From 13 to 14 May, UNOAU participated in a workshop in Nairobi, Kenya, organized by the African Union (AU) on strengthening the investigative processes and mechanisms for addressing misconduct in AU peace support operations (PSOs). Participants included representatives from the United Nations (UN), the AU, Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs); Troop and Police Contributing Countries (T/PCCs); ATMIS, and MNJTF. The UN Office of Internal Oversight Service (OIOS) also attended.

The objective of the workshop was to take stock of the current processes and practices of investigation of misconduct of personnel working for AU PSOs, identifying gaps, challenges, and opportunities. Among others, the sessions highlighted relevant changes in the revised AU Staff Rules and Regulations, the new role of the AU’s Office of Internal Oversight, and its linkages to other AU offices involved in investigations. A Representative from OIOS in Nairobi, the Deputy Director for Africa, also briefed on the UN’s investigation processes and mechanisms for misconduct of personnel, including on violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and International Human Rights Law (IHRL).

The outcome of the working session was the development of a draft road map aimed at strengthening the investigative capacity of the AU for handling misconduct.