Ms. Nathalie Ndongo-Seh attended the 728th Open Session of the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) which convened in Addis Ababa to deliberate on the role of women in countering and preventing violennt extremism in Africa. Addressing Members of the AUPSC and other partners, Ms. Ndongo-Seh noted that 'women are critical actors in efforts to prevent violent extremism as they are best placed to identify signs of radicalization, discourage its occurence, and server as force multipliers to raise awareness among communities' about such kinds of threats. She also drew attention to the changing nature of conflicts in Africa which require stronger collaboration between the United Nations and the African Union citing the recently signed UN-AU Joint Framework for Enhanced Partnership on Peace and Security.

Also speaking at the plenary session, the African Union Special Envoy for Peace and Security, Mme. Bineta Diop echoing other speakers, cited examples of when where girls and women are recruited into violent extremism. Amongst recommendations she outlined were the need for education and ensuring the inclusion of youth and women. Specific recommendations from speakers and Members of the AUPSC and other partners included the creation of a continental database to record atrocities against women, data analysis cells in AU peacekeeping operations and support structures for victims of conflict-related sexual violence and violent extremism. 

Pledges were made to continue to enhance cooperation and partnership between the African Union, its Regional Economic Communities and Mechanism (RECs/Regional Mechanisms - RMs), international partners and the UN.