Since its establishment in 2004, the African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) has become one of the most important institutions for the promotion of peace and security on the continent.

This monograph discusses issues pertaining to the first five years of the operationalisation and activities of the PSC. The PSC is a central pillar of the African Peace and Security Architecture and this monograph assesses how it has sought to address Africa's protracted conflicts, the spate of unconstitutional changes of government, and electoral violence.

The monograph also discusses the PSC's interaction with its counterparts at the United Nations and European Union and other relevant structures, such as the International Criminal Court and AFRICOM.

This publication was made possible through funding provided by the German Foreign Office and Humanity United. In addition, general Institute funding is provided by the governments of Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden.

- Edited by Tim Murithi and Hallelujah Lulie