its 1339th meeting on “Artificial Intelligence: Governance, Peace and Security”, held on Thursday, 16 April 2026. The Peace and Security Council, Recalling its previous PSC decisions on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies, in particular Communiqués <a href="https://papsrepository.africanunion.org/entities/publication/ee4e6038-8e7f-439e-adf0-abaf5026976f">PSC/PR/COMM.1214 (2024)</a> and <a href="https://papsrepository.africanunion.org/entities/publication/dc5c1588-1bda-41bf-8e1f-aab1582e90fc">PSC/MIN/COMM.1267 (2025)</a>; Also taking note of the AU Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2024), and its emphasis on harnessing AI for development, building capabilities, minimizing risks, stimulating investment, and fostering cooperation; Acknowledging the outcomes of the High-Level Policy Dialogue on AI organized by the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in collaboration with the AU Commission, held in Addis Ababa in May 2025, which underscored AI as a strategic priority for Africa; Further acknowledging the outcomes of the 3rd African Startup Conference held under the theme: ‘Reimagining Africa through Artificial Intelligence’, in Algiers from 5 to 7 December 2024; Recognizing the rapid evolution of Artificial Intelligence shaping global governance, with profound implications for sovereignty, development, peace and security, while emphasizing the need to urgently harness the opportunities presented by AI while mitigating associated risks, including disinformation, cyber threats, data exploitation, and misuse in conflict settings; Taking note of the opening statements by H.E. Dr. Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Chairperson of the PSC for April 2026, and by H.E. Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission, read on his behalf by H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs Peace and Security; as well as the briefings delivered by H.E. Dr. Worku Gachena Negera, Director General of Ethiopian Artificial Intelligence Institute; Mr. Samson Itodo, Chairperson of the African Union Advisory Group on Artificial Intelligence; and Mr. Bernardo Mariano Junior, Assistant Secretary-General, Chief Information Technology Officer, UN Office of Information and Communications Technology (UNOICT); and 2026-04-16 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/communique-of-the-1339th-meeting-of-the-psc-on-artificial-intelligence-governance-peace-and-security-held-on-thursday-16-april-2026 Quintet Statement on the Sudan Conference Civilian Call for an End to the War and Advancement of Peace /en/article/quintet-statement-on-the-sudan-conference-civilian-call-for-an-end-to-the-war-and-advancement-of-peace 15 April – The Quintet (the African Union, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the League of Arab States, the European Union, and the United Nations) welcomes the achievement made today, marking the third anniversary of the conflict in Sudan, of a joint civilian call for de- escalation and an end to the war. In Berlin, within the framework of the International Sudan Conference, a diverse group of Sudanese civilian actors came together, many for the first time in three years, to sit at the same table and articulate a shared vision for peace. 2026-04-14 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/quintet-statement-on-the-sudan-conference-civilian-call-for-an-end-to-the-war-and-advancement-of-peace European Union receives Most Valued Partner Award for Peace and Security in Africa /en/article/european-union-receives-most-valued-partner-award-for-peace-and-security-in-africa The European Union (EU) has been granted the Most Valued Partner Award by the African Union (AU) <a href="https://au.int/en/paps">Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security</a> (PAPS) recognising the EU’s longstanding and comprehensive support to the AU’s mandate to promote governance, security, and stability across the continent. This award has been created exclusively and for the first time by AU PAPS Department to celebrate this <a href="https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/african-union-au/african-union-and-european-union-celebrate-25-years-strengthened-partnership_en?s=43">relevant partnership with the EU</a>. Guided by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://au.int/en/agenda2063/overview&ved=2ahUKEwjYi9-iyO2TAxX54wIHHVpmEusQFnoECB8QAQ&usg=AOvVaw3NTvgn45qDX-eBQxzDjy-t">Agenda 2063</a> and the <a href="https://www.consilium.europa.eu/media/54412/final_declaration-en.pdf">AU-EU Joint Vision</a>, the <a href="https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/africa-and-eu_en">EU has been complementing the AU’s efforts towards ensuring a peaceful, secure and prosperous Africa</a>. Over the years, the EU has held a privileged strategic position in the AU’s peace and security architecture. It remains a key partner that has actively helped to build the institution’s core principles on peace and security. In 2018, the AU and the EU signed a Memorandum of Understanding, to strengthen joint efforts on conflict prevention, mediation and crisis response, linking security with development, governance and humanitarian action. Recently, the AU-EU distinct relationship was reaffirmed at the <a href="https://www.eeas.europa.eu/delegations/african-union-au/seventh-african-union-european-union-summit_en?s=43">7th AU-EU Summit</a>, held in Luanda in November 2025, where emphasis was placed on African ownership across peace and