African Peace and Security Architecture

One of the responsibilities of UNOAU is to support the AU and its Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs) in their efforts to operationalize the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), in particular the decision-making AU Peace and Security Council, the Continental Early Warning System (CEWS), the Panel of the Wise, and the African Standby Force (ASF)/Rapid Deployment Capability (RDC).

Within this framework, the UNOAU Political Affairs section leads UN efforts in Addis Ababa related to UN’s participation in consultations of the AU Peace and Security Council, as relevant. It also coordinates UN preparations for the annual meetings of the UN Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council.

The Political Affairs section also represents UNOAU in the meetings of the Panel of the Wise, upon request, to share analyses on mediation efforts undertaken by the AU and/or the UN, whether jointly or individually.

The participation of the Political Affairs section in the AU-UNOAU Cluster on Conflict Prevention and Crisis Management contributes to ensuring enhanced collaboration between the UN and the AU throughout all phases of the conflict cycle.