From 6 to 10 October 2025, the United Nations Office to the African Union (UNOAU) participated in the 5th Annual African Union (AU) Police Coordination Meeting organized by the AU Peace Support Operations Division (PSOD) in Windhoek, Namibia.

The meeting brought together representatives from the AU Commission, the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), four Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Regional Mechanisms (RMs) — the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Southern African Development Community (SADC), North African Regional Capability (NARC), and Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF). Also in attendance were representatives from key partners including GIZ, the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), and the Namibian Police. Participants included heads of regional planning elements and senior police officers who exchanged perspectives on current policing priorities in Africa.

Held under the theme “Enhancing the Police as a Vital Capability for Contemporary Peace Support Operations in Africa,” the meeting aimed to strengthen police capabilities and capacities in peace support operations, the African Standby Force (ASF), and crisis situations. Discussions focused on improving coordination, collaboration, consultation, and integration among AU policing entities, and enhancing cooperation with other mission components and stakeholders.

The meeting provided a platform for participants to review progress on 2025 workplans, identify challenges and opportunities, and coordinate activities for 2026. Key areas of focus included police strategic frameworks, capability generation and development, mission planning, mandate implementation support, coordination, and advocacy. Discussions also covered the role of police in Peace Support Operations (PSOs) and the ASF, the UN-AU partnership under Security Council Resolution 2719, and emerging needs in the operationalization of the ASF.

It was agreed that the 6th Annual AU Police Coordination Meeting will be hosted by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) at the end of 2026.