Dar es Salaam, 25 May 2024 – The African Union (AU) marked a significant milestone commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) and Africa Day. The event, held under the theme "20 years of the AU PSC as the standing decision-making organ: The next phase of peace and security we want in Africa," attracted an array of distinguished guests, including the President of Tanzania, H.E. Samia Suluhu Hassan, AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, ministers, former presidents, and various representatives from the United Nations, European Union, and the diplomatic community.

In her keynote address, President Samia Suluhu Hassan emphasized Tanzania's commitment to the founding visions of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and the AU, aiming for peace, stability, development, and unity across the continent. She reflected on the PSC's evolution over the past two decades, acknowledging its pivotal role in Africa's quest for peace and security. However, she also highlighted ongoing challenges, such as unresolved conflicts and unconstitutional changes of government, underscoring the need for preventive actions, conflict resolution tools, and the inclusion of women and youth in peace processes.

In his speech, AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat echoed these sentiments, urging a responsible and serious reflection on the PSC's work. He outlined the PSC's four main contributions: establishing fundamental principles of peace and security, rejecting violence and external interference, and linking peace, security, and development. Despite these achievements, Mahamat pointed out several challenges, including the lack of implementation of essential texts, member states' refusal to adhere to agreed practices, and the rise of populism and lack of solidarity. He called for a revitalized, resourced, and reoriented PSC to ensure the future of the Africa Peace and Security Architecture. 

The event also featured a high-level panel discussion with former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, and Domitien Ndayizeye of Burundi. They emphasized the importance of addressing governance and democracy deficits, promoting inclusive dialogue, and dealing decisively with intractable conflicts. Former AU Commissioner Said Djinnit stressed the need for member states to recommit to the Union's core values, enhancing the PSC and AUC's ability to act decisively.

SRSG Parfait Onanga-Anyanga participated in a subsequent panel on the Relevance, Practice and Performance: The Role of the PSC, and reiterated the Secretary-General's commitment to a strong UN-AU partnership, highlighting the critical role of regional organizations in conflict prevention and resolution.

Participants stressed the importance of preventive action, strong partnerships, and collaboration with similar peace and security organs. They also addressed the widening "conflict gap" due to the disparity between population growth, urbanization, and economic and social development, predicting an increase in conflicts, violence, and crime if this gap is not addressed.

The colloquium underscored the need for a comprehensive approach to peace and security in Africa, advocating for preventive measures, robust partnerships, and a reimagined PSC to tackle the continent's evolving challenges effectively. As Africa looks to the future, the insights and commitments from this event will be crucial in shaping a more peaceful and secure continent. Photos from the event are available here.