security issues. EU’s role as facilitator of AU-led action positions has been delivered in a manner that no other partner -bilateral or multilateral - has matched to date. 2026-04-14 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/european-union-receives-most-valued-partner-award-for-peace-and-security-in-africa Joint Call to End the War and Advance a Sudanese-Owned Political Process /en/article/joint-call-to-end-the-war-and-advance-a-sudanese-owned-political-process We, the participants in the Civilian and Political Seminar of the 2026 Sudan Conference in Berlin, as part of consultative efforts supported by the Quintet through its engagement with a broad spectrum of Sudanese civilian and political forces, raise the alarm over the grave humanitarian crisis and the immense suffering of our people and targeting civilians, and jointly call for an End to the War and to Advance a Sudanese-Owned Political Process that preserves Sudan’s unity and sovereignty under civilian leadership. As the 15 April war enters its fourth year, we remain united in our conviction that the cost of pursuing a military solution is high in humanitarian, security, social, economic and political terms; that the Sudanese crisis in all its aspects is multifaceted and interconnected, and thus cannot be compartmentalized; and that an inclusive, transparent and Sudanese-owned political process is the only pathway to fairly and sustainably address the root causes of recurring cycles of conflict and lay the foundations for a civilian-led democratic transition. 2026-04-14 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/joint-call-to-end-the-war-and-advance-a-sudanese-owned-political-process Quintet Joint Statement on the Third International Sudan Conference /en/article/quintet-joint-statement-on-the-third-international-sudan-conference The Quintet (African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, League of Arab States, European Union, and the United Nations), remains committed to facilitating an inclusive Sudanese-owned inter-Sudanese political dialogue aimed at ending the war and laying the foundations for a peaceful political transition. In advance of the Third International Sudan Conference in Berlin on 15 April 2026, the Quintet expresses grave concern at the continued deterioration of the situation in Sudan. As the conflict enters its fourth year, ongoing hostilities, widespread violence against civilians and an increasing risk of fragmentation are driving displacement, deepening humanitarian needs and affecting stability across the region. The Quintet underscores the urgent need to reduce violence to prevent further suffering and destruction; ensure the protection of civilians and critical national infrastructure; and enable full, safe, rapid and sustained humanitarian access and assistance to all those in need. 2026-04-13 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/quintet-joint-statement-on-the-third-international-sudan-conference Communique of the 1338th meeting of the PSC, held on 9 April 2026, on: Consideration of the Situation in the Central African Republic (CAR) /en/article/communique-of-the-1338th-meeting-of-the-psc-held-on-9-april-2026-on-consideration-of-the-situation-in-the-central-african-republic-car COMMUNIQUE?  Adopted by the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), at its 1338th meeting, held on 9 April 2026, on: Consideration of the Situation in the Central African Republic (CAR): The Peace and Security Council, Recalling all its previous pronouncements and decisions on the Situation in the Central African Republic (CAR), in particular, Communiques [<a href="https://papsrepository.africanunion.org/entities/publication/421c8f2a-9488-47c2-be60-27bcc4566b68">PSC/PR/COMM 1302 (2025)</a>] adopted at its 1302nd meeting held on 19 September 2025; [<a href="https://papsrepository.africanunion.org/entities/publication/9d81d48b-98e1-4738-8667-ba225de16a9b">PSC/PR/COMM.1221 (2024)</a>] adopted at its 1221st meeting held on 11 July 2024 and [<a href="https://papsrepository.africanunion.org/entities/publication/325b9171-1baa-4a04-89a7-ff58356080c8">PSC/PR/COMM.1157 (2023)</a>] adopted at its 1157th meeting held on 13 June 2023; Reaffirming the AU’s unwavering commitment to respect the independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and national unity of the CAR; as well as the AU solidarity and commitment to continue accompanying the people of the CAR in their legitimate quest for restoring durable peace, security, stability, development, and democratic governance, in the promotion of national reconciliation, and in their search for consensual solutions to the challenges facing their country;  Also reaffirming the critical role of the AU as a guarantor of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the Central African Republic (PAPR-CAR) signed on 6 February 2019, in Khartoum, Sudan, by the Government of the CAR and fourteen (14) armed groups; Taking note of the Opening Remarks by H.E. Ambassador Hirut Zemene Kassa, the Permanent Representative of the  Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia  to the African Union (AU) as PSC Chairperson for the month of April 2026;  the Statement by H.E. Ambassador Alice Nzomukunda, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the Commission for CAR, and also  the statements  by the representatives of the Central African Republic, the Economic Community of the Central African States (ECCAS), and by  H.E. Mr. Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, Special Representative  of the United Nations Secretary-General to the AU and Head of the UN Office to the AU (UNOAU); and   2026-04-09 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/communique-of-the-1338th-meeting-of-the-psc-held-on-9-april-2026-on-consideration-of-the-situation-in-the-central-african-republic-car Honouring the Past, Protecting the Future: African Union Commemorates 32 Years Since the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi /en/article/honouring-the-past-protecting-the-future-african-union-commemorates-32-years-since-the-1994-genocide-against-the-tutsi As 7 April 2026 marks the 32nd Commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda (Kwibuka32), the African Union (AU), in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of Rwanda in Ethiopia, solemnly observes the commemoration at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa, under the theme “Remember – Unite – Renew”. Each year, this commemoration reminds African peoples and the international community of the sanctity of life and the value of humanity, while reinforcing our collective resolve to prevent genocide, uphold human rights, and safeguard future generations. It also provides a solemn moment to remember the more than one million lives that were lost during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The occasion offers an opportunity to reflect on the magnitude of human suffering, honour the memory of all those lost, and reaffirm the shared responsibility of African peoples and the international community to ensure that such atrocities are never repeated. 2026-04-08 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/honouring-the-past-protecting-the-future-african-union-commemorates-32-years-since-the-1994-genocide-against-the-tutsi Africa's Urban Future on the Line as Continental Forum Opens in Nairobi with Call to Move 'From Conversation to Execution' /en/article/africa-s-urban-future-on-the-line-as-continental-forum-opens-in-nairobi-with-call-to-move-from-conversation-to-execution NAIROBI, 8 April 2026 Africa's most consequential gathering on housing and urban development, Africa Urban Forum 2 (AUF 2), opened today in Nairobi, as African leaders and policymakers called for urgent, coordinated action to transform the continent’s rapidly expanding cities into engines of economic growth, social inclusion, and climate resilience. 2026-04-08 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/africa-s-urban-future-on-the-line-as-continental-forum-opens-in-nairobi-with-call-to-move-from-conversation-to-execution 32nd Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda: Address by H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Delivered by H.E. Ambassador Alhaji Sarjoh Bah, PhD AU Permanent Representative to the People's Republic of China, 7 April 2026 Beijing, China /en/article/32nd-commemoration-of-the-genocide-against-the-tutsi-in-rwanda-address-by-h-e-mahmoud-ali-youssouf-chairperson-of-the-african-union-commission-delivered-by-h-e-ambassador-alhaji-sarjoh-bah-phd-au-permanent-representative-to-the-people-s-republic-of-chin His Excellency James Kimonyo, Ambassador of the Republic of Rwanda to the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Martin Mpana, Ambassador of the Republic of Cameroon to the People’s Republic of China and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, His Excellency Hu Changchun, Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Affairs of the Foreign Ministry of China and Representative of the People’s Republic of China, His Excellency Dr. Stephen Jackson, Resident Coordinator of the United Nations in the People’s Republic of China, Distinguished Ambassadors of African and non-African Missions in the People’s Republic of China, Members of the Rwandan Community in the People’s Republic of China, Invited Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good afternoon, I am honored to deliver this statement on behalf of H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, which reads as follows: Once again, 7 April brings us together in remembrance and solemnity. 2026-04-08 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/32nd-commemoration-of-the-genocide-against-the-tutsi-in-rwanda-address-by-h-e-mahmoud-ali-youssouf-chairperson-of-the-african-union-commission-delivered-by-h-e-ambassador-alhaji-sarjoh-bah-phd-au-permanent-representative-to-the-people-s-republic-of-chin Press Statement for the 1337th Meeting of the PSC of the AU, held on Wednesday, 8 April 2026, Discussion on Hate Crimes and fighting Genocide Ideology in Africa and the 32nd Anniversary Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda /en/article/press-statement-for-the-1337th-meeting-of-the-psc-of-the-au-held-on-wednesday-8-april-2026-discussion-on-hate-crimes-and-fighting-genocide-ideology-in-africa-and-the-32nd-anniversary-commemoration-of-the-genocide-against-the-tutsi-in-rwanda The Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) dedicated its 1337th meeting held on 8 April 2026, to an Open Session on the theme: Hate Crimes and Fighting Genocidal Ideology in Africa and the 32nd Anniversary Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Council took note of the opening remarks by H.E. Ambassador Hirut Zemene Kassa, Permanent Representative of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to the African Union (AU) and Chairperson of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the AU for April 2026;  the Introductory Statement by H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, read on his behalf by Ms. Neema Chusi, Head of the PSC Secretariat Division. 