The African Union Commission (AUC), in collaboration with NETT4Peace and with support from GiZ, successfully concluded a four-day technical workshop held from 26 to 29 November 2025 in Kigali, Rwanda. The workshop focused on advancing the revitalization of the Continental Early Warning System (CEWS) and adopting the Joint AUC-RECs/RMs early warning systems through AI integration. The meeting convened Directors and Heads of Early Warning Systems from Regional Economic Communities and Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs), PAPS Regional Desks officers, Situation Room staff, system analysts, representatives from AU Directorates and Departments, AU organs, UN representatives, civil society, partners, and strategic stakeholders to assess progress, strengthen cooperation, and agree on concrete next steps. 

The workshop was preceded by the Technical Meeting on the Development of a Continental Early Warning Indicator Repository, held from 23 to 24 November 2025. This meeting resulted in collective agreement on a unified templet for a continental early warning indicator repository covering both dynamic and structural data, representing a major milestone in revitalizing CEWS and reinforcing the Continent’s collective commitment to conflict prevention. 

Established under Article 12 of the Protocol Relating to the Establishment of the Peace and Security Council (PSC Protocol), CEWS remains a central pillar of the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA). The Protocol mandates the creation of an AU Situation Room and observation and monitoring units within the RECs/RMs, affirming that the RECs/RMs are part and parcel of the continental early warning system. This guiding principle framed the workshop discussions and reaffirmed that effective early warning requires a fully interconnected AU–RECs/RMs system.

Held within the broader context of the High-Level review of the APSA and AGA Instruments and Architectures, the workshop reaffirmed the collective commitment of African institutions to modernize the Continent’s early warning architecture, enhance interoperability, and reinforce linkages between early warning and early action. Participants underscored that revitalizing CEWS requires sustained political, technical, and financial support from AU leadership, Member States, RECs/RMs, and strategic partners.

A major milestone achieved during the workshop was the adoption of a joint AU–RECs/RMs Roadmap for the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into early warning processes, together with the revised template for the creation of a Continental Indicators Repository, developed through a fully collaborative and consensus-driven approach that reinforces continental ownership.

Throughout the deliberations, participants identified a set of critical priorities to strengthen CEWS, including:

1. Modernizing tools, methodologies, and processes, with a focus on data-driven analysis, AI-enabled forecasting, and enhanced GIS capabilities.
2. Reinforcing coordination with RECs/RMs, AU organs, the UN system, National Human Rights Institutions, and civil society to improve information flow, verification, and joint analysis.
3. Bridging the gap between early warning and early response through deeper engagement with decision-makers and by placing Member States at the centre of trust-building and response planning.
4. Increasing CEWS visibility and communication through knowledge products, thematic briefings, and targeted outreach efforts.
5. Strengthening capacities across the early warning ecosystem, including AU Liaison Offices and national peace infrastructures.
6. Advancing resource mobilisation through enhanced collaboration with partners, the Peace Fund, and specialised technical institutions.
7. Enhancing support to Member States in building the technical and institutional capabilities required to undertake structural and operational conflict prevention.

In closing the workshop, participants reiterated that revitalizing CEWS is a continuous process requiring shared responsibility, and sustained collaboration, across all levels. The African Union expressed its appreciation to the RECs/RMs, partners, and stakeholders for their active participation and constructive contributions. Their engagement continues to signal strong support for Africa’s collective mandate to prevent conflict and safeguard peace.

The AUC calls upon all partners to accompany the implementation of the roadmap, from inception to completion, to ensure that Africa’s early warning systems remain credible, responsive, and able to address the Continent’s evolving peace and security challenges.

For media inquiries:

Ms. Lulit Kebede, Communication Officer, Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department, African Union Commission. Email: lulitk@africanunion.org

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