The African peace and security architecture must undergo urgent, sweeping reforms to address an unprecedented wave of persistent crises and emerging transnational threats across the continent. Speaking at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Luanda, Angola, African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf delivered a stark warning. From the devastating civil war in Sudan and localized insurgencies in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to terrorism in Somalia, the Sahel, Libya, and northern Mozambique, the continent’s stability is severely challenged. To combat these multidimensional threats—which now include violent extremism, piracy, and the mistreatment of migrants—the existing African peace and security architecture requires a fundamental operational reset.
Prioritizing Prevention and Early Warning Systems
For decades, the continent has frequently found itself reacting to crises rather than actively preventing them. Chairperson Youssouf emphasized that conflict prevention must immediately become the continent’s ultimate priority. To achieve this, the African peace and security architecture needs a heavily strengthened continental early-warning system capable of anticipating political fractures before they devolve into armed conflicts. Relying on outdated reactive measures simply drains continental resources and severely disrupts continental business and economic integration.
Furthermore, Youssouf stressed that the AU’s Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Regional Mechanisms must remain absolutely central to preventive diplomacy. Because localized bodies often understand the nuanced historical and cultural drivers of regional disputes better than centralized entities, empowering them is vital for the African peace and security architecture to function effectively. Continuous, transparent consultation among the Peace and Security Council (PSC), the AUC, individual Member States, and these regional bodies is essential to prevent the rapid escalation of violence.
A critical barrier to securing continental stability remains the chronic underfunding of peace operations. An effective African peace and security architecture cannot rely entirely on unpredictable, ad-hoc donor funding. The Chairperson explicitly called for a fully operational African Union Peace Fund, which would empower the AU to independently finance rapid mediation efforts and preventive diplomacy activities.
Moreover, Youssouf pointed out that international partnerships, particularly with the United Nations, must actively reflect Africa’s current realities and expectations. He labeled the immediate implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2719—which provides a framework for the UN to partially finance AU-led peace support operations through assessed contributions—as a legitimate and urgent call. Without predictable and sustainable financing mechanisms, the strategic goals embedded within the African peace and security architecture will remain largely aspirational.
Defending Democratic Norms and Sovereignty
The Luanda summit, convened under the leadership of Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço (the AU Champion for Peace and Reconciliation) and chaired by Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye, also tackled the rising tide of unconstitutional changes of government. Across West and Central Africa, military coups have repeatedly tested the resolve of regional political leadership. On this critical issue, Youssouf reiterated that the AU’s position remains uncompromisingly clear: there must be absolute firmness in defending established democratic norms, coupled strategically with inclusive dialogue and transition support.
As modern insurgencies increasingly utilize advanced technology and sophisticated transnational networks, Youssouf underscored that no single African nation possesses the capacity to confront these complex threats entirely alone. Regional solidarity, the aggressive pooling of military and financial resources, and the assertion of greater Pan-African sovereignty are absolute imperatives.
Ultimately, reshaping the African peace and security architecture is a long-term undertaking that requires unwavering political commitment. The Luanda Summit is not intended to be another ceremonial gathering, but a critical moment of decisive action. The choices made by Heads of State and Government during these strategic assessments will dictate whether Africa can finally take collective ownership of its own peace, security, and economic destiny.
