Communiqué of the 1303rd Meeting of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, Held at the Level of Heads of State and Government on 24 September 2025, on the Theme: “Re-Energizing Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa”.

Abstract

At its 1303rd meeting at the level of Heads of State and Government on 24 September 2025 in New York, the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) adopted a communiqué on re-energizing conflict prevention and resolution in Africa. Recalling AU’s commitment to “silencing the guns” and Agenda 2063, the PSC expressed concern over resurging conflicts, governance deficits, and external interference, while stressing unity, Pan-Africanism, and preventive diplomacy as central pillars for peace. It urged stronger Member State cooperation, adherence to AU norms, inclusive governance, and greater participation of women, youth, and marginalized groups. The communiqué emphasized enhancing early warning and preventive action, revamping the Continental Early Warning System, and ensuring coordination with RECs/RMs and AU mechanisms such as the Panel of the Wise. It condemned denialism of early warnings, external interferences, and uninvited foreign military forces, calling for harmonization of peace initiatives under AU leadership. The PSC further underscored the need for sustainable financing, scaling up the AU Peace Fund, implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2719 (2023), and leveraging partnerships with the UN, EU, LAS, and others. It welcomed the Continental Security Cartography tool, stressed combating terrorism, resource exploitation, and mercenary activities, and called for operationalization of the African Standby Force and the Continental Logistics Base. The Council reaffirmed AU centrality in African peace efforts and decided to remain seized of the matter.