ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, May 1, 2024 – This month marks the Twentieth Anniversary of the official launch of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU). The PSC, launched on May 25, 2004, has made significant strides over the past two decades in promoting peace, security, and stability across Africa.
The commemoration, which will run throughout 2024, kicks off in May with grand activities involving all AU Member States, AU Organs, Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution (RECs/RMs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), think tanks, academic institutions, as well as bilateral and multilateral partners.
The celebration presents a unique opportunity for the Council to assess its accomplishments and the challenges faced over the past two decades. The goal remains steadfast: to silence the guns and realize a conflict-free Africa, aligning with the principles outlined in the Solemn Declaration adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government on May 26, 2013.
The activities for May 2024 will include an Open Session on May 15th to review the implementation of the Protocol establishing the AU PSC. A High-Level Colloquium, themed “20 Years of the AU PSC as a Standing Decision-Making Organ Peace and Security: The Next Two Decades”, will serve as the main commemorative event coinciding with African Day on May 25th. The same day will also see an E-photo Gallery exhibition and the unveiling of the PSC Visual Identity.
Each week of May 2024, the PSC will focus on thematic issues that have been central to its activities over the past two decades. These include Mediation and Dialogue; Humanitarian Peace and Security; Women & Youth, Peace and Security; Child Protection; and Peace Support Operations.
While reflecting on the achievements recorded, challenges faced, and lessons learned in the past twenty years, the PSC looks forward to exploring innovative ideas on how to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness in discharging its mandate in the next two decades. This anniversary serves as a testament to the PSC’s commitment to fostering peace and security across the African continent.
