The African Union’s (AU) ‘Silencing the Guns’ initiative, a key pillar of Agenda 2063, recognises the imperative of ending conflict for the continent’s long-term economic prosperity and sustainable development. Yet these aspirations remain under increased threat as the number of active state-based conflicts in Africa has almost doubled since 2013, increasing from 15 to 28.
Escalating conflicts underscore the challenges facing the AU’s revised Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development (PCRD) policy, which seeks to address the root causes of violence and support the recovery of affected regions. The incoming chairperson of the AU Commission will inherit this testing landscape, offering a renewed opportunity to reflect critically on existing peacebuilding efforts and consider pathways for reform.
Drawing upon insights from a forthcoming publication as part of a joint Chatham House and UNDP research project on African Peace Processes: Lessons Learned, this event will highlight the experience gained from peace negotiations in Africa and assess key factors contributing to the varying durability of peace across the continent. Discussions will focus on the role played by the AU and regional economic communities (RECs) in driving successful outcomes with the input of key partners and public figures, and how such actors can more effectively support conflict resolution and foster sustainable peace in protracted post-conflict transitions.
This event takes place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in partnership with the UNDP and runs from 09:30am to 13:15am EAT (06:30am to 10:15am GMT).
The institute occupies a position of respect and trust, and is committed to fostering inclusive dialogue at all events. Event attendees are expected to uphold this by adhering to our code of conduct.
