The African Union (AU) Commission’s Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department successfully concluded the 8^th Steering Committee Meeting of the European Union (EU) Support Programme to the African Union Peace and Security Architecture (EU-APSA) in Cairo, Egypt. The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment to a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Africa, underscoring the importance of enhanced cooperation between the EU and Africa in addressing urgent peace and security challenges.

Held from 13-14 November 2024, the meeting was preceded by the 5th Steering Committee Meeting on the Implementation of the Early Response Mechanism (ERM III), a vital programme that provides critical funding for early-stage interventions in times of crisis.

The Steering Committee meeting, hosted by the Northern Africa Regional Capability (NARC), brought together representatives from the AU Commission, Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Regional Mechanisms (RMs), including the East African Community (EAC), East Africa Standby Force (EASF), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), NARC, Southern African Development Community (SADC), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the AU’s Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC). The EU Delegation to the AU was also present.

The meeting reviewed the ERM III Programme and the implementation of the EU-APSA IV 2024 activities, while also assessing financial performance. Participants engaged in discussions about achievements, challenges, and lessons learned, and explored the future of both programmes. Special emphasis was placed on the combined successor programme, where all parties agreed on the strategic priorities, including early warning, mediation, climate security, the respect for human rights, and advancing good governance and democracy, among others.

As part of the future direction, the successor programme will strengthen citizen participation and increase the role of women and youth in conflict prevention and management. These priorities aim to empower communities, promote inclusive peacebuilding, and ensure that vulnerable groups are at the forefront of peace efforts.

In his remarks, Mr. Josephat Barugahare, representing Director Dr. Alhadji Sarjoh Bah of the Conflict Management Directorate of the AU PAPS, expressed deep appreciation for the EU’s unwavering support and partnership in addressing Africa’s security challenges. He also acknowledged the dedication of the RECs/RMs in advancing the continent’s peace and security agenda and encouraged greater youth participation and the mainstreaming of child protection across all initiatives.

The next Steering Committee Meeting is tentatively scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Notes to the Editor

About the EU -APSA Programme

The EU Support Programme to the African Union Peace and Security Architecture (EU-APSA IV) is designed to enhance Africa’s capacity to address its own peace and security challenges. One of the ways the Programme aims at achieving this objective is by; strengthening cooperation amongst stakeholders namely AU and RECs/RMs and also strengthening their capacities for conflict prevention, management and resolution.

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Lulit Kebede, Communication Officer | Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department | African Union Commission Tel: +251 115 517 700 | E-mail: lulitk@africa-union.org | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org
Web: www.au.int & peaceau.org  | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

Posted by Lulit Kebede

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