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The PAPS Digital Repository collates, organizes, and shares outcomes related to Political Affairs, Peace and Security, produced by the African Union Commission and its affiliated organs.
Recent Submissions
Communiqué of the 1271st Meeting of the Peace and Security Council, held on 1 April 2025, on the Commemoration of the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.
(African Union Commission, 2025-04-01) Peace and Security Council
At its 1271st meeting on 1 April 2025, the AU Peace and Security Council commemorated the International Day for Mine Awareness. It expressed deep concern over the continuing threat of anti-personnel mines, ERWs, and IEDs, highlighting their devastating impact on humanitarian and development efforts. The Council commended Member States that ratified key international conventions, while urging others to do so. It called for enhanced victim support, national ownership of mine action, and increased funding, amid concerns over declining resources.
The Council reiterated the need to establish a continental mine action mechanism and emphasized experience-sharing among States. It encouraged improvements in clearance technologies and control of materials used in explosive devices. It called on Member States to endorse the EWIPA Political Declaration and prepare for the November 2025 Costa Rica Conference. It further urged education, rehabilitation, and long-term safety programs for affected communities.
Provisional Programme of Work of the African Union Peace and Security Council for April 2025, Under the Chairship of the Republic of Uganda.
(African Union Commission, 2025-04) Peace and Security Council
In April 2025, under Uganda’s stand-in chairmanship, the PSC’s programme of work comprise a series of high-level ambassadorial and CoE meetings, to be held both in person and online. The month will begin with Flag Day for incoming Council members, an AUC Chair briefing, and observances for the International Day for Mine Awareness. On April 2, an open session to address hate crimes, genocidal ideologies, and marked the 31st anniversary of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, followed by a CoE meeting preparing for the 4th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting with APRM. On April 15, the PSC will adopted conclusions from the APRM meeting. Subsequent sessions will include an update on Somalia/AUSSOM on April 17, CoE induction preparation on April 22, a discussion on establishing a Combined Maritime Task Force to counter piracy in the Gulf of Guinea on April 23, and a reflection on the Sahel’s political landscape, particularly the impact of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger’s withdrawal from ECOWAS, on April 25.
Communiqué of the 1268th Meeting of the Peace and Security Council, held on 21 March 2025, on Women, Peace and Security in Africa.
(African Union Commission, 2025-03-21) Peace and Security Council
The Council condemned all forms of violence against women and girls in conflict situations, emphasizing zero tolerance for sexual and gender-based violence and the need for accountability. It encouraged AU Member States to adopt and implement National Action Plans (NAPs) using the Continental Results Framework, and recognized the AU's progress in developing normative frameworks and policies. The Council stressed the importance of women's participation in peace processes, sustainable funding for WPS initiatives, and factoring emerging threats such as climate change into the agenda’s implementation.
Communiqué of the 1267th Meeting of the Peace and Security Council, held on 20 March 2025, on Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Peace, Security, and Governance in Africa.
(African Union Commission, 2025-03-20) Peace and Security Council
The Council emphasized the transformative potential of AI in conflict prevention, early warning, peacebuilding, and democratic processes, while warning against the risks posed by its misuse, especially by non-state actors. It called for inclusive AI governance, national AI strategies, and an African regulatory framework aligned with global ethical standards. The Council urged the establishment of an African AI Centre of Excellence, a Pan-African AI Academy, and an African Fund for AI, and requested the AU Commission to develop a Common Position and Charter on AI.
Communiqué of the 1266th Meeting of the Peace and Security Council, held on 19 March 2025, on Deradicalization as a Lever in the Fight Against Violent Extremism in Africa.
(African Union Commission, 2025-03-19) Peace and Security Council
The Council addressed deradicalization as a strategic tool in combating violent extremism in Africa. Expressing concern over rising terrorism and the threat from returning foreign terrorist fighters, the Council emphasized the need for holistic approaches targeting root causes, including youth vulnerability, governance gaps, and illicit arms. It called for stronger national, regional, and continental frameworks, the engagement of community leaders, improved counter-narratives, digital regulation, and collaboration among stakeholders. The Council also urged increased investment and coordination in preventive mechanisms.
Press Statement of the 1270th Meeting of the Peace and Security Council, held on 31 March 2025, on the Situation in South Sudan.
(African Union Commission, 2025-03-31) Peace and Security Council
The African Union's Peace and Security Council (PSC), during its 1270th meeting on 31 March 2025, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating political and security situation in South Sudan, particularly the arrest of First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar Teny on 26 March 2025 in Juba. The PSC called for his immediate and unconditional release, emphasizing the need for dialogue to resolve political differences. The Council highlighted that these developments jeopardize the progress achieved under the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and urged all parties to recommit to its full implementation. Additionally, the PSC requested the AU Commission Chairperson to dispatch a high-level delegation to engage with the concerned parties to de-escalate tensions and facilitate a return to dialogue. The Council also appealed to the AU High-Level Ad Hoc Committee of Five (C5), IGAD, the United Nations, and the broader international community to enhance their support for peace and stabilization efforts in South Sudan.
