Communiqué of the 1278th Meeting of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, Held on 7 May 2025, on Briefing on the AU Support to Member States (The Gambia, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mali and South Sudan) on Security Sector Reform (SSR): Lessons Learned and Perspectives on the Way Forward.

Abstract

At its 1278th meeting on 7 May 2025, the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) discussed support for Security Sector Reform (SSR) in The Gambia, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mali, and South Sudan. The Council commended these states for progress made and emphasized peer learning. It appreciated AU Commission and partner efforts in providing technical support and called for sustained, long-term assistance. Key recommendations included enhancing coordination among AU bodies, ensuring political will and national ownership, integrating governance into SSR, and aligning regional efforts with AU frameworks. The PSC stressed the importance of inclusive, gender-responsive approaches and proper financial planning for sustainability. It encouraged the adoption of AU legal instruments on governance and called for stronger SSR capacity building, awareness-raising via SSR champions, and regular forums to harmonize efforts. The Council remains actively seized of the matter.