2026-04-08 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/press-statement-for-the-1337th-meeting-of-the-psc-of-the-au-held-on-wednesday-8-april-2026-discussion-on-hate-crimes-and-fighting-genocide-ideology-in-africa-and-the-32nd-anniversary-commemoration-of-the-genocide-against-the-tutsi-in-rwanda Announcement of The Arrival of The African Union Election Observation Mission To The 10 April 2026 Presidential Election in The Republic Of Djibouti /en/article/announcement-of-the-arrival-of-the-african-union-election-observation-mission-to-the-10-april-2026-presidential-election-in-the-republic-of-djibouti The African Union (AU) announces the deployment of its Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) to the Republic of Djibouti for the presidential election scheduled to take place on 10 April 2026. At the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Djibouti, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), His Excellency Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, following the proposal of the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (CAPPS) of the African Union (AU), His Excellency Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, approved the deployment of a short-term AUEOM to assess and report on the conduct of the presidential election scheduled for 10 April 2026. 2026-04-06 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/announcement-of-the-arrival-of-the-african-union-election-observation-mission-to-the-10-april-2026-presidential-election-in-the-republic-of-djibouti Opening Remarks at the 2026 Crapapple Blossom Gala and Poetry Party, H.E. Amb. Dr. Alhaji Sarjoh Bah, AU Permanent Representative to the People’s Republic of China, Beijing, 3 April, 2026 /en/article/opening-remarks-at-the-2026-crapapple-blossom-gala-and-poetry-party-h-e-amb-dr-alhaji-sarjoh-bah-au-permanent-representative-to-the-people-s-republic-of-china-beijing-3-april-2026 H.E. Mrs. Li Bin, Chairman of China Soong Ching Ling Foundation Representatives of the People's Government of Xicheng District, Beijing The Management of the Soong Ching Ling's Former Residence Center Distinguished Ambassadors and Members of the Diplomatic Community Ladies and gentleman Good afternoon, On behalf of H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, I would like to begin by wishing you and your families a happy and prosperous year of the Horse! I would like to extend a special gratitude to H.E. Mrs. Li Bin, Chairman of the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation for inviting the AU Permanent Mission to China to this historic event as we witness the rejuvenation of trees and flowers at the beginning of the Spring Season. I wish to congratulate you Madam Li for convening this wonderful festival on the premises of one of China’s revolutionary leaders and prestigious daughters, Madame Soong Ching Ling. As one of the founders of the People’s Republic of China, Madam Soong earned herself a place in history for being part of those who established what is today the second largest economy in the world. China’s progress in the last 40 years is unprecedented in human history. 2026-04-03 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/opening-remarks-at-the-2026-crapapple-blossom-gala-and-poetry-party-h-e-amb-dr-alhaji-sarjoh-bah-au-permanent-representative-to-the-people-s-republic-of-china-beijing-3-april-2026 Statement By H.E. Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, AU High Representative For Silencing The Guns High-Level Engagement With The SADC Secretariat and The Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, on 24 March 2026 at Gaborone in Botswana /en/article/statement-by-h-e-dr-mohamed-ibn-chambas-au-high-representative-for-silencing-the-guns-high-level-engagement-with-the-sadc-secretariat-and-the-organ-on-politics-defence-and-security-cooperation-on-24-march-2026-at-gaborone-in-botswana Your Excellencies, Distinguished Representatives of the SADC Secretariat, Esteemed Members of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, Colleagues and Partners, Allow me to express my sincere appreciation for the warm welcome extended to my delegation and me here in Gaborone. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be with you today for this important engagement, which speaks to the shared aspirations of our continent and the responsibilities we bear collectively. 2026-03-28 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/statement-by-h-e-dr-mohamed-ibn-chambas-au-high-representative-for-silencing-the-guns-high-level-engagement-with-the-sadc-secretariat-and-the-organ-on-politics-defence-and-security-cooperation-on-24-march-2026-at-gaborone-in-botswana Opening Remarks at the 1st Meeting of Group of African Ambassadors Corps (GAAC) African Union, Beijing H.E. Ambassador Alhaji Sarjoh Bah, PhD AU Permanent Representative to the People's Republic of China, 23 March 2026 /en/article/opening-remarks-at-the-1st-meeting-of-group-of-african-ambassadors-corps-gaac-african-union-beijing-h-e-ambassador-alhaji-sarjoh-bah-phd-au-permanent-representative-to-the-people-s-republic-of-china-23-march-2026 Opening Remarks at the 1st Meeting of Group of African Ambassadors Corps (GAAC) African Union, Beijing H.E. Ambassador Alhaji Sarjoh Bah, PhD AU Permanent Representative to the People's Republic of China 23 March 2026 Your Excellency Martin Mpana, Ambassador of the Republic of Cameroon to China and Dean of the African Diplomatic Corps in China Your Excellency Telesphore Irambona, Ambassador of the Republic of Burundi to China and Chair of the African Union for 2026 Your Excellency, Mr. Cyprien Mamina, Ambassador of the Republic of Congo and Co-Chair of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation Distinguished African Ambassadors accredited to the People’s Republic of China Diplomats from the various African Embassies in Beijing Ladies and Gentlemen, Good afternoon. 