Communiqué of the 1251st Meeting of the Peace and Security Council held on 17 December 2024 on Enhancing the AU Continental Early Warning System (CEWS) and the Implementation of Early Action: Review of the Country Structural Vulnerability and Resilience Assessment (CSVRA) and Country Structural Vulnerability Mitigation Strategies (CSVMS).

Abstract

The Council acknowledged the vital role of the Continental Early Warning System (CEWS) in enhancing the African Union’s capacity to anticipate and address conflicts. It commended the efforts of the AU, Member States, and Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms (RECs/RMs) in peace and security, emphasizing the need for stronger partnerships and better information-sharing mechanisms. The Council expressed concern about some Member States’ denial of credible early warning reports and highlighted the importance of addressing structural causes of conflict through tools like the CSCPF and APRM. The Council further stressed the need for CEWS visibility within the PAPS structure, called for capacity-building initiatives, and encouraged alignment of early warning systems across AU and RECs/RMs. Commendations were extended to Member States involved in CSVRA/CSVMS processes, and the Council urged the AU Commission to enhance these tools. It also underscored the importance of sustainable funding for early warning initiatives and decided to remain engaged on the matter.