UNOAU participates in Conference on Children and Armed Conflict in Central Africa
From 8 to 9 July, UNOAU participated in the Conference on Children and Armed Conflict in Central Africa in Yaoundé, Cameroon, under the theme “Together Towards Prevention.” A key outcome was the technical-level validation by eleven Central African States of a regional strategy for preventing children and armed conflict, ahead of its expected submission for ministerial adoption in November. UNOAU also participated in a side event highlighting education as a critical tool for preventing recruitment, protecting children affected by armed groups and supporting their reintegration. Read more.
SRSG and Head of UNOAU undertakes joint AU–UN mission to Madagascar in support of inclusive political dialogue
From 13 to 18 July, SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga undertook a joint mission to Madagascar with AU Special Envoy Ambassador Mohamed Idriss Farah in support of an inclusive political process and a sustainable return to constitutional order. The mission met with President Michael Randrianirina and representatives of political parties, civil society, women, youth and the private sector. Stakeholders expressed commitment to convening an inclusive political dialogue to build consensus on institutional reforms, while inviting the AU and UN to support and participate in the process. Read more.
UNOAU participates in AU regional training on preventing the recruitment and use of children in armed violence
On 20 July, UNOAU participated in the opening of an AU regional Training of Trainers on Preventing the Recruitment and Use of Children in Armed Violence in Addis Ababa. The two-week programme brought together 30 military, police and civilian participants from eight East African countries to strengthen regional child protection capacity. Training covered legal frameworks, age verification, detention and handover protocols, disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, child trafficking, communication, monitoring and reporting, supporting broader efforts to prevent the recruitment and use of children by armed forces and groups. Read more.
SRSG meets Ambassador of Algeria to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union
On 22 July, SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga met with Dr. Mohamed Khaled, Ambassador of Algeria to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, ahead of Algeria’s chairpersonship of the AU Peace and Security Council in August. Discussions covered the Council’s upcoming programme, including South Sudan, Sudan, the Sahel, Silencing the Guns, education in conflict situations and counter-terrorism. The Ambassador also outlined planned AU PSC consultations and engagements and reaffirmed the importance of strengthening the AU–UN strategic partnership, while expressing appreciation for UNOAU’s continued support to the Council. Read more.
UNOAU supports assessment of African Standby Force Training Directives implementation in SADC
From 22 to 24 July, UNOAU supported an AU assessment mission to SADC in Gaborone, Botswana, reviewing implementation of the African Standby Force Training Directives 2024–2026. The mission assessed progress and priorities in integrated mission planning, civilian rostering, capability development, protection of civilians, and compliance and accountability. Participants identified challenges related to funding, regional exercises and digital learning, alongside emerging training needs concerning misinformation and disinformation, terrorism and violent extremism. The findings will contribute to the AU-wide review and development of the ASF Training Directives for 2027–2029. Read more.