2026-03-24 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/opening-remarks-at-the-1st-meeting-of-group-of-african-ambassadors-corps-gaac-african-union-beijing-h-e-ambassador-alhaji-sarjoh-bah-phd-au-permanent-representative-to-the-people-s-republic-of-china-23-march-2026 Preliminary Statement: AU Election Observation Mission to the 15 March 2026 Presidential Election in the Republic of Congo /en/article/preliminary-statement-au-election-observation-mission-to-the-15-march-2026-presidential-election-in-the-republic-of-congo Preliminary Statement: AU Election Observation Mission to the 15 March 2026 Presidential Election in the Republic of Congo: <a href="/uploads/en-prelim-signed.pdf">Click here for more</a> 2026-03-18 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/preliminary-statement-au-election-observation-mission-to-the-15-march-2026-presidential-election-in-the-republic-of-congo Communiqué of the 1336th meeting of the PSC held on 17 March 2026, on Briefing by the Panel of the Wise on its Activities in Africa /en/article/communique-of-the-1336th-meeting-of-the-psc-held-on-17-march-2026-on-briefing-by-the-panel-of-the-wise-on-its-activities-in-africa COMMUNIQUÉ Adopted by the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), at its 1336th meeting held on 17 March 2026, on Briefing by the Panel of the Wise on its Activities in Africa: The Peace and Security Council, Recalling all previous decisions and pronouncements of Council on the Briefing by the Panel of the Wise on its Activities in Africa, particularly, Communiqué [<a href="https://papsrepository.africanunion.org/entities/publication/37ea7bc8-0fcb-4574-b2d6-34b7685a6c22">PSC/PR/COMM.1264 (2025)</a>] adopted at its 1264th meeting held on 11 March 2025 and Communiqué [<a href="https://papsrepository.africanunion.org/entities/publication/ee18041e-b02a-4382-aa4a-e01a58f2a995">PSC/PR/COMM.1204 (2024)</a>] adopted at its 1204th meeting held on 13 March 2024;  Reaffirming its unwavering support to the Panel of the Wise to enable it to more effectively discharge its mandate as enshrined in Article 11 of the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union;  Taking note of the Opening Remarks by H.E. Ambassador Almon Mahlaba Mamba, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Eswatini to the African Union (AU) and Chairperson of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the AU for March 2026  and the Introductory Statement by H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, as well as the Briefing by H.E. Domitien Ndayizeye, Former President of the Republic of Burundi and Chairperson of the Panel of the Wise; and 2026-03-17 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/communique-of-the-1336th-meeting-of-the-psc-held-on-17-march-2026-on-briefing-by-the-panel-of-the-wise-on-its-activities-in-africa Announcement of the arrival of the African Union Election Observation Mission to the 15 March 2026 Presidential election in the Republic of Congo /en/article/announcement-of-the-arrival-of-the-african-union-election-observation-mission-to-the-15-march-2026-presidential-election-in-the-republic-of-congo The African Union Commission (AUC) announces the arrival of its Election Observation Mission (EOM) for the 15 March 2026 Presidential election in in the Republic of Congo. At the invitation of the Government of the Republic of Congo, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, His Excellency (HE) Mahamoud Ali YOUSSOUF, following the proposal of the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (CAPPS) of the African Union (AU), His Excellency Ambassador Bankole ADEOYE, approved the deployment of a short-term AUEOM to assess and report on the conduct of these elections. 2026-03-15 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/announcement-of-the-arrival-of-the-african-union-election-observation-mission-to-the-15-march-2026-presidential-election-in-the-republic-of-congo Communiqué of the 1333rd meeting of the PSC held on 5 March 2026, on an update on the situation in Guinea-Bissau /en/article/communique-of-the-1333rd-meeting-of-the-psc-held-on-5-march-2026-on-an-update-on-the-situation-in-guinea-bissau COMMUNIQUE Adopted by the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), at its 1333rd meeting held on 5 March 2026, on an update on the situation in Guinea-Bissau: The Peace and Security Council, Recalling Declaration [<a href="https://papsrepository.africanunion.org/entities/publication/dddc7555-c825-454f-b502-8edaaeb08cef">Ext/Assembly/AU/Decl.