Africa: AU Peace Fund Executive Management Committee Strategic Focus On Securing Sustainable Peace Financing

1 October 2024
African Union (Addis Ababa)

In the face of rising security threats across Africa, particularly the escalating conflicts in Sudan and the Sahel region, the African Union Peace Fund's Executive Management Committee (EMC) has conducted a comprehensive review of the utilization of the funds and impact of the efforts towards a secure and peaceful continent. Recognizing that peace efforts on the continent increasingly depend on sustainable resources, the EMC reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to securing the necessary funding for Africa's peace and stability. Chaired by H.E. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, alongside H.E. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, Deputy Chairperson of the Commission, and H.E. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS), the committee outlined critical steps to bolster the operationalization of the AU Peace Fund.

In his opening remarks, H.E. Mahamat commended the Committee's ongoing efforts and highlighted the African Union Peace Fund as one of the Union's most significant achievements, having established a robust governance structure that will play a vital role in promoting peace across the continent. The Chairperson reiterated the crucial link between peace and resources, noting that "peace is synonymous with resources." Acknowledging the financial constraints faced by member states, H.E. Mahamat stressed the urgent need for resource mobilization, affirming, "if we want development and stability, we must achieve peace - and peace processes must also be supported with predictable, reliable and sustainable resources."

The Executive Management Committee also deliberated on avenues to leverage partnerships with the private sector and multilateral financial institutions to secure additional funding for the Peace Fund. Mrs. Dagmawit Moges, Director of the Peace Fund Secretariat, provided updates on recent engagement efforts involving over 40 stakeholders. These efforts represent a significant advancement toward ensuring the long-term sustainability of the Peace Fund. H.E. Mahamat emphasized the importance of strong advocacy to sustain the Fund's growth, calling for increased engagement from African Heads of State and Government.

The Committee conducted a comprehensive review of the utilization of funds disbursed through the African Union Peace and Security Department (PAPS), highlighting the significant achievements made in 2023. Of the USD 7 million approved by the AU Executive Council, 92.8% of the funds were successfully deployed through the Crisis Reserve Facility (CRF), a rate highlighted by H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye as a major milestone. Key allocations included USD 3.5 million for the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), USD 1 million to support the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) process in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, and USD 500,000 for emergency response efforts in Sudan. Additionally, USD 2 million was authorized for peace interventions in the East African Community, specifically targeting the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

In 2024, the Committee allocated USD 10 million to the Crisis Reserve Facility (CRF), ensuring the Peace Fund's capacity to respond timely to emerging crises.

As of September 2024, the Peace Fund has disbursed a total of USD 19 million, reflecting its growing role in addressing conflicts across the continent.

The Committee also provided strategic guidance for the onboarding of the Independent Evaluation Group (IEG), which will strengthen oversight and accountability. Looking ahead, the EMC proposed maintaining the 2025 disbursement ceiling at USD 15 million. This strategic approach, informed by lessons learned in previous years, ensures that the Fund remains adaptable and responsive to emerging conflicts.

H.E. Mahamat concluded the meeting by reaffirming the African Union's commitment to transparency and accountability, highlighting that the Peace Fund operates under one of the Union's most robust governance frameworks. He called for continued support from African Heads of State and Government, the private sector, and international partners, underscoring the AU Peace Fund's contribution to advancing peace and stability across the continent.

With ongoing efforts to mobilize resources and a growing network of international partners, the African Union Peace Fund is poised to play a transformative role in conflict prevention across the continent.

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