UNOAU and Denmark launch new cooperation on Climate, Peace and Security
On 31 August, UNOAU and the Kingdom of Denmark launched new cooperation to strengthen African Union–United Nations efforts to address the peace and security implications of climate change. The partnership was formally commemorated by SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga and Danish Ambassador Sune Krogstrup during a signing ceremony at UNOAU. Through December 2028, Denmark will support UNOAU’s Climate, Peace and Security work, contributing to policy development, stronger coordination and institutional coherence, translating analysis into action, and enhancing African engagement in continental and global policy processes. 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.
UNOAU and partners support second cohort of AU Fellowship Programme on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation
From 28 to 31 July, UNOAU and partners supported the second cohort of the AU Fellowship Programme on Disarmament and Non-Proliferation in Addis Ababa. AU Commissioner Bankole Adeoye and SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga inaugurated the cohort of 15 diplomats and professionals from Africa’s five sub-regions. The year-long programme combines training, mentoring, research and field visits to strengthen African expertise in disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation. The fellowship supports African capacity and leadership in addressing current and emerging security challenges and contributes to the AU’s Silencing the Guns initiative and Agenda 2063. Read more.
UNOAU participates in pre-deployment verification of Ethiopian contingent for AUSSOM
From 20 to 30 July, UNOAU participated in the AU-led Pre-Deployment Verification of an Ethiopian National Defence Force contingent preparing for deployment to AUSSOM. The assessment reviewed operational, logistical, administrative and medical readiness, including training, equipment, documentation and compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law. Scenario-based exercises tested decision-making, coordination and operational responsiveness across a range of Mission tasks. The verification found that the contingent demonstrated satisfactory preparedness and met the required standards for deployment, while reinforcing AU–UN cooperation in strengthening the readiness of African peace support operations. Read more.
UNOAU facilitates monthly consultative meeting between the UN Security Council and AU Peace and Security Council
On 31 July, UNOAU facilitated the informal monthly consultative meeting between the UN Security Council President and AU Peace and Security Council Chairperson for August. The two sides exchanged information on their programmes of work and discussed South Sudan, Sudan, the Sahel, Somalia and shared priorities including counter-terrorism and protection of civilians. They agreed to strengthen cooperation and coordination and emphasized the importance of understanding ongoing mediation efforts. Discussions also highlighted the need for early technical preparations for the Informal Joint Seminar and Annual Joint Consultative Meeting of the two Councils, scheduled for October. Read more.
