Conflict-affected regions across Africa continue to undermine stability and disrupt livelihoods. In response, the African Union Peace Fund has taken a significant step towards fostering peace and stability by disbursing USD 7 million. This allocation represents 70% of the approved Peace Fund Crisis Reserve Facility ceiling for 2024, reaffirming the African Union’s commitment to self-reliance in financing essential initiatives aimed at conflict prevention initiatives across the continent.

The funding will bolster a wide range of stabilization efforts authorized by the AU Policy Organs and implemented by the AU, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and Regional Mechanisms for Peace and Security (RMs). The financial support will be directed to regions most impacted by instability.

The USD 7 million will be disbursed towards several critical initiatives, including backing the transition process in South Sudan and supporting Sudan's peace process through political dialogue, cessation of hostilities, and potential African Union-led Monitoring, Verification, and Compliance Missions (AU-MVCM). The disbursement will also strengthen the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, reinforce stabilization efforts in the Lake Chad Basin through the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), and assist Libya's national reconciliation, dialogue, and potential stabilization initiatives. Furthermore, the funds will support Mozambique's efforts to stabilize Cabo Delgado, as well as ongoing stabilization efforts in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger in the Sahel region.

Mrs. Dagmawit Moges, Director of the AU Peace Fund Secretariat, underscored the significance of this support, stating, “this second disbursement marks a significant milestone for the AU Peace Fund in strengthening the African Union's capacity to address peace and security challenges.”

H.E. Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS), emphasized the critical role of the AU Peace Fund, "the resources provided, following African Union Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) Department request and reflecting AU Peace and Security Council set priorities, are crucial in reinforcing the African Union’s leadership in preventing conflicts and promoting stability in regions affected by emerging crises."

In 2023, the Peace Fund disbursed a total of USD 6.5 million through the Crisis Reserve Facility (CRF), to support similar efforts. As a key operational financing mechanism supporting the African Union's mandate to achieve peace and security across the continent, the African Union Peace Fund plays a vital role in enabling timely and effective interventions that create peaceful, stable, and prosperous communities in Africa. Its impact is expected to grow as the AU intensifies efforts to mobilize resources and build strategic partnerships with key stakeholders.

For further information, kindly contact:

Mr. Mikaïla Issa| African Union Peace Fund Secretariat l African Union Commission | E-mail: AbramaneM@africa-union.org

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