(XVI)</a>] on Terrorism and Unconstitutional Changes of Government, adopted by the 16th Extraordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, from 27 to 28 May 2022, the Decision [<a href="https://papsrepository.africanunion.org/entities/publication/8f2504fe-d7f3-4096-ba69-c145c6146d39">AHG/Dec.141(XXXV)</a>] and [<a href="https://papsrepository.africanunion.org/entities/publication/8f2504fe-d7f3-4096-ba69-c145c6146d39">AHG/Dec.142(XXXV)</a>], adopted by the 35th Ordinary Session of the OAU Assembly of Heads of State and Government held in Algiers, Algeria, from 12 to 14 July 1999; Reiterating its unwavering commitment to AU’s zero tolerance policy on Unconstitutional Change of Government and to the full implementation of all relevant AU normative instruments, including the AU Constitutive Act; the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union; the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance;  the Declaration on the Framework for an OAU Response to Unconstitutional Changes of Government, adopted by the 36th Ordinary Session of the OAU Assembly of Heads of State and Government held in Lomé, Togo, from 10 to 12 July 2000 (the Lomé Declaration); as well as the Solemn Declaration of the 50th OAU/AU Anniversary adopted in Addis Ababa on 25 May 2013; which collectively underscore the continent’s firm rejection of unconstitutional changes of government; Reaffirming the AU’s solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau in their legitimate aspirations to promote good governance, democracy, development, and prosperity in their country; Further recalling all its previous decisions and pronouncements on the situation in Guinea Bissau, particularly Communiqué [<a href="https://papsrepository.africanunion.org/entities/publication/505f9f58-325a-4d0d-8faf-676535e086ec">PSC/PR/COMM.1315 (2025)</a>] adopted at its 1315th meeting (Emergency Session) held on 28 November 2025; Taking note of the opening remarks by H.E. Ambassador Mahlaba Almon Mamba, Permanent Representative of The Kingdom of Eswatini to the AU as the Chairperson of the PSC for the month of March 2026; the Introductory Statement by H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs Peace and Security; also taking note of the briefings by H.E. Patrice Émery Trovoada, former Prime Minister of São Tomé and Principe and AU Special Envoy for Guinea Bissau; and by H.E. Ambassador Ovídio Manuel Barbosa Pequeno, Special Representative of the Chairperson of the AU Commission for Guinea Bissau; as well as the statement by the Representative of the Chairperson of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), H.E Ambassador Harold Bundu Saffa, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the AU; and 2026-03-05 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/communique-of-the-1333rd-meeting-of-the-psc-held-on-5-march-2026-on-an-update-on-the-situation-in-guinea-bissau Communiqué of the 1332nd meeting of the PSC held on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, that was dedicated to a Consultation with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP) and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) /en/article/communique-of-the-1332nd-meeting-of-the-psc-held-on-tuesday-24-february-2026-that-was-dedicated-to-a-consultation-with-the-food-and-agriculture-organization-fao-world-food-programme-wfp-and-international-fund-for-agricultural-development-ifad COMMUNIQUE? Adopted by the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU), at its 1332nd meeting held on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, that was dedicated to a Consultation with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), World Food Programme (WFP) and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD): The Peace and Security Council, Acknowledging the link between food security, peace and security; and that investing in food security is investing in peace and security; Recalling the AU Theme for 2026, namely: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063”; and the Kampala Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Declaration on Building Resilient and Sustainable Agrifood Systems in Africa, adopted by the AU Extraordinary Summit on Post-Malabo, held on 9 January 2025 in Kampala, Uganda, which aims at increasing the continent’s agrifood output by 45% by 2035; Also recalling Decision [<a href="https://papsrepository.africanunion.org/entities/publication/b8806610-c723-40c1-9c83-4afb8b1ff0ae">Assembly/AU/Dec.813(XXXV)</a>] adopted by the 35th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government held from  5 to 6 February 2022, in Addis Ababa, which declared 2022 as “the Year of Nutrition and Food Security”; the Malabo Declaration on Accelerated Agricultural Growth and Transformation for Shared Prosperity and Improved Livelihoods” adopted in Malabo in June 2014; the Abuja Declaration on Fertilizers for the African Green Revolution adopted during the AU Special Summit held in June 2006; and the Maputo Declaration on Agriculture and Food Security and the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) adopted in July 2003; Further recalling its previous decisions and pronouncements on Food Security and Conflict in Africa, in particular, Communiqué [<a href="https://papsrepository.africanunion.org/entities/publication/a111977a-0582-4aab-9ad6-f4e4f67a89f1">PSC/PR/COMM.1083 (2022)</a>] adopted at its 1083rd meeting held on 9 May 2022, which was in line with the AU Theme of the Year 2022, namely: “Building resilience in nutrition on the African Continent: accelerate the human capital and social economic development”; and reaffirming the commitment to silence the guns in Africa by the year 2030; Taking note of the opening remarks by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Obaida Eldandarawy, Permanent Representative of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the AU and Chairperson of the PSC for the month of February 