AUPSC 1368th meeting on 'Protection of Child Soldiers in Africa'
On 2 September, the AU Peace and Security Council held its 1368th meeting on the protection of children affected by armed conflict in Africa. Discussions emphasized preventing the recruitment and use of children, protecting access to education and strengthening child-sensitive reintegration. AU Special Envoy Jainaba Jagne called for child protection to be integrated into mediation and peace processes. UN SRSG for Children and Armed Conflict Vanessa Frazier highlighted AU efforts to strengthen early warning, monitoring and reporting mechanisms and regional prevention strategies to prevent violations against children. Read more.
UNDRR SRSG on disaster risk reduction and early warning
On 2 September, SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga met with UNDRR SRSG Kamal Kishore to discuss disaster risk reduction, early warning and anticipatory action in Africa. Discussions highlighted Africa’s exposure to climate and disaster risks, the importance of translating risk information into early action, and the need for sustainable, nationally and continentally owned early warning systems. They also discussed the Secretary-General’s Early Warnings for All initiative and preparedness for El Niño. Read more.
UNOAU SRSG meets ASG for Climate Action and Just Transition
On 3 September, SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga met with Assistant Secretary-General for Climate Action and Just Transition Selwin Hart during his visit to Addis Ababa for the Africa Early Warnings Forum. Discussions focused on preparations for the 23 September High-Level Meeting on Climate Action and Just Transition, including energy transition, climate finance, adaptation and resilience. SRSG Onanga-Anyanga reaffirmed UNOAU’s support and emphasized integrating Climate, Peace and Security considerations into the broader climate agenda. Read more.
AU consultations on maritime security governance
From 2 to 3 September, UNOAU participated in an AU meeting on maritime security governance and consultations on an Africa Coast Guard Functions Forum. Participants discussed challenges to ratification of the Lomé Charter and called for greater awareness, capacity support and stronger coordination among regional maritime security structures. They also welcomed a proposed Africa Coast Guard Functions Forum, emphasizing a flexible, inclusive and non-binding consultative approach without additional financial or institutional obligations. UNOAU briefed participants on UN maritime security efforts and support provided to Member States, Regional Economic Communities and the African Union. Read more.
Africa Early Warnings Forum
From 2 to 4 September, UNOAU participated in the Africa Early Warnings Forum in Addis Ababa and supported preparations addressing links between early warning, fragility and Climate, Peace and Security. Discussions emphasized translating warnings into anticipatory action, strengthening regional coordination and extending coverage to fragile and conflict-affected settings. SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga attended the High-Level Closing Session, which adopted the Addis Ababa Call to Action on Early Warnings in Africa, calling for stronger coverage, early action based on warnings and shared accountability towards universal protection. Read more.
UNOAU participated in the 18th Joint Steering Committee Meeting of the MNJTF
From 7 to 8 September, UNOAU participated in the 18th Joint Steering Committee Meeting of the Multinational Joint Task Force in N'Djamena, Chad. Participants reviewed the regional security situation, force requirements, support mechanisms and accountability, while identifying priorities for strengthening MNJTF capabilities. UNOAU highlighted AU–UN cooperation on countering improvised explosive devices and efforts to build sustainable institutional capacity through specialized training. The meeting also emphasized complementing security operations with stabilization, recovery and development initiatives, with partners reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation for peace and stability in the Lake Chad Basin. Read more.
UNOAU supports Climate, Peace and Security discussions at CCDA-XIV
From 7 to 9 September, UNOAU participated in the Fourteenth Conference on Climate Change and Development in Africa, which brought together partners to consolidate African priorities ahead of COP31 and towards an African-hosted COP32. Discussions focused on climate finance, adaptation and resilience, just transition, carbon markets and Climate, Peace and Security. UNOAU supported preparations for a dedicated session on Climate, Peace and Security and delivered the scene-setting presentation. The conference also advanced an Antalya–Addis Roadmap aimed at translating Africa’s climate priorities into implementation through COP31 and preparations for COP32. Read more.
Secretary-General’s meets H.E. Mr. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, ahead of UNGA 81
On 20 September, UN Secretary-General António Guterres met with AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf in New York, reaffirming the strategic UN–AU partnership. Read more.
UN Secretary-General's Video Message for International Day of Peace