2026; the Introductory Remarks by H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security; and the presentation by Dr. Janet Edeme, Head, Rural Development Division, on behalf of H.E. Moses Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE); and also taking note of the presentations by Dr. Abebe Haile Gabriel, Ag. Director General of FAO; by Ms. Lydie Kouame from the WFP and by Ms. Sara Mbado-Bhunu from IFAD; and 2026-02-24 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/communique-of-the-1332nd-meeting-of-the-psc-held-on-tuesday-24-february-2026-that-was-dedicated-to-a-consultation-with-the-food-and-agriculture-organization-fao-world-food-programme-wfp-and-international-fund-for-agricultural-development-ifad Communique of the 1331st meeting of the PSC held on 19 February 2026, on Open Session on Climate, Peace and Security /en/article/communique-of-the-1331st-meeting-of-the-psc-held-on-19-february-2026-on-open-session-on-climate-peace-and-security The Peace and Security Council, Recalling the theme of the year 2026, as adopted by the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of States and Government held from 14 to 15 February 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, namely: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063”, and Decision [<a href="https://papsrepository.africanunion.org/entities/publication/b8806610-c723-40c1-9c83-4afb8b1ff0ae">Assembly/AU/Dec. 815 (XXXV)</a>] adopted by the 35th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government held from 5 to 6 February 2022, in which the Assembly acknowledged the “inextricable link between climate, peace and security” and requested the AU Commission to expedite the finalization of a climate-related security risk assessment study, in consultation with AU Member States, as well as to expeditiously develop a Common African Position (CAP) on the nexus between Climate, Peace and Security (CPS); and also adopted the AU Climate Change and Resilient Development Strategy and Action Plan (2022-2032), which underlines the role of climate change as a potential threat multiplier in the domain of peace and security; Also recalling the Addis Ababa Declaration on Climate Change, adopted by the Second Africa Climate Summit (ACS2) convened by the AU Commission in collaboration with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, from 8 to 10 September 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which, among others, also recognizes climate change as a threat multiplier to peace and security and underscores the importance of finalizing and operationalizing the Common African Position on Climate Change, Peace and Security (CAP-CPS) as a decisive Continental framework; Further recalling all its previous decisions and pronouncements on climate, peace and security, in particular, Communiqués [<a href="https://papsrepository.africanunion.org/entities/publication/108cf486-9e60-4953-9adc-bdf1e840cf32">PSC/PR/COMM.1301 (2025)</a>] adopted at its 1301st meeting held on 17 September 2025; [<a href="https://papsrepository.africanunion.org/entities/publication/fa576b28-9912-46ca-927b-e52a8b339c7f">PSC/PR/COMM.1263 (2025)</a>] adopted at its 1263rd meeting held on 6 March 2025; and [<a href="https://papsrepository.africanunion.org/entities/publication/2c9a6303-ae45-4acf-9928-648d1357e278">PSC/PR/COMM.1240 (2024)</a>] adopted at its 1240th meeting held on 30 October 2024;  [<a href="https://papsrepository.africanunion.org/entities/publication/aa96ae64-e63d-426e-9e4c-50e5dd22b3a2">PSC/PR/COMM.1184 (2023)</a>] adopted at its 1184th meeting held on 7 November 2023, [<a href="https://papsrepository.africanunion.org/entities/publication/10d2409a-f5c8-4d84-a087-c554907277c6">PSC/MIN/COMM.1114 (2022)</a>] adopted at its 1114th meeting held on 11 November 2022, [<a href="https://papsrepository.africanunion.org/entities/publication/c549d457-0bf2-478a-8de6-ec8a581fe3b3">PSC/PR/COMM.1079 (2022)</a>] adopted at its 1079th meeting held on 21 April 2022, [<a href="https://papsrepository.africanunion.org/entities/publication/b99b9920-b305-4edd-95b3-88d7a0617181">PSC/PR/COMM.1051 (2021)</a>] adopted at 1051st meeting held on 26 November 2021, [<a href="https://papsrepository.africanunion.org/entities/publication/83e36ff5-2d4a-4e5d-8945-3199a31d1878">PSC/AHG/COMM.1 (CMLXXXIV)</a>] adopted at its 984th meeting held on 9 March 2021; Acknowledging that climate change constitutes one of the threat multipliers to peace and security in Africa, while reiterating that the Climate, Peace and Security nexus remains a priority on the agenda of the Council; Taking note of the opening remarks by H.E. Ambassador Dr. Obaida Eldandarawy, Permanent Representative of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the AU and Chairperson of the PSC for the month of February 2026; the Introductory Remarks by H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security; and also the statement by H.E. Mr. Moses Vilakati, AU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE) read on his behalf; the statement by H.E. Mr. Parfait Onanga Anyanga, Special Representative of the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General to the AU; as well as the statements by AU Member States;  2026-02-19 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/communique-of-the-1331st-meeting-of-the-psc-held-on-19-february-2026-on-open-session-on-climate-peace-and-security Application Closed: African Union Continental Capacity Building Training Program for Youth /en/article/open-call-for-applications-african-union-continental-capacity-building-training-program-for-youth <div style="text-align: justify;"> Due to the overwhelming number of applications received for the 2026 Youth Continental Capacity Building Training Programme, we regret to inform all prospective applicants that the application portal is now closed. We sincerely thank all applicants for their strong interest and enthusiasm. We encourage those who were unable to apply to remain engaged and look out for future opportunities. </div> 2026-02-17 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/open-call-for-applications-african-union-continental-capacity-building-training-program-for-youth Declaration Of The African Union High-Level Ad Hoc Committee For South Sudan (C5) Plus Summit On The Margins Of 39th Ordinary Session of The Assembly of African Union Heads of State and Government, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 15 February 2026 /en/article/declaration-of-the-african-union-high-level-ad-hoc-committee-for-south-sudan-c5-plus-summit-on-the-margins-of-39th-ordinary-session-of-the-assembly-of-african-union-heads-of-state-and-government-addis-ababa-ethiopia-15-february-2026 DECLARATION OF THE AFRICAN UNION HIGH-LEVEL AD HOC COMMITTEE FOR SOUTH SUDAN (C5) PLUS SUMMIT ON THE MARGINS OF 39TH ORDINARY SESSION OF THE ASSEMBLY OF AFRICAN UNION HEADS OF STATE AND GOVERNMENT ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA 15 FEBRUARY 2026 DECLARATION  WE, the Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) High-Level Ad Hoc Committee for South Sudan (C5), under the chairship of H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, the Chairperson of the Committee, gathered on the margins of the thirty-ninth (39th) Ordinary Session of the Assembly in Addis Ababa on 15 February 2026. TAKING NOTE of the Introductory Statements by H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the AU Commission and presentations by H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit, President of the Republic of South Sudan and other Members of the C5 and other invited guests. REITERATING the AU’s respect for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Republic of South Sudan. REAFFIRMING the solidarity of the AU with the people and the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) in their legitimate aspirations to restore durable peace, security, stability and development not only in their country, but also for regional stability in line with our collective aspirations to ‘Silencing the Guns’ on the African Continent as a whole. WELCOMING the confidence demonstrated by the President of the Republic of South Sudan in the AU, and in particular the C5, in supporting the peace processes in the country and COMMENDING all AU Member States supporting the peace efforts in South Sudan in the spirit of pan-africanism, collective responsibility and commitment. ACKNOWLEDGING the critical role played by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) since its establishment in 2011, particularly its contributions to supporting the peace process, preventing conflict, protecting civilians, and facilitating humanitarian access and URGES continued cooperation of the RTGONU in ensuring UNMISS effective mandate implementation.   2026-02-15 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/declaration-of-the-african-union-high-level-ad-hoc-committee-for-south-sudan-c5-plus-summit-on-the-margins-of-39th-ordinary-session-of-the-assembly-of-african-union-heads-of-state-and-government-addis-ababa-ethiopia-15-february-2026 Annual Indicative Programme of Activities of the Peace and Security Council of The African Union for 2026 /en/article/annual-indicative-programme-of-activities-of-the-peace-and-security-council-of-the-african-union-for-2026 I. PREAMBLE: This Draft Annual Indicative Programme (AIP) of activities of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) for 2026 has been developed based on the conflict/crisis situations the PSC is still seized with, mandatory activities of the PSC, including renewal of mandates of various AU peace support operations and missions, and other statutory activities of the PSC, such as retreats, joint consultative meetings with similar organizations, as well as meetings which the PSC may decide to hold, from time to time, on issues relating to the promotion of peace, security and stability in Africa. Click here for <a href="/uploads/annual-indicative-programme-of-activities-of-the-psc-for-2026-en.pdf" title="Annual Indicative Programme of Activities of the Peace and Security Council of The African Union for 2026">more</a>: 2026-02-14 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/annual-indicative-programme-of-activities-of-the-peace-and-security-council-of-the-african-union-for-2026 Quintet Joint Statement on de-escalation of the conflict in Sudan /en/article/quintet-joint-statement-on-de-escalation-of-the-conflict-in-sudan The Quintet (the African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development, League of Arab States, European Union and the United Nations), expresses grave concern at the continued escalation of the conflict in the Sudan. The Quintet calls for the immediate halting of any further military escalation, including the use of increasingly destructive means of warfare, which is inflicting devastating harm on civilians. 2026-02-12 00:00:00 GMT Peace, Security, Africa Kodjo Tchioffo /en/article/quintet-joint-statement-on-de-escalation-of-the-conflict-in-sudan